Romantic Living 101: Introducing How to Live a More Romantic Life

One of our focuses here at The Silver Petticoat Review is Romantic Living.

But what does Romantic Living mean? It is easy to imagine romantic in an amorous way. However, Romantic Living is more of a lifestyle and a way of looking at the world than romantic love (though appreciating authentic romance can be a part of it).  

You may take the time to appreciate nature all around you, never give up on your dreams, find beauty in the mundane, or believe in kindred spirits.

RELATED: What is Creativity and How to Be More Creative In Your Own Life

Romantic Living focuses on authentic emotion and optimism in a troubled world.

To better explain, I will quote a segment of Modern Romanticism 101. It reads:

---

Let’s look at romantic vs. Romantic. According to the English Oxford Dictionary:

romantic:

1.1 (of a person) readily demonstrating feelings of love.

‘he’s very handsome, and so romantic’

1.2 Relating to love…

‘romantic fiction’

2 Of, characterized by, or suggestive of an idealized view of reality.

‘a romantic attitude toward the past’

Romantic: Relating to or denoting the artistic and literary movement of Romanticism.

‘the Romantic tradition’

---

Romantic Living relates to definition two: “of, characterized by, or suggestive of an idealized view of reality” and “a romantic attitude toward the past.”

Another definition from Merriam-Webster describes romantic as “marked by the imaginative or emotional appeal of what is heroic, adventurous, remote, mysterious, or idealized.”

Now, when we say “idealized” or “romanticized,” we do not see it negatively. Instead, we see finding beauty in the world, no matter how hard life gets, as an optimistic way of dealing with adversity.

Think Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables or even the Doctor in Doctor Who choosing to look to the stars, make a difference, and go on adventures.

Rose Tyler in Doctor Who says:

“It was a better life. I don’t mean all the traveling and seeing aliens and spaceships and things that don’t matter. The Doctor showed me a better way of living your life. You know he showed you, too. That you don’t just give up. You don’t just let things happen. You make a stand. You say no. You have the guts to do what’s right when everyone else just runs away!”

We still believe “romance,” in the traditional use of the word, can be a part of Romantic Living. Maybe it means believing in authentic romance and chivalrous love. Or that reading a romance novel or watching a rom-com is lovely!

Even if you’re single (like us!), you can still be a “romantic.” I’d argue Louisa May Alcott was a “romantic,” who loved writing sensation novels but was also single and loved “paddling” her own canoe and going on adventures.  

Romantic Living also includes the most inspirational aspects of the Romantic Movement.

ROMANTIC LIVING CHARACTERISTICS

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.

Anne Frank

So, without further ado, this is a list of some of the characteristics of Romantic Living (choose which ones work for you – individuality is, after all, of utmost importance!):

• Seek out authentic emotion and use one’s intuition.
• Embrace artistic expression and passion.
• Discover your true self and personal style.
• Have an interest in spirituality, truth, mythology, or the supernatural; discover your personal beliefs – whatever they are.
• Welcome individualism (Jane Eyre is a fantastic fictional character who practices this trait), but don’t be narcissistic.
• Have a love of nature, beauty, and the stars; connect to the Earth and animals in an uplifting way. (IE, taking care of the planet, using cleaner beauty products, going on daily walks, volunteering to help animals at a shelter, cuddling with puppies, or doing yoga on the beach. The ideas are limitless.)
• Learn from your childhood.
• Recognize the importance of imagination and creativity; Be a creator of whatever inspires you. (IE: Write that great novel you have always wanted to, start that podcast on your mind, or create a safe space for the people in your life.)
• Believe in equality. With Romantic Living, we can recognize that we are all the same. Embrace diversity and other cultures and people with differing beliefs. Learn about them – listen to their stories.
• Embrace empathy. 
• Make a difference, have charity, stand up for your beliefs, fight for the underdogs, etc.
• Appreciate the romance of the past. Maybe you appreciate vintage decor, love Old Hollywood glamour, vintage fashion, old houses, and antiques, or are fascinated by genealogy, folklore, classic fairy tales, history, classics, art, architecture, anthropology, period dramas, and more.
• Appreciate optimism.
• Believe in “real” romance but also appreciate (whether you’re a fan or not) romantic fiction and other uplifting entertainment (whether commercial, escapist, or literary/artistic).
• Enjoy movies, books, and shows with aspects of Romantic Living that can inspire you in your own lives.
• For that matter, don’t forget to read books – whatever you love and enjoy. We each connect to different types of books and writers for a reason.
• Believe in kindred spirits and make healthy connections to others around you.
• Find beauty everywhere – even in the mundane.
• Be an ethical, kind-hearted, and humble leader.
• Practice self-care if possible (IE, meditation, qigong, exercise, eating healthy food, etc.).
• Have a love of travel and a taste for adventure.
• Be a romantic rebel and fight for a life of authenticity and meaning. 

Again, Romantic Living means different things to different people. But to us, it’s a combination of imagination, idealism, optimism, authenticity, creativity, adventure, beauty, and, yes, a little bit of romance.

So, find the characteristics that work for you, be a romantic rebel, and create a beautiful life.

THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW MANIFESTO

To summarize our feelings about Romantic Living on The Silver Petticoat Review, check out our Manifesto above. (If you subscribe to our newsletter, we will send you a free HD copy to download.)

You can also read more about the inspiration behind it in our article: Our New Manifesto: How to Live a More Imaginative, Romantic Life.

So, that covers Romantic Living 101. What does Romantic Living mean to you? How are you a Romantic Rebel? Let us know!

---

Disclosure/Disclaimer: This post is only for informational purposes. If you use any information or content from our website, you use them at your own risk, and we cannot be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the use of any advice or information from The Silver Petticoat Review.

---

MORE ROMANTIC LIVING: