How to Be Romantic With Your Wife: 40 Creative Ideas

In the whirlwind of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the romance that once defined our relationships. Yet, beneath the layers of routine and responsibilities, there lies an enduring need for affection and connection. 

If you want to learn how to be romantic with your wife, you can try new things. This article is your guide to rekindling the flame and reminding your wife just how much she means to you. We’ve compiled creative and heartfelt ideas to infuse romance back into your marriage. 

Whether you’re celebrating years of togetherness or looking to invigorate a budding relationship, these gestures range from simple and sweet to thoughtful and grand, catering to every unique love story. Let’s rediscover the magic of romance together.

What is romance?

Romance is a complex and multifaceted human experience centered on emotional and often passionate connections between individuals. It encompasses affection, desire, and intimacy, fostering a sense of special connection and devotion. 

Romantic relationships can be expressed through gestures, words, or acts of kindness, with the aim of making someone feel cherished and valued. 

Romance often includes elements like courtship, dating, and expressions of love, and it varies from person to person and is shaped by cultural, societal, and personal influences. Ultimately, romance is a profound and cherished aspect of human life, enriching relationships and providing a profound sense of emotional fulfillment.

Why is it important for a husband to do romantic things for his wife?

They say that it is the little things that matter the most. Apart from saying ‘I love you’ to your spouse, a husband needs to find ways to romance your wife or partner. Doing romantic things for your wife acts as a reminder that you still love her and your marriage has not lost its charm.

At the same time, if you do not find ways to woo your wife, she might feel taken for granted in the marriage. These feelings, though they begin small, can end up being one of the reasons your marriage starts to fall apart. 

When you do things to make your wife happy, she will not feel that you are living separate lives under one roof.

How should a husband romance his wife

There are no set rules or a guide on how a husband should romance his wife. There are several romantic things to do for your wife. If you keep asking yourself, “How do I make my wife feel special?” know that the answer lies in the smallest of gestures. 

You can do something special for her or take away some load when it comes to household chores. You can make a morning ritual to wake her up with a cup of tea. 

How to be romantic with your wife? Simply listen to her. She will let you know what she needs and wants herself. Make sure you pay attention and come up with ‘romancing your wife’ ideas.

40 ways to be romantic with your wife

If you are trying to learn how to be romantic with your wife or how can a man be romantic to his wife, consider the ideas below. 

1. Watch a movie she loves

Even if you share taste in movies, we bet there are some movies she loves that you may not particularly be fond of. Whether she’s into action, horror, or romance, pick a movie you know she loves and set aside time to watch it together. 

Find it to stream online, or rent it from a streaming service, grab some popcorn, and settle down together to watch it. This is one romantic thing you can do to keep your wife happy. This also makes one of the best romantic ideas for a wife at home.

2. Cook dinner

What is romance to a woman? It could just mean taking the load off her once in a while or doing something very simple for her.

What could be more romantic than being surprised with her favorite meal? Pick a night and rustle up your wife’s favorite meal. You can surprise her when she gets home early, or if your work hours don’t allow for that, pick a Friday night or lazy Sunday. 

Set the table with candles and flowers, and take care of the dishes afterward so she can enjoy her favorite food with no clean-up. If you are thinking, “What are some ways to show my wife I love her?” then try this. 

3. Send flowers to her work

Surprise flowers brighten any workday. Order a bouquet of her favorite flowers – if you’re not sure what they are, go with her favorite colors. 

Add a card with a message that will make her smile and have them delivered to her work when she least expects it. This is a great idea on how to be romantic to your wife. 

4. Arrange a getaway

In the list of sweet things to do for your wife, a getaway for just the two of you is a romantic gift that she won’t forget in a hurry. Arrange a night away in a picturesque guest house in a beautiful area, or revisit a favorite vacation spot. If that’s not her speed, why not try a city mini-break? 

Exploring the culture and cuisine will rekindle the flame, even if you’re only a few hours from home.

5. Leave a love note

A love note is quick and easy to do but so very romantic. Grab a card or sticky note and write something designed to make her feel loved. Tell her the reasons you love her, thank her for being there for you, or remind her of a joke that you two share. 

Tuck it away in her lunch bag, stick it to the bathroom mirror, or hide it in her purse or car. This is one of the best tips on how to romance your wife.

6. Pamper her

Pampering someone brings the two of you closer and makes them feel loved. Pampering your wife is something you can do every day in little ways. Make her favorite beverage, or offer a foot or back rub after a hard day. 

Draw a bath and add some bubbles or salts, or even take a chore or two off her hands so she can put her feet up.

7. Go out on a date

Dating doesn’t end when you start living together. Regular dates keep your relationship fresh and interesting and are the perfect opportunity for a little romance. 

Get a sitter for the night and book a table at her favorite restaurant, or get tickets for a show or movie. Take the time afterward for a nighttime walk and a stop for coffee. This is one of the nicest ideas on how to be romantic with your wife.

8. Learn her language of love

We all speak different love languages. What you think is romantic might not seem romantic to her. Perhaps you think cooking dinner is romantic, but she’d rather go out to eat. 

Or maybe she’s not into flowers but loves being surprised with a massage. Get to know her love language and start speaking it. She’ll feel understood and valued.

9. Call a radio station

A radio station message is unexpected, fun, and very romantic. Call in with a message that only she’ll understand, or request a song that means something to you both. 

You’ll need to do some sleuthing first to find out what radio stations she listens to and when so you can time your message just right.

10. Give her some me-time

Spending time together is very romantic, but everybody needs a little me-time. If your wife never gets time to herself, some me-time is a romantic gift that she’ll love. 

Watch the kids for the night or afternoon and encourage her to spend the time doing whatever she likes. Give her a voucher for a spa treatment, or buy a taster class of something you know she wants to learn and give her the gift of enjoying some time to herself. 

11. Write her a poem

If you have the word bug in you, you can think of some romantic things to say to your wife. Go ahead and express your love to your wife in the form of a poem. Even if you are not a poet or writer, writing her a sweet couplet might mean the world to her. 

If you still cannot, you can always get help from the pros. Pull out a beautiful love poem by Neruda or Shakespeare and make her feel like the queen she is!

12. Plan the perfect picnic

If your wife enjoys the outdoors and likes picnics, plan a perfect picnic for her. Pack lunch, a bottle of her favorite wine, a board game, and some snacks, and take her on a beautiful picnic on a nice, sunny day. She will appreciate it. This is one of the best ideas on how to be romantic with your wife.

13. Chocolates for the win!

If your woman loves chocolates, why not spoil her with them?

For a perfect husband-wife romance, buy a bunch of them – you can mix all her favorite ones in a lovely gift bag. Receiving her favorite chocolates as a surprise on a random day will make her feel very loved and thought of. 

14. Write your love story into a book

If you like to write, write your love story with your wife into a book, print it, and get it bound. Give it to her after a nice dinner, and she will be blown away by this gesture for sure.

15. Text her when she is just across the room

If you are at a party or a public event, and she is interacting with a different set of people than you, text her something sweet. Tell her how great she looks or how you cannot take your eyes off her. A simple message can mean the most romantic thing to her. 

16. Apologize

If she is mad at you for something you did, simply apologize. Tell her you are sorry and make sure you genuinely mean it. Owning up to your mistakes is one of the most romantic things you can do for your wife.

17. Bake cookies together

A lazy Sunday afternoon and the two of you baking cookies together and spending some quality time is one of the most romantic things you can do for your wife.

18. Give her a nice massage

If she has had a long day, pamper her with a massage. Grab some essential oils, and give her a good rub. It will relax her and make her feel great. This is one of the best romantic ideas for her in the bedroom.

19. Clean her car

Maybe she has wanted to do it for a long time but just cannot find the time amidst her other responsibilities. Clean her car for her, on the outside and the inside. This will make her feel very loved that you took on a chore she just couldn’t find the time to do.

20. Draw her a bath

If you know your wife will have a long day, make sure she comes home to a nice, hot bath drawn for her. Use candles, diffusers, or even a glass of wine. She will appreciate it.

21. Offer to drive her to work

Even if you both have your own cars and drive to your respective workplaces, take out some extra time someday and offer to drive her to work. Tell her to let you know when she wants you to pick her up. Something as simple as this can mean a lot to her.

22. Hold her hand 

Every chance you get, hold her hand. While you are walking on the street or when you are driving. Even as you have dinner, hold her hand for a little bit. It is a very romantic gesture and makes her feel very loved.

23. Give her compliments

Whenever you feel your wife looks excellent, or has made a delicious meal, or said something smart, compliment her. While there are many times you may think it, you might not tell her these things. Start saying them out loud to let her know she is appreciated.

24. Plan a date for her – with her best friend

While the two of you can always go on a date, set up a date for her with her best friend. Sometimes, women just need to spend some time with their closest friends to feel their best. She will really appreciate the gesture.

25. Encourage her

If she is going through a tough time professionally or is trying something new, encourage her. Tell her that you believe in her. Sometimes, this is all it takes to put a smile on her face and keep the romance in your marriage alive.

26. Make her feel wanted

Sex is a big part of a marriage. It is essential to make your wife feel wanted. Touch her more often, and let her know you want her. It is a romantic thing to make your wife feel loved.

27. Leave a bad habit

If you have a bad habit such as smoking, sleeping in too late, or even leaving your towel on the bed, and she keeps asking you to quit it, maybe you can leave the said bad habit behind for her. 

When she notices you put in the effort, it will be a super romantic thing to do for your wife.

28. Take an interest in her hobbies

Even if you are not the biggest fan of those activities, try to take a little interest in her hobbies. You wanting to spend a little more time with her doing what she enjoys is a very romantic gesture.

29. Take full responsibility as a father

If you and your wife have kids, make sure you take full responsibility as a father. Divide the work with her equally, and make sure she is well-rested and taken care of as well.

30. Keep the communication open

Make sure you and your wife communicate with each other regularly, even when it is about keeping the romance in your marriage alive. You cannot read her mind, and a little help from her can help you develop the best romantic ideas for your wife.

31. Tell her she is beautiful

What woman doesn’t want to hear that? Don’t just reserve telling her this when she gets dressed up—tell her even when she’s in her jammies and without makeup. This is one way to romance with your wife that will definitely win her over.

32. Play footsie

Usually, dinner is just dinner. Your lady loves it when you change things up a bit. When she least expects it, slowly slide your foot over and see what happens. She may jump at first, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t welcome a little more.

33. Take a romantic walk

How often do you and your lady just leave the house and walk hand in hand for no other reason than to spend time together? She’ll love that one-on-one time with you. The fact that you thought of it and wanted to do that with her will definitely win her over.

34. Turn on a chick flick and snuggle

Your lady may give you a look of shock when you turn on a chick flick—after all, it’s called a chick flick for a reason—but she won’t be able to resist sitting down and watching it with you. And then snuggling. Just don’t fall asleep!

35. Pick up her favorite treat

What treat does she often buy for herself? Pay attention! If your lady is having a bad day, or you just want to be romantic, stop on the way home and buy it for her. After dinner, surprise her with it. She’ll love your thoughtfulness. 

36. Plan a picnic

There is just something about a picnic! What’s not to love? Yummy picnic food, wine, a sunny day, a big tree, and a beautiful setting. 

Be sure to bring a super comfy picnic blanket for you both to share. She’ll feel special that you went out of your way to get all the food ready and pick out a spot just for the two of you.

37. Give her a massage

You can’t go wrong by offering your lady a massage! In addition to making her back feel better and her body more relaxed, she’ll enjoy being touched by you in such a sensual way. 

Hopefully, it’ll put her in a very romantic mood and lead to making love to your wife.

38. Slow dance to romantic music

You probably don’t get many opportunities to slow dance with your wife, but why wait? Just turn on some romantic tunes, take her by the hand, and lead her into a slow dance. 

You don’t have to be a great dancer to slow dance—you just have to want to hold her close. She’ll feel the romance from head to toe.

39. Have a make-out session

If you wonder how to romance your wife sexually, understand that couples tend to make out often when they first get together, but then the make-out sessions tend to fizzle out as time goes on. She definitely misses it. 

So jump in the car, find a secluded spot where you won’t be bothered, and have an honest-to-goodness make-out session. It’ll definitely win her over.

40. Spend lots of time on foreplay

Rather than getting to the main event in between the sheets, spend your sweet time pleasing your lady with lots and lots of foreplay. You can’t get much more romantic than that.

Commonly asked questions

Here are the answers to some pressing questions that can provide you with further clarity about the things that you can do to make your partner feel special:

• How to be romantic on a budget?

Romance doesn’t require lavish spending. Plan a picnic in the park, cook a special homemade meal, or create a heartfelt, handwritten letter. Thoughtful gestures and quality time together can be more romantic than extravagant gifts, making romance accessible even on a tight budget.

• How to be romantic with a busy wife?

Recognize her commitments and support her. Surprise her with breakfast in bed, leave sweet notes, or schedule a surprise date night to maximize your limited time. Show understanding and appreciation for her hectic schedule, demonstrating that you value your relationship amid her busyness.

• How to be romantic with a wife who doesn’t like grand gestures?

Respect her preferences by focusing on subtle, meaningful acts. Share quiet, quality moments, express affection through small gestures, or engage in activities she enjoys. Your consideration and attention to her comfort zone will foster a romantic connection.

• How to be romantic with a wife who is going through a tough time?

Offer unwavering support and empathy. Listen actively, provide comfort, and assist with tasks. Surprise her with acts of kindness, like running errands or preparing her favorite comfort food. Your understanding and compassion can provide solace and strengthen your bond during difficult times.

• How to be romantic with a wife who is no longer attracted to me?

Open communication is crucial. Discuss feelings honestly, seeking to understand her perspective. Work together to reignite the spark through shared activities, counseling, or rediscovering what initially drew you together. Show patience, respect her boundaries, and make consistent efforts to rebuild trust and attraction in your relationship.

Watch this video to learn more about the science of attraction:

Bottom line

Romance in a marriage is a dynamic, evolving journey that requires effort, adaptability, and, above all, a deep understanding of your partner’s unique desires and needs. While these heartfelt ideas offer a plethora of ways to kindle the romantic flame, it’s crucial to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. 

The key to a truly romantic connection lies in the empathy and emotional attunement you bring to your relationship. 

Listen, communicate, and be willing to explore new avenues of connection, always keeping the flame of love and intimacy alive. In the end, it’s the genuine, heartfelt gestures that make romance truly flourish in a marriage.

Try these easy ways to be romantic to your wife every day and watch your relationship go from strong to stronger. Hope the ideas mentioned above give you some great tips on how to be romantic to your wife.

Want a healthier, happier relationship - one step at a time?

Take Our Marriage Course

Marriage.com Assessment

What Help Does Your Relationship Need Most Right Now Quiz

Reviewed byJennifer Jacobsen Schulz, LCSW

Backed by relationship science and evidence-based psychology, this assessment helps identify the area of your relationship that deserves the most attention right now, whether things feel strong or slightly off. Research shows that even healthy relat...

Questions: 20 | Last updated: Jan 23, 2026

Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

Take the Quiz Now

Tips

Write your tip or submit a video tip

All tips are reviewed before the publishing.

You are: Reader Expert

Upload a Video Tip

>

Add your profile photo

Note - JPG, JPEG, PNG or GIF Max file 100Kb

Submit

We appreciate you sharing a tip for review!

Write Another Tip

Sylvia Smith Author

Sylvia Smith loves to share insights on how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. As a writer at Marriage.com, she is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt this principle... Read more in their lives too. Sylvia believes that every couple can transform their relationship into a happier, healthier one by taking purposeful and wholehearted action. Read less