10 unconventional romantic things you can do for your significant other

Before I start writing this story, let me tell you a little bit about myself—I have never really been the sappy, romantic kind. I mean yes, I love being in ‘love’ and everything that comes with being in a loving marriage, but I’ve never been someone who will go awww on receiving a box of chocolates or dissolve in a puddle of mush on receiving flowers for no reason. If the chocolates are good, I’ll eat them even if they are in the shape of, I don’t know, spiders; and on most days, I think flowers are a dreadful waste of money. My idea of romance is a little, how shall I put it…unconventional. 

I’m so sick of all the boring advice that self-appointed experts have been peddling for years to us. Truth be told, I’d sooner eat my own hand than recommend cooking as a romantic activity—even Cupid would wince and slink back to his corner quietly if he was exposed to the withering looks of Shanta bai as she surveyed the kitchen after the said romantic meal had been cooked! So here are 10 romantic ideas for unconventional souls:

Learn to give massages like a professional

No wait, I’m not turning this article into a cliché after promising you the exact opposite. Hear me out. The thing is, we’ve all had evenings when all your partner wants is a back massage (a favour they promise to return—and you MUST make them)! So since these scenarios are inevitable—despite feeling more like a PT period from school than sexy time—you might as well look up some videos or take a couple of classes at a nearby spa instead of winging it. Since you’re anyway making all that effort, learning the basics will help you get the maximum benefit and a partner who is very, very thankful for your efforts.

Build a bubble-wrap fort

I haven’t done this yet, but the idea struck me in my dreams last week and I CANNOT STOP THINKING ABOUT IT. Arrange for lots and lots and lots of bubble wrap (resist the urge to burst them all up before building the fort—I know it is tough, but trust me, the end product will be worth it) and then use sellotape to build a cosy little fort for yourselves. What you guys do in the fort is entirely your business. How has no one thought of this? I’m a genius. 

Plan a cosy picnic

Sometimes it’s not too bad being an old-school romantic. This idea is definitely unconventional in 2022 because no one seems to be doing it anymore. Return to the sepia-toned days by spreading a rug on the grass with a bottle of wine and a picnic basket under the tree and spend a cosy afternoon chatting with your significant other about life and everything in between.

Arrange a serendipity date

Recreate the setting of your first meeting. That would be so cool, no? Plus, I’m sure they’ll be taken aback if you do it on a regular day and not just on a birthday or an anniversary. Be it the restaurant, the classroom or the friend’s place where you first met—recreate that entire event and watch their jaw drop.

Make them a signature cocktail

Who can refuse this? It’s super easy to make at home and perfect after a tiring day at work. I shall share my not-so-secret recipe of gin and juice in just a bit. Thank me later. Even Snoop Dogg recommends it, in case you have doubts about the veracity of my claims. So, here we go. You need about 50ml gin, 50ml grapefruit juice, 75ml orange juice and a slice of lime. Pour all these ingredients into the shaker, add some ice and shake well. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes and empty the contents of the shaker in it. Serve with a lime slice and a come-hither smile. Hic.

Get your hands dirty while gardening

This is not only an amazing activity to do as a couple but is also good for Mother Nature. Turn your small balcony (or the space outside your bedroom window) into a small kitchen garden. Plant a few seeds together and watch them bloom. Grow your own veggies and eat them. Trust me, it’s an unparalleled joy. 

Sarcastic yet hilarious love notes

This one is my favourite. A great sense of humour is one of the biggest turn-ons in a man for most women (and I’m guessing, vice versa?). It’ll be cute if you can leave each other handwritten notes in the house that are funny, yet snarky. I leave sticky notes stuck on the fridge for my husband to read (sometimes, they are punctuated by two passive-aggressive smiley faces if I’m pissed). This is personal, thoughtful and of course, romantic, if you ask me. Experiment, write what you want to and watch your partner’s face light up at this simple yet thoughtful gesture.

Visit a vineyard

If you’re both wine lovers like us, you must try this one. Plan a short trip to a nearby vineyard (Sula Vineyards or Soma Vine Village in Nasik, if you live in Mumbai/Pune or Grover Zampa Vineyards in Nandi Hills if you live in Bangalore) with your partner and spend a warm afternoon strolling down rows and rows of grapes and obviously, drinking glasses and glasses of sangria. Yum.

Go street shopping together

Ditch going to the mall on a weekend and grab your partner to go for some street shopping instead. Roam around the bylanes of Colaba Causeway or Hill Road in Bandra, if you’re in Mumbai or the vibrant Sarojini Nagar if you’re in Delhi and spend quality time together bargaining and picking up some cute pieces for both of you.  

Repair their beloved, well-worn objects

Repair something that they genuinely loved that’s well past its prime but can’t bear to give it away. It could be anything from a well-worn jersey to an old watch, his childhood cricket bat, a walkman or his very first car/bike. Get it repaired as best as you can and see their face light up at your thoughtful gesture. This one, they’ll never forget, I promise you!