ROMANCE IS DIFFERENT TO ME NOW.
When I was young, I used to dream of fairytale romances. A prince charming sweeping me off my feet and we live happily ever after, where every day felt sweet.
After being married for 10 years, it is easy to forget that there was a period of time I had butterflies in my stomach. We texted all day long, we looked forward to meeting each other at the next date, we hugged for a long time at every good bye. That once upon a time, even if it was not like a TV romance, it was romantic too.
10 years on (plus some years of dating), a steadfast love feels much more "romantic" to me. It is easier to be swept off your feet than to be held on to when it does not come without its weight.
Sure, there are times we quarrel and get upset with each other, but we never choose to walk away.
Sure, there are times of disagreement and we argue, but we never gave up on each other.
Sure, there are times we didnt feel like talking, but we still cooked for each other or folded each other's clothes.
Sure, there are times we watch TV together without talking much, but we rather do it together than on our own.
Sure, there are times we step on each other's toes, but we rather be annoyed by the other, than be without one another.
In the movies, fairytale romances that make you gush seem perfect, two perfectly insync people coming together, but I think there is something special in two imperfect people coming together working through challenges come what may, and choosing to fight for each other even when it feels difficult. That bothering to quarrel at all means you care. And then caring enough to repair and reconnect. Putting in effort to remind each other that you are on the same team even when there is friction because the love you have is worth fighting for.
So in my mid thirties now, I feel that when we make the choice easily to stay even when things are not easy is the greatest romance of all.
I love you and choose you still, happy valentines day. Hahaha
And yes, in the photoshoot, J was busy playing and didnt want photos so we thought ok we take hahaha. And when we kissed, this kpo came over to split us up 😂😂😂
Having been through over 10 years of marriage myself, I can truly relate to how romance transforms with time. When you first start dating, everything feels fresh and exciting—your heart races, and every moment seems magical. But as the years pass, the initial whirlwind of emotions settles, and what remains is something deeper and more rewarding. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that romance isn’t only about grand gestures or constant excitement; it’s in the everyday choices. Like cooking a meal together when one of you is tired, folding each other’s laundry quietly to show care, or watching TV side by side even when there’s no conversation. These small acts embody a commitment to stay connected. Disagreements are inevitable, but what matters is the way couples handle them. It’s comforting to realize that quarrels mean you care enough to engage and that the effort to reconcile strengthens the bond. This echoes the author’s point that being annoyed by your partner is better than being without them. I also find that over time, genuine romance is about choosing each other daily, especially when life gets tough. It’s no longer about being 'swept off your feet' but about holding on through the storms, rebuilding trust, and reaffirming love. The notion of romance as presented in fairy tales often overlooks this reality. Imperfections and challenges don’t diminish love; they highlight its resilience. Celebrating these moments—like the playful interruptions during a photoshoot—reminds us that love is a shared adventure, full of surprises and joy. Ultimately, the greatest romance in a long-term marriage is the decision to stay, support, and grow together through all phases of life. It’s a beautiful, imperfect journey where love matures into something truly lasting.
