I want to admit that there is nothing “romantic” about bringing home a paycheck, doing housework, or raising children. There is nothing fun about caring for a sick partner or dealing with the grief of loss. It is not at all romantic to stay in a relationship that would be much easier to give up. However, all this testifies to love in its deepest form. Romance can be created at any time by anyone, but true love can only be achieved through the couple's determination and hard work.

Love doesn't mean sex.
Sex can be romantic. Solomon said, “These are three things that are inexplicable to me, even four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man to a maiden” (Proverbs 30:18-19). Consider what Solomon described: when a girl first becomes intimate with her husband, he should be gentle, patient, and unselfish with her. He can't think only about himself. He needs to be gentle with her, relax her, and to do this he needs to make her feel safe.

Obviously, a married woman is no longer a virgin, but the need to feel that her partner cares about her and that she is safe with him during intimacy are things that she needs to experience throughout her marriage. It is very beautiful to appreciate the body of your beloved, look into her eyes and whisper to her something beautiful and intimate. The intimacy and connection that comes from intimate relationships is supernatural when within God's prescribed boundaries.

But sex can also be very unromantic - selfish, one-sided and cold. If one of the partners transforms the purpose of sexual intercourse into satisfying their own pleasures, this kills the romance. Many women who are treated this way will have forced sex or use it as a negotiating tool. By doing so, neither partner will enjoy the lasting benefits of intimacy.

Another aspect related to this topic is the “romance for sex” schema. This understanding implies the following: “I offer you something romantic, and you offer me sex instead.” If there is this reason behind a romantic gesture, your partner will reveal it sooner or later. In this case, the actions are manipulative, not romantic.

Thank you for your attention, I hope this topic will be of interest to you and relevant at all times. Your Albina.