What does romance truly entail? As I journey through life, I find myself challenging the stereotypical notions of romance ingrained in my mind from a young age. Back then, romance seemed confined to grand gestures between a man and a woman deeply in love—multiple bouquets, rose petals, Lindt chocolates, and silver jewellery. It was an extravagant spectacle, mirroring scenes from romantic movies.
While I don’t dismiss the allure of such fairytale love, I’ve realised that romance encompasses so much more. According to Google, romance involves “a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love” and “a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life.”
Yes, romance is intertwined with love, but it’s not limited to romantic partners. It extends to the love of family, friends, siblings, and parents—the list is boundless. Moreover, romance is embedded in the quality of everyday life. I often find myself captivated by the romance of personal growth, the enchantment of deepening connections with friends, and the allure of drawing closer to God and His unfolding plans for me. Each day, with its highs and lows, becomes a source of continuous romance.
A 2023 article by the Washington Post caught my attention, noting that “55% of Gen Z and millennials say friendship is more important than a romantic relationship.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply—there is undeniable romance in the love shared with friends. To gain diverse perspectives on romance, I reached out to some Gen-Z friends and asked them what romance means to them.
“Romance is not one thing, but what matters is how you define it for yourself and not what you have been taught. For me, romance is my friends. I love my friends, and every day with them warms my heart,” shared Asanda, a friend from my primary school days.
Reflecting on her evolving view of romance, Asanda continued, “I had this one solid view for the longest time, but as I grew up, it changed. I guess it comes with growing up.”
My high school friend, Jane, added, “I don’t think romance is solely restricted to this grand scenario of chocolates and flowers. There’s romance and beauty in the mundane, too. For instance, I went to watch the sunset the other night, and it was romantic for me. Life is romance, too.”
As Jane wisely puts it, “It looks different every day, and that’s the beautiful thing about it.”
In challenging traditional notions of romance, we find it a multifaceted, ever-evolving concept. What does romance mean to you? Share your thoughts with us, and let’s continue redefining the romance narrative together.
How do you define romance in your life, and what everyday moments captivate your heart with excitement and mystery?