How-To

21 Ways To Romanticize Your Life Realistically

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How To Romanticize Your Life Realistically In 21 Ways

Do you have those days where everything just feels a bit... blah? Sometimes, life can seem pretty ordinary. But here’s the thing: even amid the daily grind and monotonous routine, you can romanticize your life.

I’m pretty chill and introverted and love the appeal of a laidback lifestyle. But every now and then, I crave a bit of excitement, too. (Must be why I’m always lost in the pages of books).

Romanticizing your life is not about grand gestures and luxurious vacations. It’s about finding joy in the small stuff, turning every day into something special. 

This creature of habit will share 21 easy ways to romanticize your everyday life realistically (no partner needed). 

What Does It Mean to Romanticize Your Life?

Life’s not a reality show, but you can be the star. Keep that main character energy.

Hold on, before you picture me skipping down the street with a flower crown, hear me out.

Romanticizing life isn’t about pretending everything’s sunshine and butterflies. Because it isn’t. 

It’s about appreciating the good stuff, the little victories and big moments, alongside the not-so-great.

Romanticizing your life could be as simple as savoring the latte art on your favorite coffee, the comfort of fresh sheets, and belly laughs with loved ones. The simple joys!

Life isn’t a perfectly curated social media feed, but it can be a pretty darn good story.

Crank up the soundtrack of your life and get ready to take center stage. 

young brunette woman listening to music in her headset lying on the bed

21 Ways To Romanticize Your Life Realistically

You don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket to romanticize your life. Nor do you need a partner to do it. Here are 21 ways to add more romance to your boring life and keep that main character energy:

  1. Dine on beautiful dishes: Don't wait for your next party to use your favorite China. Sip coffee from an elegant cup or enjoy a glass of wine from exquisite stemware. Infusing beauty into simple everyday nourishment and hydration can transform them into joyful experiences.
  2. Embrace nature: Spend time outdoors or near a window. Take a walk in the park. Have a picnic by a river. Visit a botanical garden (or start your own). Sit outside and listen to the birds chirping. Nature has a calming effect and can help you feel connected to the world around you.
  3. Create morning and evening routines you love: Start your day with a peaceful and enjoyable routine. This could be a leisurely breakfast, doing light stretches, relaxing before bed, or journaling your thoughts and intentions for the day.
  4. Practice gratitude: Start your day by expressing gratitude for the simple things. Ground yourself, feel the sheets on your legs, and breathe silently before reaching for your phone or diving into work.
  5. Read books: Immerse yourself in literature. Reading allows you to escape into different worlds. Living vicariously through the main character gives you a dash of romance too. Or learn from non-fiction books.

    Asian woman wearing pink reading a book by her window overlooking trees

  6. Listen to soft music: Create playlists with soothing tunes. Music has the power to evoke emotions like nostalgia and enhance your mood.
  7. Treat yourself to luxurious sleep: Use comfortable bedding, like satin sheets. Quality sleep contributes to a more romantic lifestyle.
  8. Be intentional with self-care: I call Sunday my Pamper Day. It’s when I really take time to take care of my body and soul. I scrub, massage my scalp with oil, massage my face—you get the picture. Sometimes, I spend the whole day just reading a swoony romance novel. Allocate time for self-care, hobbies, and relaxation. Prioritize what brings you joy.
  9. Cook candlelit dinners for yourself: Prepare your meal with care and attention. Use fresh ingredients, try new recipes, and set a beautiful table for yourself with candles, soft music, and a delicious meal. Enjoy your own company and savor the flavors. If anyone deserves to be romanticized this way, it’s you.
  10. Write love letters to yourself: Put pen to paper and express your feelings. Remind yourself of your worth. I used to write letters for my future self or celebrate myself in the present through journaling and blogging.

    asian woman wearing pink hoodie writing on a paper in her home library

  11. Explore new hobbies: Discover activities that ignite your passion. Whether painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, engage in creative pursuits.
  12. Embrace silence and little pauses: Before the hustle and bustle of the day, take a moment of quiet. Breathe, feel the present, and appreciate the stillness.
  13. Take care of your space: While romanticizing often suggests love and relationships, it can also apply to how we approach our surroundings and daily experiences. Make your living environment a place you love. Decorate with items that make you happy and keep it clean and organized.
  14. Plan solo adventures: Plan outings or mini adventures for yourself. This doesn’t have to be grand. Visit museums, go to the cinema, explore a new part of your city, or take a solo day trip. The key is to see things from a fresh perspective and appreciate the luxury of enjoying these little things.
  15. Keep a gratitude journal: Write down things you are grateful for daily. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can enhance your overall well-being.
  16. Practice gentle exercise: Incorporate gentle exercise into your routine. This could be walking, yoga, or dancing around your living room. Physical activity releases endorphins and can improve your mood.

    blonde meditating in her backyard

  17. Cultivate relationships: While you may be focusing on enjoying time alone, maintaining connections with friends and family is essential. Schedule regular calls or meetups to share experiences and support each other.
  18. Soundtrack your chores: Blast your favorite empowering tunes while you conquer your to-do list.
  19. Dress up for no reason: I work remotely, so I can work in my pajamas. But I kid you not, sometimes I wear high heels inside the house. There are days when I also wear a pretty dress while doing the groceries. Ditch the sweats and throw on an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks—even if you’re just running errands for the day.
  20. Stargaze: Find a dark corner on your balcony or lie in comfortable blankets at the back of your truck. Spend some time gazing at the stars. Make a wish or just appreciate the vastness of the universe.
  21. Enjoy your drives: Whether you’re just on the way to the store or you’re sightseeing, play music you can sing along with—and sing your heart out. Drive with your windows open and feel the breeze (unless you live where I am right now, so it’s safer if you keep them closed). When possible, park and take in the view. 
beautiful young african american woman driving with her hood down

4 Benefits of Romanticizing Your Life

Is it good to romanticize your life? Absolutely! Life can get a little beige, and idealizing your life injects a shot of color. So grab your metaphorical paintbrush and paint your life in screaming colors.

  • Life filled with gratitude: When you focus on beauty daily (without glossing over the problems), you naturally become more grateful for the good stuff. That burnt toast becomes a chance to try a fancy new recipe, and rush-hour traffic becomes an opportunity to catch up on your favorite podcast. Granting you’re not late for an important meeting, of course. If that’s the case, maybe you can join via Zoom?
  • Boosts your mood: A positive outlook can do wonders for your happiness. By romanticizing your life, you’re training your brain to find joy in the little things, leading to a sunnier disposition.
  • Finding inner peace: Turning chores into self-care rituals (e.g., listening to jazz music or a fun podcast while you fold laundry) can add mindfulness and relaxation to your day. 
  • Sparks creativity: Inspiration strikes when you see the world with fresh eyes. Suddenly, your grocery list morphs into a culinary masterpiece in the making.
young red hair woman sitting in a dining table looking happy

4 Disadvantages of Romanticizing Your Life

While it sounds delightful, is romanticizing your life healthy in all aspects? Before you go overboard with the rose-colored glasses, beware of the downside of romanticizing your life:

  • Avoiding reality: Pretending everything’s perfect can make dealing with the tough stuff harder. Remember, it’s about appreciating the good alongside the bad, not ignoring the bad altogether.
  • Unrealistic expectations: You risk setting yourself up for disappointment if you constantly expect life to be picture-perfect. Real life has ups and downs. Not every moment can be enchanting.
  • Comparisons: Seeing others’ romanticized lives on social media can lead to unhealthy comparisons. Remember, people often showcase only the best parts of their lives online.
  • Neglecting Practicality: Focusing too much on making every moment special can sometimes mean neglecting practical needs or long-term goals. It’s crucial to find a balance.
blonde young woman looking out the window looking bored


So, is romanticizing a good thing? It could be, but like everything in life, the key is moderation. 

Keep your feet on the ground. Enjoy the beauty in the ordinary, but stay aware of the reality. 

Can romanticizing your life be a legit form of mindfulness?

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, appreciating and engaging with your surroundings and experiences without judgment.

  • Seeing the beauty in the mundane can help shift your mindset to a more positive outlook, like how mindfulness can enhance your overall mental well-being.
  • By focusing on and appreciating the present moment, romanticizing your life can reduce stress and anxiety, akin to the benefits of mindfulness meditation.

Quotes About Romanticizing Your Life

“Life is not meant to be lived in perpetual grayscale.”

“It is the little things that make life big.”

“Do not wait for the extraordinary moments to find your joy. Create them in the ordinary.”

“Even the dullest day has a golden lining if you look for it.”

“Life is a collection of moments. Make every one count.”

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucious

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” -  W.B. Yeats

Romanticize Your Life Aesthetics

Romanticize Your Life Aesthetics Collage


Life’s a Stage, You’re the Star!

Romanticizing your life is injecting a healthy dose of joy into your every day. Elevate your routine. Fall madly in love with yourself. Realize how blessed you are. In case you forget, you are lovely and deserve a realistically romantic life.

How to make life more romantic? Share your favorite tips and tricks in the comments.


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29 comments

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  1. Such wonderful ways to make your life fabulous. Love them all.

    Have a fabulous day and week, Lux. Hugs. ♥

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  2. Those are all good advices indeed.

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  3. It's been ages since I did any stargazing, so thank you for the reminder! Also thank you for sharing that beautiful WB Yeats quote, one for my mood board. :)

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  4. Romance is the real spice of life. Let there be more and more of that. Your post helps to add that spice to life.

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  5. That makes a lot of sense, always live life to the fullest and enjoy it!

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  6. Wonderful ideas to treat your self as a star each day ~ great post ~ hugs,

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  7. There are a lot of great suggestions here! I love to eat on my good dishes for no special reason.

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  8. Hi, Lux!

    This is a wonderful post, dear friend! Before I share my thoughts, I would like to fill you in on my new blogging policy. You might not know this, but late last summer I moved away from Florida and now reside back up north in the region where I was born and raised. This new chapter of my life has been accompanied by a new blogging policy. I have drastically reduced my blog presence, limiting myself to only three days of "active duty" per month so that I can devote more time to the upkeep of our new house. According to my policy and in the interest of conserving time, if a comment from a great friend like you is submitted after a current post has been running three days, I will refrain from replying to it, but nevertheless reciprocate by showing up at the friend's site and commenting on their latest post as I am doing now. It's not that I am ignoring your kind comment on my post. I read it and appreciate it. It is simply my way of not letting myself get drawn back into full time blogging in the middle of the month.

    This post of yours is filled with great ideas and advice. I love the concept of being the "star" of your own amazing story and acting accordingly. Practice self care. Treat yourself to special occasions. Clean up and dress up, for no other reason than to feel better about yourself. As I might have told you before, my dad wore a business suit almost every time he left the house. He enjoyed looking professional and I picked-up that trait from him. I have always felt better wearing a suit and tie. The other day when I visited the clinic for my monthly infusion, no fewer than than three nurses converged on me so that they could examine the bird pattern on my shirt. One of them remarked, "you always wear the nicest shirts!" That made me feel pretty doggone good. Notice and acknowledge all the special moments in your day, all the small victories, all the little gifts. Today, one the way back home in the car after running an errand, I came upon a small tortoise in the middle of the road, walking slowly from one side to the other. Realizing that he was in danger of being run over by a vehicle, I stopped my car, picked him up and placed him safely in the grass on the other side where he continued on his way toward the nearby woods. It was a lovely moment. It made my day. I make a habit of using music to empower myself and to help me exercise vigorously. Another worthwhile activity I recently adopted is learning the complete lyrics to some of my favorite boomer era oldies and singing the songs to myself as I go through the day. Memorizing the words to songs is a great mental exercise, and I have discovered to my delight that I have actually become a better singer by practicing the songs daily. Those are just some of my experiences related to your theme.

    Thank you again for coming to see me at Shady's Place, dear friend Lux. I'll have a new post up and running on June 22 and hope to connect with you again around that time.

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  9. Great advice, Lux! It's very interesting to read and follow all you have to say on romanticizing one's life. Thanks.

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  10. Great advice, Lux! It's interesting to read and follow all you have to say on Romanticizing one's life.

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  11. This is such a fun post. And I realized, I have a pretty romanticized life -- I do probably three quarters of these and now I think I'll practice on some of the others. Thanks for coming by today to my blog. I'm glad I read this one!

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  12. Thanks for the tips. I really, really need to put myself first MUCH more often than I do.

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  13. So much great advice to romanticize ones life but the advice here is so much more. It makes life more enjoyable and to that end happier which can be challenging these days. Thanks for the great advice.

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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  14. These are all wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing.

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  15. Some very good advice. I enjoyed reading this.

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  16. I love the idea of finding magic in everyday moments! It's so true that even small things can bring joy and excitement to life. Your perspective on romanticizing life is refreshing and inspiring. Thanks for sharing these simple yet impactful tips!
    Doris/ Pure Life Gem

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  17. Fantastic ways to enhance your life.
    Thank you for this post.

    Have a great weekend!

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  18. Fantastic ways to enhance your life.
    Thank you for this post.

    Have a great weekend!

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  19. this was magical read dear Lux and it adds light to my day and to my heart :)
    thanks for enlightening my heart with beautiful perspective which i seem to follow since some years unknowingly .the only one thing i miss is "writing letter to myself" :)
    i think i have developed sense of admiration for person i am because of the attitude i have for life and others around .it makes me feel serene that i am on the positive side of life for which i feel deeply grateful to Divine who blessed me with such humble approach .
    hugs and best wishes

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  20. "Embrace nature" -- this is so important! The weather around here is rarely nice, so I spend every good weather moment outside if I can. It makes a lot of difference in my life for sure.

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  21. There are some wonderful things on your list. I especially liked a few of them - Keep a gratitude journal. Nel started doing this awhile ago, and she seems more at peace since she started the journal. Enjoy your drives - I find so much peace in my car, listening to my favorite songs, and sometimes even praying while I visit nature. Embrace nature - that's a very important one I believe. Nature brings goodness to us in every way, and it's nice to spend some alone time as well. Practice gratitude - I read one time that grateful people are the happiest people. I believe that is true.

    Thank you for being such a positive person, and having much thankfulness in your life. You are a lovely person inside and out.

    ~Sheri

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  22. I love this post- it's beautiful advice, really. We could all do some romanticizing of our lives!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  23. Thanks for sharing the all great advice!

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  24. Love these tips and reminders. So many things to stop and appreciate throughout our days. I love my morning cup of coffee and I try to stop and enjoy nature multiple times a day. :) Hope you have a lovely weekend.

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  25. Some of those tips are nice.

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  26. It is those small changes that can help make a world of difference.

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