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What Does Romance Mean to You During a Pandemic

Gestures of love can range from red roses to a bike ride or changing lightbulbs

Ronnie Kaufman/Getty Images many people are putting more stock in celebrating the simple pleasures of being with someone they love. Here's a glimpse into what makes some feel most connected — and how to turn long-standing tradition on its head. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Elio Gonzalez 63

Courtesy of Elio Gonzalez Facility manager Peoria, Arizona “I know it’s traditional, but I used to give my wife a dozen roses for every year we were married. Red, as you know, means love, and I love her dearly. The second year, she got two dozen. The third year, she got three dozen. And they had to be in black vases. This went on for 27, 28 years. It took a couple of vans to deliver them. You could barely see her in her office—the flowers were all over her desk, on top of the credenza. There were so many at one point that she started to give some away to the girls at work. But it was $800 or $900 that went up in smoke in a matter of days because they didn’t last so long. We got into some harder times with money and she said, ‘We could go stay somewhere for half of this.’ So I stopped. I think I had more fun with that than she did.”

Teresa Younkin 52

Courtesy of Teresa Younkin Leadership consultant Chesapeake, Virginia "My husband and I have been super, super intentional about our relationship. We both love adventure and creating new ‘first’ memories together. So to keep off the ‘’ [pounds], we are cycling 100 miles for Valentine's Day this year. Our Peloton of two is like our marriage. Sometimes you lead by helping your partner avoid obstacles in their path, sometimes you're screaming encouragement from behind ('Babe, you can make it!'), and sometimes you ride side by side and enjoy each other's company. To us, that's what romance is." . After all, we've both enjoyed the benefit of the check I received for performing in the film—and the residuals headed my way in the future. More on home-family AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS