Dreamy and all the feels, all the time, us romantics live life like it’s an art form.

We like to think of romantics as those who have an idealized view of reality; people who love to luxuriate themselves in the little things, indulge their senses, slow down and really take in each moment – big and small. 

Romantics are those who love to feel a little boujee; boujee-ness (yes, we created a new word) that can be achieved through a simple coat of lipstick, a frothy, homemade oat milk latte, or a glass of wine as the sun goes down. They’re people who relish in the simple pleasures of life – pleasures that occur through everyday moments but can be easily missed, like walking your dog in the first of the morning’s light, writing in a journal with a bedside candle lit, wearing a necklace that feels like a good omen, laughing until your belly hurts with a friend you cherish more than anything in the world, or a slow, Saturday afternoon spent doing nothing.

These are the moments that help us feel connected to ourselves and the world around us. These are the moments we love – and live for.

Romanticizing yourself doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or grandiose. It’s really just about doing small acts with intention as you bring a sense of ritual and sacredness to your everyday life. 

Whether you’re single or in any kind of intimate relationship, we romantics can’t forget to embrace these simple pleasures – at every stage. They’re the balm to our frayed nerves; the medicine to our souls. And when our schedules get busy, it’s all the more reason to carve out simple moments to feel good. 

 

Here are 10 Ways to bring more of those mini romances into your life – on the daily:

1. Make a ritual out of your morning coffee

What if your morning java was more of a delicious treat than a caffeine hit before opening your email?

While you may be accustomed to drinking a quick espresso out of your mug scrawled with ‘hustle’ in big, bold letters, what if instead you took a few extra minutes to make yourself your favourite, warm drink — and actually enjoyed it? 

Whether you’re a latte lover, a matcha fan, or the queen of decaf, try letting this part of your day be where your self-romance begins. As you make your hot drink of choice, take in its aroma, add ingredients with intention, and savour every sip – slowly. While your mind may trick you into thinking there’s not enough time, and that you need to rush and power through your morning for productivity’s sake, tell that inner voice that this is worth it; that you’re worth it.

2. Read fiction in your fave coffee shop

Maybe it’s because our culture is obsessed with productivity, but there’s something so romantic about doing something just for the simple pleasure of it. Just for joy. Reading a fiction book feels like that; you get to escape into a story, a character, a new place – ideally all while sitting at a café’s window seat with rain falling outside and maybe a hot guy at the table next to you (can you tell that we’re dreamers!?).

Next time you take a slow morning or afternoon, grab that fiction book that’s been on your shelf just waiting for you to finally crack it open and head to your fave coffee shop for a couple hours of indulgence.

3. Snag a bouquet of roses! for you, from you

If you’re like us, you eye up decadent, luxe-looking bouquets of roses when you’re out and about, but feel like you need a reason to buy them for yourself. Maybe you wait for someone else to buy them for you as a gift, or maybe you think they call for some kind of special occasion. Part of romancing yourself on the daily means throwing out the rulebook and letting yourself indulge simply because you want to. Roses – the widely-recognized symbol of love and sensuality – deserve a spot at your table, no matter which day, reason, or occasion.

4. Savour a Croissant (or pain au chocolat if you will)

And eat it uninterrupted. For real, though: visit your fave bakery, take it to-go, and go sit somewhere with a nice little view. Don’t look at your phone, don’t make small talk with strangers, just eat that croissant like it’s the best damn thing you’ve ever tasted (because it just might be). Savour every single bite and, when it’s over, carry on in your day knowing you took time to indulge your senses (and taste buds) like a true romantic would.

5. Draw yourself a bubble bath

At the end of your day (or maybe the start? No rules here), pour some epsom salts, add a few drops of your fave essential oils, and run a hot bath. If you really want to get romantic, grab a couple of roses from your bouquet and sprinkle in their petals, or include a bath bomb. Soak in the tub, doing absolutely nothing. When you’re done, complete the experience by putting some luxurious-feeling oil on your skin before slipping into your silk robe.

6. Buy yourself a beautiful piece of jewelry you've been eyeing, and make a commitment to yourself

What’s better than someone buying you jewellery? Buying it for yourself – and choosing exactly what you want. Whether you’re a lover of earrings, necklaces, rings, or bracelets, we’ve got you covered. Like buying yourself a bouquet of roses, you don’t need an excuse to treat yourself to a timeless, quality piece – one that will be with you through your life’s small and big joys.

7. Chinese Takeout & Your fave 00's RomCom

It’s okay to skip cooking (and doing the dishes) sometimes. Here’s our ideal night:

Step 1: Gather your best girlfriends.

Step 2: Order takeout from your neighbourhood restaurant.

Step 3: While you’re waiting for your food, turn your living room floor into a bed of duvets, pillows, and throw blankets.

Step 4: Vote on your fave romcom (or have a movie marathon, because you can never watch too many romcoms).

Step 5: Open your takeout containers, dig in, and press play. 

8. Sip Rosé at Sunset

Is there anything better than drinking a glass of rosé while watching the sun go down? Seriously, though. Seeing the sky turn red, pink, orange, and all kinds of in-between as you revel in those crisp sips of wine is just the best. Even better: enjoy it with a couple other romantics who appreciate nature’s nightly show as much as you do. 

9. Light a candle or two & dim the lights

Revolutionary, we know. But as romantics, simple, sensual acts just don’t get old. Light your candle to transform any mundane act into a sacred one. Putting on your makeup? Light a candle. Making a meal? Light a candle. Going through your email? Light a candle. Need to get caught up on your business’ bookkeeping? Light a candle. Having a serious convo? Light a candle… you get the picture. 

10. Turn on some Bossa Nova & close your eyes...

Just trust us on this one. Even if you don't know this genre, type it in to Spotify and hit play... Easily one of the most sensual of music genre's, it can turn even the most mundane tasks like cooking KD while cleaning the kitchen feel like a romantic experience. Actually, we dare you to do this and tell us whether or not you found yourself gently swinging your hips while stirring your pasta... 

No matter the reason or season, don’t forget to romance yourself. Tag us in your Insta stories so we can see all the ways you’re doing so this Valentine’s day! Remember: whether you’re single or committed, romance is available in almost any moment <3

XO, Your Joy Guru's