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What is your idea of romance? If you have one.

4 replies

Twolargewatersplease · 02/02/2026 10:57

Me and my partner were talking about this.

My ex (who was rubbish in many, many ways unfortunately) used to buy me a lot of presents, admittedly lovely (and often expensive!) things, scarves, clothes, nick-nacks, flowers.

Although I did appreciate presents a lot, my current partner's gestures fit with me much better. I have insomnia and she'll talk tome until I fall asleep. Very 'hands on' if I am feeling stressed or ill, even though we're not together a lot and don't live together, just very helpful, lightens my load if you will. My ex had (and spent!) more money, but I am so much happier now.

I would rather a put-together for me, thoughtful picnic or day out than a fancy restaurant as it is less effort and more gain, more time 'together' even though I do love nice food and eating out.

What does it for you?

OP posts:
Stompythedinosaur · 02/02/2026 11:03

I prefer practical, thoughtful gestures. Cleaning the kitchen so I don't have to, turning my heated blanket on in advance to warm up the bed for me.

Two days ago I was full of a stinking cold and he cancelled seeing friends (without me asking) to drive my mam to a hospital appointment I was due to take her to.

I'll take that over flowers and presents.

AbbaDabbaDooh · 02/02/2026 11:05

Someone asking how my day was 😂 or how am I today. Having silly conversation with me.

I am very low maintenance. I quite like dancing and a bit of physical affection.

If there's anything I need like gifts, time to do things, I just arrange it myself because I hate being disappointed anyway, can only really rely on myself 🤣

But social chat and physical affection is harder to do solo.

DustyMaiden · 02/02/2026 11:09

DH spent days making a child’s wardrobe with carved teddies on it and painted it baby blue when I was expecting DS. Thought that was lovely.

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Smartiepants79 · 02/02/2026 11:10

I think romance during dating and Romanian long term relationships are very different things.
Dating romance is nice meals, small gifts, spontaneous days out.
Long term relationship romance is about the gestures that make the other persons life easier, that show that they know what you need and giving it to you. It can include the odd little gift and (for me) definitely includes effort made at Xmas and birthdays. It can’t just be that though. Expensive gifts stop being romantic when they’re making up for being a bit useless or thoughtless the rest of the time.

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