I consider myself to be a pretty old-fashioned kind of girl.

I still like books in paper form and I have yet to acquire my first smartphone (and, yes, I’m still in my 30s).

I like quiet nights with glasses of wine and evening, starlit talks. Jewelry? Yes, sure. Fancy trip? Why not. Yet, to me at least, these things don’t make up or equal real romance.

So, from my old-fashioned heart to yours, here are 15 (free) ways to woo your ideal prospect, free of charge—but a little effort may be required.

1. Write a love letter. 

Cliché? Yes. Appreciated? Always.

2. Make dinner.

Preferably your special someone’s favorite foods.

3. Take a walk outside.

No matter where my husband and I have lived—New Mexico, Ohio or Pennsylvania—we’ve always found a place to get outside, get moving and…

4. Hold hands.

Sometimes the smallest gestures are the greatest.

5. Go to the planetarium.

It’s nerdy good fun—and quite romantic.

6. Ask your partner about their dreams—and then listen.

Enough said.

7. Be polite. 

We’re often more polite to strangers than we are to the people we share our lives with.

8. Wear something nice.

Do you get home…just to get into your pj’s? At least every now and then, make sure you still dress up.

9. Read together.

Yes, the same book. Take turns being the person who reads aloud.

10. Go on an adventure.

For me, backpacking with my husband has always fit this bill, but for you it might be taking an overnight trip or even a class together.

11. Watch the rain.

There’s something cleansing and healing about rain—and there’s certainly something romantic about cozying up to your favorite person while it’s pouring.

12. Go to the art museum.

You don’t have to be a professional art critic to enjoy your local museum. Bonus: you’ll often find that museums offer special evenings and events on Fridays and weekends.

13. Play a game.

My husband used to ask me regularly on Friday nights if I wanted to “go to the bar”—the “bar” being our dining room table with trivial pursuit laid out. Honestly, if you can’t remember the last time you played a simple board game, well, then what are you waiting for?

14. Smooch.

This is especially true if you’re in a long-term relationship because kissing is another thing that many couples sadly stop doing. Once you start, you’ll wonder why you ever stopped.

15. Say “I love you”—and mean it.

Photo: Daniella Aguayo/Flickr.

This article was first published by elephant journal.

The post 15 (Free) Ways to Romance Every Lover. first appeared on Jennifer S. White.