Everyone knows the saying, “chivalry is dead,” but Valentine’s Day seems to be the exception; filled with couples going out to a fancy dinner and buying each other chocolates and cute stuffed animals. Everyone is feeling the romance. But what happens to the love and romance after Valentine’s Day? Sure, it still might be there, but why is it that only one day of the year we feel the need to extravagantly shower our significant others with expensive gifts and romantic gestures? Being romantic every other day that isn’t Valentine’s Day is not that hard, in fact it’s quite simple. Here are some ways to keep that romance alive and have your partner feeling special not just on one day of the year, but every day:

1. Homemade gifts

Anyone can buy someone candy or a necklace, but to actually create a gift, that shows effort and is extremely thoughtful. Homemade gifts mean so much more because not only was it a creative idea you came up with but it takes time to make them. By showing that you put thought and time into something to give to your partner, whether it’s for their birthday or for Christmas, is pretty romantic. Even better is surprising them with a homemade gift on a day that isn’t a holiday or special occasion. That smile of surprise when you give it to them on a random day will definitely be worth it. Get creative with the gifts too! Especially if you have a talent such as playing guitar, write and play them a song instead of buying them an iTunes card, or if you sew knit them a beanie instead of buying them one.

2. Communication

One of the most important and yes, romantic, things you can do for your partner. This is such a simple thing and you might be thinking well this is obvious, but honestly most relationships end because of poor communication. People are not mind readers so you don’t expect your partner to know how you are feeling or what you want, tell them! Along with communication is listening, something that a lot of people forget to do in general, everyone is listening for when they can talk next. Really listen to your partner and remember the little things, they really are what matter most.

3. Activities

Netflix and chill might be fun and all, but where is the thrill in it? If money is not an issue then go out and DO things with your partner, like rock climbing or karaoke. If money is an issue than go for a walk or bike, you could even find a free event to go to in town! Just do something together, doesn’t have to be every day of the week, but a burst of spontaneity every once in a while, its pretty romantic to connect with your partner in different activities.

4. Take care of them.

This one is also simple enough but when your partner isn’t feeling too well whether it is cramps or the flu, take care of them. It’s very romantic when someone cares about you and genuinely wants to make you feel better. Make a sick kit, fill it with their favorite flavor of cough drops, some tissues, and some chicken noodle soup. Again, it really is that effort that is the basis for being romantic, small gestures like running to the store to get them their favorite flavor of tea especially when they don’t ask you to, is a small romantic gesture that goes a long way.

5. Cook

Cooking your partner a meal, especially for no occasion at all is super romantic. It is even more romantic if you aren’t the best cook in the world because what matters is that you took the time out of your day to do something sweet for your significant other. Make it even more romantic by making it a picnic, eating in a fort, or setting the table in a fancy way.

6. Compliments

Compliments like, “you’re amazing,” and even, “you’re so beautiful,” get old and almost don’t seem genuine after awhile. Mix it up by really telling your partner what it is exactly that makes them amazing or beautiful. Is it the way their eyes shine in the sunlight and the tiny freckles that cover their nose that makes them beautiful? Is it their sense of humor and ability to always make you feel better no matter what that makes them amazing? Get creative and really mean what you say while trying to find different ways to compliment your partner. Telling your significant other that they make your heart jump with excitement by just being in the same room with them might be cheesy, but it sure is more romantic then, “you make me happy.”