Are you a little rusty in the romance department? Do you consider sharing the same bus seat a date? Do you have an unhealthy relationship with your pets or spend most of your Friday Nights watching To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and other chick flick tearjerkers?
We get it; dating in the 21st Century is difficult. If it isn’t hard enough that we have to dodge internet trolls and find new ways to navigate online dating , some of us literally can’t afford romance because we’re living on a budget. Fret not though, we’re here to help you spice up your love life, starting right where all the magic happens ─ at home.
Whether you’re a single lady who’s big on self-love, a hopeless romantic who is trying to impress a potential partner or simply just someone who is looking to pick up some pointers on improving your game, we’re here to lend you some expert advice on how to create the ideal atmosphere for romance. Listen up love birds; this is how you get it done. The key is to indulge the senses. Romance is about setting the mood, inspiring a feeling and creating a lasting memory to cherish. Let’s start with the basics…
Sight
First thing’s first: deploy project ‘clean up’. Clear away any clutter and tidy up your space so that no one trips over anything. (Yikes, that would be awks!) Second order of business: dim the lights and/or spark up some candles. Alternatively, use ‘soft glow’ bedside lamps or groups of tea lights in safe holders to create a mellow ambiance. Soft lighting is very NB so make sure to get this right, if not anything else.
That’s not all though, once you’ve successfully set your place up; it’s time for you to prep yourself. Wear something that you feel comfortable and empowered in. The status quo dictates that lace is be the order of business but you don’t have to marry the rule. Our adult lingerie category is vast, and, if all else fails, just opt for your birthday suit!
Touch
Feeling is about more than just an emotional reaction, it’s about giving rein to the sense of touch. This one is often overlooked and taken for granted, but trust, it goes a long way in setting the mood ─ Soft bedding, fluffy throws, plush pillows and anything velvet is key in making your space a sensory haven.
Smell
Did you know that romance and desire are strongly linked to your sense of smell? Spritz on your favourite fragrance and light a scented candle to reinforce the romantic mood. You could also make use of massage oils to trigger both touch and smell.
If you’re flying solo, take a relaxing bubble bath and immerse yourself in something sweet-scented. Can confirm, nothing feels better than a good soak after a long week.
Hearing
Music plays an important part in creating a mood. The key to choosing the perfect romantic playlist is to choose a combination of your favourites and incorporate a few other soft, ambient selections. Tip: Find a SoundCloud/YouTube playlist compilation and you won’t spend time being distracted and having to skip through your phone.
Taste
We’ve saved the best for last. Experiment with exotic flavours when you’re cooking something special for your night of romance. If you’re not in the mood for cooking, order something instead (thank the Food App gods). Dessert is a must. This is non-negotiable.
Romance really isn’t that hard. All you need to ask yourself is “What feels good?” and follow those instincts. We know you can do it, now go on and get your groove back, Stella!
