Romance: Love it? Hate it? Want more of it?

Slumdog Millionaire. Better Than Chocolate. The Princess Bride. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Wall-E. Such different films, yet romance is a vital force in all of them.

Romance can make you swoon when it’s smoldering hot or recoil when it’s schmaltzy. If you’ve tasted it, you probably want more. If you haven’t, we can help. And if you hate it, well, we promise not to make you watch Titanic in an attempt to melt your cold, cold heart. (Just kidding! Your heart is perfect as is and romance isn’t for everyone.)

First, let’s define it. Romance is a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love. It is often associated with being courted or wooed and it can include grand gestures of affection and adoration.

Never had it
If you’ve casually dated but haven’t experienced a lot of romance—and you want to—it might be time to admit you’re ready for love or a more serious relationship. eHarmony suggests you avoid dating these types if you want to find a romantic match. Oprah suggests a magic love list. And Wired’s infographic will help you create the perfect online dating profile.

Don’t like it
Hey, romance isn’t for everyone. You don’t have to be romantic to have an amazing and fulfilling relationship. Hell, you don’t even have to have an amazing or fulfilling relationship at all. Just stay healthy, be true to yourself, and if you’re having sex, we hope you use the most effective birth control available and always protect yourself from STIs.

Want more of it
One quick Google search will deliver a million ways to add romance to your life. Sex therapists, bloggers, married people… they all kind of say the same thing. Spend more time with your partner. Do nice things for them. (And sensual things too.) Touch more. Resent less. PsychCentral has 15 ideas to keep romance alive. Cosmo has 23 ways. And Love Actually has hundreds of ideas for romance on a budget.

Here’s one last thing to consider
Women into romance or erotic novels have 74% more sex than those who don’t read those kinds of books. And in addition to having more sex, they’re also having more playful sex. So, perhaps a new romance novel might be a good way to kick off your weekend? If you have any suggestions for a hot little page-turner, please post them in the comments.

XOXO,
Bedsider

P.S. Did you know we have an entire section devoted to questions about birth control? Find the answers you’re looking for.