The most romantic thing a guy has ever done for me is starting a

"The most romantic thing a guy has ever done for me is starting a family. That's as romantic as it gets." These words spoken by Isla Fisher speak to a truth that transcends time and culture—the deepest form of romance is not found in fleeting gestures or grand displays, but in the profound commitment to build a life together, to create a family, and to nurture it with love and devotion. To Fisher, the act of starting a family is the culmination of love’s deepest expression—a shared vision, a partnership that grows and strengthens over time. It is a romantic act, not bound by the ephemeral, but by the enduring connection of two souls joined together in the act of creation and caretaking.

In the ancient world, love was often seen not just as an emotion, but as a sacred bond that shaped the future of families and communities. The very notion of romantic love was tied to the continuation of the lineage, the survival of the family, and the nurturing of future generations. Consider the story of Hercules, whose legendary feats were not merely for personal glory but to honor the family and the gods who shaped his destiny. His strength and courage, though unmatched, were often motivated by a love for his mother and the desire to prove his worth to the gods. Hercules understood that the true measure of romantic love lay in sacrifice and in the effort to build something lasting that would honor those who came before him and secure a future for those who would follow.

Similarly, in the tale of Penelope and Odysseus, the concept of romantic love transcends the realm of mere attraction or passion. The love between Odysseus and Penelope was one of steadfast commitment, formed through years of separation, hardship, and trials. Penelope, despite her longing, waited patiently for Odysseus to return from the Trojan War, while Odysseus embarked on a long journey home, driven by love and the thought of returning to his wife and child. Their love was not just about the emotions of the moment, but about the shared vision of a life they intended to continue together. Their union formed the foundation of their family, and in this, their love became immortal—anchored in their commitment to one another and the future they would build together.

In the story of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, we see a different aspect of romantic love that still shares the same deep commitment to family. Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, and Caesar, the great Roman general, shared not just a love for one another, but a vision of power, dynasty, and legacy. Their love produced a son, Caesarion, who would carry their bloodline forward and serve as a symbol of the merging of two powerful civilizations. In this union, love became more than an emotional connection—it was a force that shaped the course of history and created a lineage that would continue through generations.

Fisher’s belief that starting a family is the most romantic act speaks to the timeless value of commitment and legacy. It reminds us that true romance is not about extravagant gestures, but about the foundation of love that endures over time. The romantic act of creating a family is one that involves not only emotional connection, but the practical commitment to raise and nurture new lives—bringing forth the future and securing it with love. This is the true nature of romantic love: a love that does not end when the excitement fades, but one that grows stronger as it weathers the seasons of life.

The lesson here is clear: romantic love is not just about fleeting moments of passion, but about creating something lasting and meaningful. The most romantic acts are those that require commitment, sacrifice, and the willingness to build a future together. Isla Fisher’s words remind us that love is not just for the moment, but for the future—a future we build together, one that is grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and the joy of nurturing life. The true test of romantic love is not in the temporary or the superficial, but in the enduring partnership that sustains a family and a legacy for years to come.

To the generations that follow, I say this: do not seek the grand gestures or the fleeting moments of romance that often fill the pages of romantic tales. Instead, seek the deep, lasting love that is forged in commitment, sacrifice, and the shared journey of creating and nurturing something greater than yourselves—a family, a legacy, and a life built on the foundation of true love. In this, you will find the greatest form of romance, one that not only endures through time but grows ever deeper with each passing day. Love is not just an emotion; it is the force that drives us to create, to care, and to build the future together.