Sure, romance is lovely and sexy when it’s about creating an intimate relationship with another person. But what about the rest of us, for whom the issue of forming new intimate relationships is, for whatever reason, pretty much completely off the table? Maybe it’s because we’re already partnered, and we couldn’t stand the idea of betrayal. Or maybe it’s because we’ve demonstrated to ourselves (and the community at large), time and time again, that we’re not fit to be trusted with the care and responsibility of another person’s heart. Whatever the reason, I can assure you that the excitement of new romance is possible for us all to experience, as long as we can expand our ideas about what might be worthy to create a romance with. Maybe romance could be about falling in love with nature for the first time in years. Or maybe you could really get off on building an exercise routine and witnessing yourself get stronger. Maybe you could find a new career that plays to your strengths or creates an exciting challenge. Or maybe there’s a new group of friends just waiting for you to join their pickleball league. Romance, after all — despite its connotations with a mystical smoke-and-mirrors effect — is simply a collection of intensely positive emotions. Specifically, at the heart of romance lies a sense of excitement, enjoyment, and renewed hope about your prospects for happiness in the future. ❤️‍🔥—Y.B.D.