Looking for romantic ways to tell your partner you love them? If you want to avoid something that's stereotypical and overdone, look no further than this article. Here are 10 cliche romantic gestures no one actually likes and 10 that people find to be really sweet.

1. Singing a Serenade

In theory, getting serenaded sounds incredibly romantic and moving, but in reality, it's pretty much the opposite. In real life, being on the receiving end can often feel cringey or uncomfortable. If it's done in public, not everyone enjoys having the spotlight on them, and if it's done privately, what are you supposed to do? Let's not forget that everyone isn't exactly the most talented singer...

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2. Writing a Love Poem

There's nothing more romantic than heartfelt poetry, right? Wrong. Not everyone is a word smith and not everyone appreciates poetry. Professing your love in a poem can often seem a little bit outdated and can even make the recipient feel a bit awkward if the verses miss the mark.

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3. Flash Mob Proposals

Although flash mobs are incredibly grand, eye-catching, and exciting, it might not be the best setting for a proposal. A lot of the sentimentality and deep, personal connection of the act will get lost in the spectacle of things. And for the one getting proposed to, it can feel very overwhelming and leave no room left for genuine emotions.

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4. Recreating Movie Scenes

Never forget that there's a little something called "movie magic" which is why everything always looks better on screen than in real life. While it might seem like a sweet act recreating a romantic scene from the movies, it often feels out of place when done in reality. Standing outside someone's window while blasting some music might come across as more creepy than cute.

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5. Skywriting Messages

Not only is skywriting pretty expensive, a lot of factors have to come into play for it to work. The weather has to be nice, the timing has to be good, and you have to trust that the pilot doesn't mess up! It's more of a novelty act than a romantic one if anything.

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6. Heartfelt Speeches in Public

This is the kind of romantic gesture that really depends on your partner. If they're the type to shy away from attention and hates being in the spotlight, what are you doing making a grand speech in public? Turning it into an embarrassing event rather than a thoughtful, romantic one, it just shows you weren't thinking about your partner's boundaries to begin with.

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7. Over-the-Top Public Displays of Affection

This is another topic that should always be discussed between the couple first. While some light-hearted PDA like holding hands is genuinely accepted by both parties, over-the-top displays can make everyone involved and around you feel uncomfortable. There's no need to show off and brag about your love to the rest of the world!

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8. Buying a Star

Unless there's some specific meaning behind it, buying a star is a sweet idea, but might come across as too cheesy. It really depends on your partner and whether or not this is the type of gesture they enjoy. Because for people who are more practical, they might see this as a waste of money.

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9. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

You might think you want the Disney Princess treatment, but in real life, horse-drawn carriage rides just feel really outdated and out of place. There's a seeming "romantic" feel about it that's been adopted thanks to fairy tales we see in movies, but it's a lot less charming in reality.

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10. Balloon Releases

Although balloon releases might seem romantic, beautiful, or grand, the truth is, it's bad for the environment and can be seen as pretty irresponsible. It can be dangerous for animals who come in contact with it, can cause accidents like power outages if it gets in the wires, and only contributes to the world's continuing problem with plastic waste.

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1. Handwritten Love Letters

Instead of writing heartfelt poetry that you're not confident in, just express your feelings of love and genuine feeling through plain words instead. A handwritten love letter is an incredibly sweet and romantic way of professing your love to your partner. They'll certainly appreciate the effort you put into it!

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2. Surprise Getaways

Sometimes, it's all about showing that you put in the thought and effort. And what's more thoughtful than planning a romantic surprise weekend getaway to spend more time together? Those special memories you'll make together is priceless.

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3. Cooking a Special Meal

Sometimes the best way to get to someone's heart is through their stomach! Yes, it's cheesy, but can you really deny it? There's nothing more heartwarming than coming home to a delicious home-cooked meal that your partner has prepared for you, pouring their heart and soul into the food.

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4. Thoughtful Gifts

It doesn't have to be expensive, it doesn't have to be big, it doesn't even have to be bought with money. Giving your partner a gift that reflects their passions and hobbies is an easy way to say "I love you" through your actions. It shows that you listen to what they say, take it to heart, and want to show them ways you appreciate them.

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5. Spontaneous Adventures

A little bit of spice never hurt anybody! Planning a random, spontaneous adventure is a fun way to add something new to the relationship, especially if you've been together for a long time. It can be something as small as a hike, or as big as a road trip! It's all about creating those lasting memories that you can look back on together.

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6. Personalized Playlists

Music can sometimes convey more feelings than we can with words, so what's more adorable than creating a lovely playlist of romantic songs for your partner? It's easy and hassle-free to do, but can be such a thoughtful and kind gesture. The more care you put into it, the more it'll feel like a deeply personal gesture.

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7. Acts of Service

Maybe taking out the trash doesn't feel like the most romantic thing you can do for your partner, but it is a very clear way to tell them you care about them. Helping them out with their daily tasks and chores is a simple way to show your love through your actions. It's practical, and it shows that you're always willing to ease any burdens they might have.

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8. Memory Scrapbooks

If you want to show your love in a very tangible, handheld way, there's nothing more romantic than a scrapbook that's filled with all your best memories together. It gives you both a chance to walk down memory lane, revisiting the happy moments that made you fall deeper in love to begin with. After all, it's all about the journey!

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9. Surprise Dates

Even if you've been married for years, never underestimate the importance of date night. It's how you keep that love and connection burning! For a fun surprise, you can plan a random date for your partner to enjoy, showing them that you still care deeply about creating these memories with them. It also just adds some excitement back into the relationship.

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10. Sincere Compliments

No, it's not superficial to enjoy a compliment every now and then! Getting a sincere compliment from your partner can be a real confidence booster, making you feel loved and appreciated. It doesn't have to be done with flashy words and it doesn't have to be long, sometimes a simple, "You look beautiful" is enough to make you feel like the most special person in the world.

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