Love is not what it use to be…
In some ways, it has gotten better and in others, it has been on a slow decline. Everyone has their own idea of what a romantic gesture is and what proves someone’s love, but we can all agree some of the sweetest things no longer exist.
At times, I really wished I was falling in love during a simpler time. No phones, no social media. A time when actions were more personal, and you didn’t have to ask for effort. It is the little things in life, and these little things meant the most.
1. Coming to the Front Door
None of this texting, ” I’m here”, bullsh*t. Something so small was considered so sweet and even brave. Men were men and shook their date’s father’s hand as a sign of respect. Today, there are a million excuses as to why this no longer happens. “I don’t want to meet her parents, it’s too soon,” or ” why can’t you just come outside.” Seriously, we’re not joking when we say it’s the little things.
2. Writing Notes
Again, not emailing or texting. Taking the times to handwrite something isn’t only thoughtful, but it shows you really care. You have actually to think about each word you write down instead of going postal and typing so fast you don’t even know what you’re saying. Text messages and emails disappear. A letter can be kept forever. Why wouldn’t you want those sweet words always to be accessible?
3. Making A MixTape
The amount of time, dedication, and aggravation that went into a mix tape meant you were special AF. Not only did you have to pay attention to the songs your love liked, but you also needed to wait endlessly in front of the radio for each and every song. Who puts that much time into anything today?
4. Home Cooked Meals
Going out to eat is nice, don’t get me wrong- but someone taking the time to make a homemade dinner is amazing. Even if you’re not the greatest cook, showing the effort means the world to someone. If dinner ends up that bad, order a pizza and laugh about it. “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Remember, no truer words have ever been spoken.
5. Going Dancing
I don’t mean grinding at the club on a Friday night; actually dancing. Finding a band, that’s playing outside on a beautiful summer night and staring into each other’s eyes. Okay, maybe I’m totally a hopeless romantic, but think about it. Dancing is intimate if you let it be. Whether it’s your first date or your 25th anniversary, find the music and fall in love all over again.
6. Courting
Speak about love, take long walks sharing dreams, put your phones away. Make the person you’re with feel like you genuinely care about what they’re saying and what they hope their life becomes. Let everyone know you’re proud of the person on your arm and that you see a future with them. When you get to a certain age, you no longer have time to play games. Being honest about where you’re expecting yourself relationship to go is key. If you both want it to go towards forever, then there’s nothing wrong with that being said.
So maybe some of these gestures really are obsolete, but it;s time we found their parallels and started putting effort into love again. No, swiping doesn’t count as effort. Let’s all remember that love can be an amazing thing if we let it be. Take it old school and do it right.
