Ever since we were allowed to pursue love, more or less, freely, in the 18th century, each new decade brought something new to dating and courtship.
But before texting and Snapchat took over, people had their own charming, heartfelt ways of showing how much they cared.
These old-school moves are pure magic; they’re filled with sincerity and nostalgia.
So, let’s remember 12 timeless ways to say “I love you” that still make our hearts flutter!
1. Love Letters
There’s something so special and romantic about a handwritten letter.
Sitting down with paper and pen, pouring your feelings out, and then waiting for your partner to read it is the definition of old-school romance.
Love letters are keepsakes, tiny pieces of your soul that your partner can revisit anytime and reminisce.
They can be hidden in books, or drawers, or under the pillow.
They’re absolutely timeless. And what sets them apart most from your regular text message is the effort; the fact that you sat down, and took the time to express how much you care.
And unlike texts, once you’ve sent it, you can’t take it back.
2. Radio Confessions
Back in the day, confessing your feelings over the radio was the ultimate romantic gesture.
Imagine turning on your favorite station, hearing your date professing his feelings for the whole world to hear. It was ousado and totally adorável!
And there were ways to ser criativo with it; you could read poetry for someone or play their favorite song before confessing.
It took real guts to put yourself out there on-air, but that’s exactly what made it special.
It was a public declaration of love. It feels like a scene straight out of a cheesy (in the best way) romance movie.
3. Keeping Each Other’s Photos in a Locket Necklace
Honestly, it’s kind of hard to imagine, but back in the day, lovers had to go weeks without talking to or seeing each other – but they had a way of keeping each other close to heart.
Many couples kept a small photo of each other in a locket necklace. It was a sweet and intimate keepsake.
Every time they looked at it, they remembered their partner’s smile and their promises to each other.
Lockets were sometimes handed down through generations, making them even more special.
This little trinket became a symbol of love, a tangible reminder of a connection that stood the test of time and obstacles.
4. Writing Poems to One Another
In older days, couples would craft beautiful verses and dedicate them to one another.
While not all were equally talented, at the time, people read much more classic literature than we do today, so they could borrow from it.
Whether it was a espontâneo poem or a carefully crafted sonnet, they captured feelings that words sometimes couldn’t.
And, once more, the effort and time put into them was what ultimately made them special, even when the poems themselves turned out clumsy.
Some lovers kept their poems secret, or exchanged them during special moments.
É um intemporal way to confess your feelings, and something you can cherish forever.
5. Handmade Items
Old-school romance often involved a lot of DIY stuff, like knitted sweaters, scarves, or gloves.
The warmth of an item that was crafted with love – with only you in mind – hits different. These gifts were not only practical, but they also symbolized the maker’s devotion.
Ladies often gifted knitted items and embroidery, while gentlemen crafted various trinkets of wood and other materials.
Giving or receiving a handmade gift is one of the most touching gestures I can imagine.
It’s a tangible way to express your feelings, full of warmth and sinceridade.
6. Dedicated Courtship
Before hook-up culture and dating apps, courtship meant taking your time while getting to know someone.
It involved intentional gestures like long walks, small gifts, and deep conversations.
People showed their interest through actions, and used the time of courtship to create the foundation for a relationship.
This old-school approach often meant going steady for months, allowing love to develop naturally, before taking the next step.
It was a simple and sincere way to build a lasting connection.
That kind of dedication made everything feel more special and real. It’s truly sad that we seem to have lost that kind of patience almost entirely when it comes to love.
7. Inviting Each Other to Dance
Dancing is incredibly romantic, and inviting someone to dance was a clear way to show your interest.
It could be a formal dance hall or a party; it was the perfect way for two people to ligar and test their chemistry in a proper way.
You could not just appear behind someone at a club and start moving against them. Asking someone to dance was actually a vulnerável gesture; you could always get turned down.
Dancing together creates a sense of intimacy and love that few other things can match.
Even today, it can turn a regular night into something special.
It’s a timeless way to let someone know how you feel without having to say a word.
8. Serenades
Serenading was the move of all moves when it comes to old-school romance.
Standing under someone’s window, singing to them is a very vulnerable position to put yourself in, but it sends a beautiful message: “You’re worth it.”
Serenades were a symbol of passion, and they counted among the moments that lovers would remember forever.
Some people performed their own songs, making it even more special.
It’s a classic romantic gesture that’s still heartwarming.
9. Buying Flowers
Flowers are given for special occasions today, too, though back in the day, they were a staple of romance.
You wouldn’t come to a date without bringing your partner either a box of chocolates or flowers.
This sweet habit showed affection without words.
The type of flower would be chosen based on the meaning you were going for: red roses for passion, lilies for purity, daisies for innocence.
It’s a simple gesture that made the other person feel special, which is why it never went out of style.
Flowers have always been called nature’s love letters, and it’s easy to see why.
10. CDs With Song Compilations
In the 80s, 90s and 2000s, CDs were a go-to choice when it came to media like music, videos, and games.
Lovers put a personal spin on it by creating a mix CD with all the songs that reminded them of their significant other.
Each track was chosen with care, and if you were feeling creative, you could even write them notes with time stamps to point out exactly which parts of the songs reminded you of them.
It was a lovely way to communicate feelings through music, which words couldn’t always get right.
Downloading and burning these songs on a CD could take a while, which only adds to the beauty of this gesture.
These nostalgic mixtapes still hold a special place in many hearts.
11. Long Conversations on a Landline Phone
Not too long ago, one phone per person was not a thing; one phone per household was.
Long conversations between lovers while they each stood by the phone, twirling the curly cord, were incredibly charming.
People were much more used to actually speaking on the phone rather than texting, so they would talk for hours.
Sometimes, people even stayed up all night, talking or just quietly enjoying the presence of the other.
These calls built intimacy and trust among couples.
And they weren’t without effort either! Sometimes, you had to go to war with your siblings over whose turn it was to use the phone.
It was an earnest and loving way to stay in contact despite the distance.
12. Being Straightforward About Going Steady
Just a few decades ago, going steady was a natural part of dating. If you spent a lot of time with someone, flirted, or held hands, it was a given that you were actually together.
None of this “we’re just hanging out” nonsense was tolerated. If either person was reluctant to make it official, the other would simply leave.
The expectations were much different, and certain standards were higher than today.
Clarity was a given when it came to love, which is why relationships felt much safer and stronger back in the day.
A little Aquarius, devoted to writing and embroidery. Through my writing, I hope to empower readers to align with their true selves and navigate life’s mysteries with confidence.