copyright Horton Group
When you’ve been dating someone a while, romance can loose a bit of its magic. Create a romantic ritual however, and you change a mundane experience into one that has meaning. Plus, by creating a ritual that you share with your partner, you’re cementing a tradition that can be passed on – either to other couples, your family, or even your future children. Because in this day and age, society’s rituals and traditions have fallen mostly by the wayside – which is unfortunate, since many of them were the glue that kept a community connected.
What kinds of rituals do I mean? Here are a few to read about, talk over with your partner, and either adapt or adopt as your own:
Romantic Idea Ritual – Toasts
Think of something the two of you can share, utter or think about each time you have a drink together. Or, use one ritual for private encounters, and one that reminds you of something tender and loving yet isn’t so sappy that, when you’re out and about, friends and family are turned off.
- “I have known many, Liked not a few, Loved only one. I toast to you.” (from Wedding Toasts)
- “One man by himself is nothing. Two people who belong together make a world.” – Hans Margolious
- “How do I love you? Let me count the ways…” and then count out one way each time you toast.
Romantic Idea Ritual – Morning Time
Think about how you share your mornings with your partner, whether or not you share a home or live separately. How do you start your day, and what things are important to each other? Some suggestions:
- Kiss before leaving each other, no matter what.
- Spend ten minutes in bed together, just talking about whatever, before getting up to face the day.
- Whoever gets to the bathroom first, starts the shower for the other person.
- Whoever showers first, leaves a love note written in the steam on the mirror.
Romantic Idea Ritual – Evening Time
Is there something that your partner likes every night before bed, before you part ways, or before they wind down after a long day? Think about those things, and then make one (or some) something you share no matter what. Like:
- Bring her a cup of tea as she lays down to read.
- Rub his back or feet when he sits down in his chair after dinner.
- Share a hand-in-hand walk together after dinner.
Romantic Idea Ritual – Introductions
A friend of mine introduced his girlfriend in the same way, no matter who they met: “This is the love of my life, Donna.” She’d blush each time, but she loved it. I’ve also had clients introduce their partners in a variety of positive ways as well: bride, lover, best friend in the whole wide world, sex god, peach. Find something that describes your partner well – as well as something you’re both comfortable sharing – and then use that word or phrase as your romantic idea ritual each time you introduce each other to someone new.
