Old-school romance: 7 relationship behaviors that need to make a comeback

Tina Fey by Tina Fey | November 11, 2024, 9:37 pm

There’s something undeniably charming about old-school romance.

Let’s face it, in this digital age of swiping left and right, the art of true romance seems to be fading into the background.

But I believe there are some classic relationship behaviors that deserve a revival.

These are those time-honored actions that make your heart flutter, your cheeks blush and make love feel like a grand adventure.

In this article, we’ll explore 7 relationship behaviors that need to make a comeback.

Let’s dive into the past and bring back some of that classic charm into our love stories.

1) Handwritten love letters

In our fast-paced digital world, where text messages and emails are the norm, taking the time to put pen to paper is a beautiful act of love.

There’s just something incredibly special about handwritten love letters. 

They feel more intimate. They express effort, thoughtfulness and the desire to make someone feel cherished.

Think of the last time you received a handwritten letter. It probably made your day, right?

Now imagine if that letter was from your loved one, filled with words of affection and appreciation. It’s incredibly romantic and touching.

Handwritten love letters are a beautiful testament of love that we should definitely bring back.

So why not give it a try? Grab a pen, pull out some paper, and express your feelings in a way that would make Jane Austen proud.

And don’t worry, it’s not about perfect grammar or ornate language – it’s about expressing your heart in your own words. That’s what makes it truly special.

2) Quality time without digital distractions

I’ll be the first to admit it, I am guilty of this too. Our phones, tablets, and laptops have become permanent fixtures in our lives. They’re always within arm’s reach and they demand our attention with every ping and vibration.

Unfortunately, in our quest to stay connected digitally, we are losing out on real, face-to-face connections. It’s so easy to get sucked into the digital world while neglecting what’s right in front of us. 

And when it comes to romance, this distraction can be especially damaging.

Remember the days of old-school romance, when meaningful conversations and long walks hand-in-hand were the norm?

Back then, there were no screens to compete for attention—just two people fully present with one another.

By putting aside our devices and focusing on being fully present, we can recapture some of that old-school romance.

When you make time for each other without the distraction of screens, you allow space for deeper conversations, shared experiences, and true emotional intimacy—the kind of connection that’s harder to find when you’re splitting your attention between your partner and your phone.

3) Dancing to a slow song at home

I remember my grandparents telling me about the times when they would dance slowly in their living room, with only the record player for company. There’s something truly enchanting about that image, isn’t there?

Dancing to a slow song at home, with your partner in your arms, is surprisingly intimate and romantic. It reminds you of the connection you share, a connection that goes beyond words.

But don’t worry if you’ve got two left feet. The beauty of this act is not in the perfection of your steps, but in the moment you share.

In fact, I talk about this very concept in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It’s all about creating moments of connection that help you deepen your bond with your partner.

So why not give it a try? Find a song that means something to both of you, take your partner by the hand and dance. Let the music guide you and enjoy the closeness of the moment.

It’s a simple act of old-school romance that can work wonders for your relationship.

4) Embracing the art of doing nothing together

This might sound counterintuitive, especially in our hustle and go-go-go culture. We’re always looking for the next adventure, the next big thing to do with our partners to keep the spark alive.

But here’s a radical idea for today: what if we just… did nothing?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting you stare blankly at each other. What I mean is embracing the quiet, uneventful moments together.

Imagine sitting on a porch swing with your sweetheart, quietly watching the world go by. Isn’t that romantic? There’s a certain charm to that simplicity.

Doing “nothing” together allows you to just be in each other’s presence, without the pressure of having to do something exciting or Instagram-worthy.

It may not sound like much, but these quiet moments can actually be a powerful way to deepen your connection with your partner. So give it a try — you might just find that doing “nothing” can mean everything.

5) Courting and taking it slow

In this era of speedy dating apps, the idea of courtship might seem antiquated. But trust me, there’s a reason it’s stood the test of time.

I still remember the days when my husband and I were just starting to date. We took our time getting to know each other, enjoying every step of the way.

Courtship is about taking the time to truly get to know the other person. It’s a slow dance that builds anticipation and deepens connection.

There is no rush, no pressure to hit relationship milestones by a certain time. It’s about enjoying the journey together, not just racing towards the destination.

Bringing back courtship doesn’t mean you have to wait for months before you hold hands or steal a kiss. It simply means taking your time to savor each moment as your relationship unfolds.

So, let’s bring back the charm of courting and taking things slow in our relationships. After all, good things come to those who wait.

6) Appreciating the little moments

When it comes to relationships—especially in the spirit of old-school romance—it’s often the small, everyday moments that mean the most.

Whether it’s sharing a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, laughing over something silly, or simply enjoying a comfortable silence together, these are the moments that build the foundation of a deep, lasting connection.

Old-school romance wasn’t about extravagant displays of affection, but about finding beauty in the mundane, appreciating the little things that make each day special.

When we take the time to pause and appreciate these simple moments, we bring a sense of mindfulness and gratitude into our relationships.

It’s a reminder that true connection doesn’t always need to be flashy or loud—it can be found in the quiet, often-overlooked parts of life that, when noticed, make all the difference.

7) Being there for each other, no matter what

Finally, here’s a hard truth: love is not always easy. There will be ups and downs, highs and lows. But real, old-school romance is about sticking together through it all.

In an era of disposable relationships and instant gratification, the idea of being there for someone, no matter what, might seem daunting.

But that’s what love really is. It’s about being each other’s rock during the storm.

It’s about holding your partner’s hand when they’re going through a tough time, and knowing that they would do the same for you.

It’s about standing by each other, even when the going gets tough.

So let’s bring back this vital aspect of old-school romance – the commitment to be there for each other, come what may. Because at the end of the day, that’s what love is all about.

Conclusion

Looking back, old-school romance had a charm that’s hard to deny. It was about intimacy, connection, and authenticity. It was about taking the time to truly appreciate each other.

Our lives today are so fast-paced that it’s easy to lose sight of these simple pleasures. But as we’ve seen, these old-school practices can still hold a lot of value in our modern relationships.

If you’re interested in exploring more about how to create deep and meaningful connections in your relationship, check out my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

Let’s not forget the beauty and warmth of old-school romance. Let’s bring back the charm, the sincerity, and the love that made those times so special.

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