I don't believe there is one most romantic act that a guy can do;

"I don't believe there is one most romantic act that a guy can do; I think it is all about the couple in question, which totally differs. It's about you thinking about the person you are with and doing something tailored and thoughtful for them." These wise words from Roxanne McKee speak to the heart of what true romance is—a reflection of personal connection and thoughtful attention to the uniqueness of the bond shared between two individuals. In a world often overwhelmed by grand gestures and cinematic displays of love, McKee reminds us that the most powerful romantic acts are those that speak to the individuality of the relationship, tailored to the personal connection and deep understanding between the two people involved. Romance is not defined by a universal standard, but by the understanding of what matters most to the one you love.

The ancient philosophers knew that love and romance were not one-size-fits-all. The great Plato wrote extensively in his Symposium about the various forms of love and how each one manifests differently depending on the individuals involved. There is no single ideal form of love, nor is there a singular romantic act that can encapsulate the vastness of human emotion. Each soul is unique, each relationship shaped by the nuances of its partners. In the Symposium, Plato explores love as a deeply personal and transformative force, one that connects individuals in a way that can’t be defined by general rules. McKee’s reflection mirrors this idea: romance is not about following a script, but about understanding the deeper, more personal needs of the one you love and responding with a thoughtful and intentional gesture.

In ancient Rome, the poet Ovid offered insights into love and romance that resonate with McKee’s perspective. His Ars Amatoria (The Art of Love) guides lovers through the art of courtship, not with formulas for success, but with an understanding that love is dynamic and requires attention to the unique qualities of the individual. In Ovid's work, the ideal lover is one who is adaptable, perceptive, and ready to tailor their actions to the needs and desires of their partner. True romance, according to Ovid, is born from this attentive understanding and personal connection, not from performing generic gestures that may not resonate with the one you seek to love.

Consider the real-life story of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. Their relationship was not built on grand gestures, but on the deep understanding and personal connection that they shared. Despite facing immense pressures from the outside world, including the intense burdens of war and politics, Lincoln often expressed his love for Mary Todd through simple, intimate acts of care. He would write her thoughtful letters, full of his own reflections and support, offering her a personal connection that went beyond the world’s expectations of a public figure. This kind of romantic gesture was not about fulfilling a conventional idea of romance but was deeply tailored to their bond, showing thoughtfulness and understanding. Their love, though imperfect, was meaningful because it was founded on a deep personal connection that was expressed through individual, heartfelt actions.

This idea of tailored romance is a lesson for all who seek to love authentically. It is not about performing romantic acts to fulfill a cultural standard, but about responding to the needs of your partner with intention and care. Think not of what you have seen in movies or read in novels, but of what your partner values most deeply—the small, tender acts that reflect your knowledge of who they are. Roxanne McKee teaches us that romance is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but a journey that requires patience, attention, and a deep understanding of the one you love.

In your own life, consider this: love is not about the grand gestures, but the thoughtful, intentional actions that show the depth of your connection. Whether it is a simple note, a shared moment of laughter, or a quiet understanding in times of stress, the greatest acts of romance are those that reflect the essence of who you and your partner are. Seek to understand what makes your partner feel seen, appreciated, and loved. Respond not with the most grandiose gestures, but with the most personal and meaningful ones, for that is where true romance lies.

In the end, romance is not an outward display for the world to see—it is a personal language between two people who understand each other. Just as the ancients knew, and as Roxanne McKee reflects, romance is a deeply personal expression, shaped by the unique bond between individuals. So, let your acts of love be as unique as the love you share. Let them be tailored, thoughtful, and above all, true to the person you hold dear.