For many, love is often seen as overrated and overly hyped. The truth is, some people don't believe in love simply because they don't understand how to fall in love gradually.
They view cohabitation or marriage as merely a practical arrangement, a way to have someone around for support when needed.
Frankly, that's a bit disheartening.
How can anyone expect to experience true love or the joy of romance if they don't believe in its existence?
But here's the reality: love does exist, and it can be an incredibly beautiful experience. Falling in love, when done right, can feel like living a fairytale.
So, let’s explore what it means to fall in love slowly, why it’s beneficial, and how to go about it. First, let’s define it.
Falling in love slowly means progressing a relationship at a pace that feels comfortable for both partners, whether it involves commitment, emotions, or intimacy.
That said, taking your time to fall in love can look different for everyone. Each person has their own pace and values different things in a relationship. Therefore, it’s essential to communicate openly and honestly with your partner to ensure you're both on the same page about falling in love slowly.
Some might see a slower approach as a negative sign, assuming the other person is uncertain about their feelings. Or perhaps past hurts make them wary of someone who doesn’t dive in headfirst.
But slow love isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it comes with many advantages. So, let’s consider some of the benefits. When you fall in love slowly and savor every moment, you'll find yourself appreciating and treasuring the relationship more than those who think love is just about physical connection or emotional dependence.
Whether you're already in love or beginning to fall for someone, follow these tips to embrace falling in love slowly, and you just might find yourself in a real-life fairytale.
# Extend the courtship phaseEven if you're both already quite fond of each other, resist the urge to jump into a relationship too quickly. Prolong the courtship for as long as possible. The longer the chase, the deeper and more genuine the love will grow.
Take time to enjoy the dating stage, and you’ll find that it strengthens your appreciation for the relationship and your commitment to each other.
# Fall in love before making it officialAs humans, we tend to value things more when we’ve worked for them. Even if love is clearly blossoming, let a little uncertainty linger.
Take your time, and date for a few months—perhaps even up to six—before labeling the relationship. This will make the journey memorable, and you’ll cherish every step taken before committing. If your partner isn’t willing to wait, how could they be ready for a lifetime together?
# Delay physical intimacy as long as possibleThough it may seem old-fashioned, in an age of fast-paced romance and casual encounters, holding off on sex can actually strengthen your bond.
By waiting, you allow your connection to grow without the confusion of physical attraction being mistaken for love.
# Go the extra mile for each otherFairytales often come with dramatic obstacles, but in real life, those aren’t necessary. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go out of your way to do something special for your partner.
Especially in the early stages, put in the extra effort to show how much they mean to you.
# Always dress to impressIn fairytale romances, everything seems perfect—the setting, the atmosphere, and especially the appearance of the lovers. If you want to experience a slow-burn romance that feels like a fairytale, make an effort to look your best for each other.
Impress your date with your charm, grace, and style, and you'll create a magical romance wherever you go.
# Avoid spending too much time together early onUnless you're already living together, don't overwhelm the relationship by constantly being around each other. Give each other space to miss one another—it will help your love grow.
You can meet every day if you like, but don’t spend every free moment together. Allow time apart to deepen your affection.
# Embody the perfect gentleman or lady
Some may say that chivalry is outdated, but true lovers know it’s an essential way to show respect and care for each other.
Treat each other with kindness and consideration. Show respect and always find ways to make each other’s life easier.
# Keep the excitement alive, even after committingDon’t make it too easy for your partner. While it's important to compromise and be supportive, you shouldn’t become a pushover.
Respect each other and don’t hesitate to stand your ground when necessary. Keep the spark alive by maintaining a bit of the chase, even after the relationship is official.
# Stay connectedOld-fashioned love stories often featured love letters and thoughtful tokens of affection. You don’t need to be together constantly, but stay in touch with sweet texts and surprises.
Pick up little gifts, take spontaneous trips, or plan getaways to keep the connection alive and thriving.
# Continuously create new memories togetherLove, like youth, can be impatient, and there’s often a temptation to experience everything all at once. But if you truly care for someone, don’t rush the journey.
Plan activities and experiences, but leave room for future adventures. Keep the relationship exciting by constantly fueling it with new shared experiences.