1. Be Engaging With Your Partner
It doesn’t seem like much, but if you want to be romantic without spending money, simply just show interest in your partner’s conversation. Don’t check your phone or watch TV. Your partner won’t feel connected if you don’t pay attention when they talk. “Really the biggest [way to show that you care] is [by] paying attention. That means looking at your partner when they speak and finding ways to show them you heard [them], such as asking questions to be sure you get it and want more information: what was it like for you when that happened? What does it mean to you? What is your take on this situation? Would you like to experience it again? Things that bring out more information about the other person, who really will become more interesting as you learn more of the nuances that make them unique. [Read: 5 behavior to adopt to be more happier in life]
2. Try Something New Together
You don’t have to spend a lot of money if you want to try something new together. Search the Internet, and find new, unique dates you both can go on. Explore a neighborhood you guys have never been to before, go to a museum during free nights, or try to make ice cream at home. Anything can work if you try to be creative. “Date night really works by bringing people together to [paying] attention to each other, and [creating] a sense [of] specialness. [Read: 5 Things to do when you screwed-up your partner]
3. Give Your Partner A Massage
One of the best ways to feel more connected with your SO is through touch. Instead of spending money on flowers, your partner will appreciate a good rub down after a long day at the office. “Find a YouTube of massage techniques, and give your amour a loving, healthy massage. (Bonus: it boosts oxytocin, the love and trust chemical) [Read: 8 common new relationship mistakes you are making]
4. Befriend other couples.
This may sound taxing, but cultivating warm and intimate friendships with other pairs can bring you closer, Aron says.
Doing so will foster the feeling of mutual support and open you up to engage in deeper conversations the two of you may not have had on your own. Shy? A little rusty? No problem—check out these tips on how to make new friends as an adult.
5. Regularly tell your partner what you love about them.
It doesn’t cost anything to be thankful and expressing gratitude for someone shows that you notice and appreciate their efforts. Do you appreciate their compassionate nature, or perhaps you love their energetic approach to the start of every day? Be specific with what qualities you value to most to indicate you’re paying close attention. Ultimately, small efforts to show recognition will make your partner feel seen.
6. Surprise her.
People love surprises. They often say they don’t like to be caught off guard, but once they are surprised –especially with an unexpected present or deed, they’d just go head over heels. Surprises need not be lavish, though; you may want to do a sweet deed such as a home-cooked meal or a card saying how much you love him/here even when there’s no occasion. S/he’ll just love you even more because of these efforts. [Read: 6 Dating tips you should never listen to]
7. Brag about your partner in public.
We understand the inclination to get together with your girlfriends and bitch about the annoying things your partner does (hey, we all do it). But it’s nice to occasionally embrace the positive and speak glowingly about your fella’s home improvement skills/parental instincts/bedroom acumen. Sure, you might annoy your friends who don’t want to hear about how good you have it, but you’ll feel even better about going home to your awesome relationship.
