38 Small Ways To Be More Romantic In Your Relationships

You've probably heard a couple's story of how they met get described as being "so romantic," or the phrase might be used to describe a particularly dramatic or meaningful gesture from one person toward the object of their affection.

Some people might even describe themselves as a "hopeless romantic" in general. But what does that word really mean?

Being romantic is about expressing love and dedication in a way that's intentional, unmistakable, and deeply affectionate.

It often involves dramatic or passionate gestures, though smaller actions that indicate enduring affection can also be romantic.

The word romantic stems from the Latin word Romanus or Romanicus, which literally meant "Roman" or "from Rome."

Throughout the Middle Ages, the old French adopted the word romanz, meaning "of the Roman vernacular," to describe both a specific type of Latin speech as well as the literature written in that vernacular style—which generally featured tales of knights, chivalry, and passion.

Over time, the word "romance" began to become associated with dramatic love stories in general.

That's part of why romance today is often associated with over-the-top gestures between lovers.

"Being romantic involves creating a sense of passion, anticipation, and excitement within a relationship," clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly, Ph.D., tells mbg.

First and foremost, a romantic person is willing to regularly show how much they love and adore the object of their affection. They might regularly offer small displays of affection, whether that's through acts of service, words of affirmation, or other sweet gestures.

"The most romantic of partners are those who are mindful of their significant other's needs and desires in passionate, thoughtful ways," Manly says.

Importantly, a romantic person doesn't just offer a bunch of gifts and sweet nothings with no real meaning behind them. A huge part of what makes someone or something romantic is the idea that the love and passion they offer is unwavering and enduring, and it's uniquely offered to a specific person.

That's what separates a romantic person from a flirt: the intensity, longevity, and specificity of their feelings.

On the flip side, not everyone will consider sweeping gestures and over-the-top declaration of love to be romantic. Sometimes being a romantic person is simply about being highly present, warm, and affectionate with your partner in the day-to-day moments.

Being a romantic person means setting a tone of affectionate love and passion year-round, not just on special occasions like Valentine's Day or someone's birthday, Manly points out.

"A true romantic partner tends to 'date' [their] significant other throughout the relationship rather than devoting romantic energy to only one or two hallmark dates per month or year," she explains. "Being a true romantic is a way of life."

"Given that we all have different preferences and needs, what is romantic to one person may not be at all romantic to another," Manly reminds.

"As such, the true romantic takes the time and energy to study the desires of another in order to create or heighten a loving, passionate mood."