11 Things You Can Do if Your Boyfriend Isn’t Romantic

Romance is an essential aspect of a relationship, providing a sense of connection and intimacy. However, not all partners are naturally inclined toward romantic gestures. 

If you find yourself in a relationship with a less-than-romantic boyfriend, it’s essential to understand why this might be the case and how you can manage this situation. 

Hence, let’s explore the characteristics of an unromantic boyfriend and the reasons why your boyfriend isn’t romantic and shows a lack of romantic gestures as we provide actionable ways to address the issue.

Who is considered an unromantic boyfriend?

An unromantic boyfriend is often perceived as someone who doesn’t engage in the traditional acts of romance, such as planning surprise dates, giving flowers or gifts without occasion, or expressing affection through love letters or poems. 

If your boyfriend isn’t romantic, he might be someone who prefers practicality over grand gestures or who may not openly display affection. It’s crucial to differentiate between someone who is inherently unromantic and someone who simply has a different love language or way of showing love.

9 possible reasons a boyfriend is unromantic

Understanding why your boyfriend isn’t romantic requires a look into the nuances of individual personalities and relationship dynamics. 

Recognizing the signs of an unromantic boyfriend can often lead to a deeper understanding of his actions and motivations. Here are 9 possible reasons a boyfriend is not romantic:

1. Different expressions of love

Sometimes, the issue isn’t that your boyfriend isn’t romantic but rather that his way of showing love differs from what one might expect. He might prioritize acts of service or quality time over traditional gestures of romance, indicating a mismatch in love languages rather than an absence of affection.

2. Lack of awareness or understanding

Your boyfriend may simply not realize the importance of romance in a relationship or what specific actions you consider romantic. This gap in understanding can be mistaken for apathy but often stems from a lack of communication about expectations.

3. Influence of upbringing and cultural norms

How one is raised and the cultural context one grows up in can significantly impact their view on romance. If your boyfriend comes from an environment where romantic gestures are not commonly displayed, he might not see them as necessary for a loving relationship.

4. Personal beliefs about romance

Some individuals may hold personal beliefs that devalue traditional romantic gestures, seeing them as cliché or insincere. They might prefer to show their love in more practical, tangible ways, which can be misunderstood as being unromantic.

5. Past relationship trauma or experiences

Previous relationships can leave a lasting impact on how one approaches romance. If your boyfriend has been in situations where his efforts were unappreciated or led to negative outcomes, he might hesitate to express himself romantically again.

6. Current life stressors

Stress and preoccupation with other areas of life, such as work or personal challenges, can detract from one’s ability or desire to engage in romantic activities. This often temporary situation can be misinterpreted as a permanent trait.

7. Comfort and complacency

Sometimes, being in a stable, long-term relationship leads to a sense of security that reduces the perceived need for romantic gestures. What begins as comfort can unintentionally evolve into complacency.

8. Introversion or shyness

For introverted or shy individuals, expressing feelings in grand, romantic ways can be daunting. Their reserved nature might limit their expression of affection to more private, less overt gestures.

9. Fear of rejection or vulnerability

The fear of having romantic gestures rejected or not reciprocated can be a significant barrier. This vulnerability can cause someone to hold back on expressing their feelings openly, leading to perceptions of them as unromantic.

11 ways to handle an unromantic boyfriend

Managing a relationship where you find yourself pondering, “Why isn’t my boyfriend romantic?” can be challenging. However, there are constructive approaches to bridge the gap between your expectations and his expressions of love. 

Here are 11 ways to handle an unromantic boyfriend, encouraging a deeper connection and perhaps inspiring a new perspective on romance within your relationship:

1. Communicate your feelings and needs clearly

Open and honest communication is the foundation of any strong relationship. Express to your boyfriend how important certain gestures of romance are to you and how they make you feel loved and appreciated. 

Use “I” statements to avoid placing blame and to keep the conversation positive and productive. This approach can help your boyfriend understand your perspective without feeling criticized.

2. Understand his perspective and background

Make an effort to see things from his point of view. Consider his upbringing, past relationship experiences, and personal beliefs about romance. This understanding can encourage empathy and patience, allowing you to appreciate the ways he does express love, even if they’re not traditionally romantic.

3. Discover and speak his love language

Identifying and embracing his love language—be it through acts of service, quality time, physical touch, words of affirmation, or receiving gifts—can significantly enhance your connection. 

By expressing love in a way that resonates with him, you may inspire him to reciprocate in ways that feel more romantic to you.

4. Set realistic expectations based on who he is

It’s crucial to temper expectations with the reality of who your boyfriend is and what he’s comfortable with. Appreciating his efforts, no matter the scale, and understanding that gestures of love can take many forms can lead to a more satisfying and fulfilling relationship.

5. Plan romantic activities together

Collaboratively planning dates or activities that you both enjoy can serve as inspiration for him and ensure that your needs for romance are met. 

The shared responsibility can also relieve the pressure on him to come up with ideas on his own and can be a fun way to deepen your bond.

6. Educate subtly and playfully through examples

Sharing examples of romantic gestures from movies, books, or stories that resonate with you can provide him with a clearer understanding of what you find romantic. This indirect method can inspire him without making him feel inadequate or pressured.

7. Celebrate small successes and efforts

Recognizing and showing appreciation for any attempt at romance, no matter how minor, can encourage more frequent gestures. Positive reinforcement can motivate your boyfriend to continue exploring romantic ways to express his affection.

8. Give him specific, achievable ideas for romantic gestures

Sometimes, the barrier to romance is simply not knowing what to do. Offering concrete suggestions for things you would find romantic—such as bringing home flowers, writing a heartfelt note, or planning a surprise date night—can provide him with a clear roadmap to follow.

9. Encourage open dialogue about desires and expectations

Maintaining an ongoing conversation about each other’s needs, desires, and expectations can prevent misunderstandings and ensure both partners feel heard and valued. This continuous dialogue enables a healthy, dynamic relationship where both parties feel comfortable expressing their needs.

10. Seek compromise to satisfy both partners

Finding a middle ground that respects your desire for romance and his comfort level with expressing affection is key. A compromise might involve blending activities you find romantic with those he enjoys, creating a balanced relationship that caters to both of your preferences.

Watch this video where Orion Taraban, a licensed psychologist, explains the difference between sacrifice and compromise and how you can maintain a balance in your relationship:

11. Consider professional guidance if needed

If the discrepancy in romantic needs is causing significant strain on the relationship, seeking help from a relationship counselor can provide valuable insights and strategies. 

Professional guidance can offer a neutral perspective and practical tools to improve communication, understanding, and affection in your relationship.

FAQs

When you’re in a relationship with an unromantic partner, it can lead to a myriad of questions. Here, we address some frequently asked questions, aiming to provide clarity and direction for those seeking more romance in their relationships.

• Can an unromantic boyfriend change?

Yes, if your boyfriend isn’t romantic, he can change, but it requires open communication, patience, and mutual effort. Change is possible when both partners are willing to understand each other’s love languages and make compromises. 

Encouraging small, achievable romantic gestures and acknowledging them positively can gradually shift behavior and attitudes toward more romantic expressions of love.

• How can I express the need for more romance without hurting feelings?

Express your need for more romance by focusing on positive communication and expressing your feelings without placing blame. Use “I feel” statements to describe your emotions and desires, and be specific about what romance means to you. 

Suggest ideas or activities that you find romantic, making it a collaborative effort to enhance the romance in your relationship.

• How do I make him worry about losing me?

Making someone worry about losing you isn’t a healthy approach to a relationship. Instead, focus on building a strong, mutually respectful partnership. 

Communicate openly about your needs and ensure your relationship is balanced with give and take. Enable an environment where both partners value each other’s presence and contributions to the relationship.

• What do you call a man who is not romantic?

A man who is not romantic might simply have a different love language or personal expression of affection. Rather than focusing on a label, it’s more constructive to understand and appreciate the unique ways he shows love. 

Terms like “pragmatic lover” or “non-traditional romantic” might describe such individuals without assigning negative connotations to their behavior.

Final thoughts

Maintaining a relationship when your boyfriend isn’t romantic can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding. 

By communicating openly, setting realistic expectations, and appreciating the unique ways your partner shows love, you can cultivate a fulfilling relationship that transcends traditional notions of romance. 

Remember, the essence of a strong relationship lies in mutual respect, understanding, and the willingness to adapt to each other’s needs and expressions of love.