Love Notes: 6 Couples on How They Met and How They Keep the Romance Alive

Regardless of whether you love all of the fanfare that February 14th brings with it or find it to be little more than a Hallmark holiday, it's a nice reminder to be extra thoughtful about the significant other relationship in our lives. In many ways, it's the relationship that is the most impactful on us in adulthood. I love hearing stories from my friends and new acquaintances about how they melt and what attracted them to the other person. It's so fascinating! Even more interesting I find are the ways that they keep the romance alive many years later. Keep reading for love stories from these five couples and I would love to hear from you in the comments with your own tips, tricks and advice! Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

(above photo via Ali Eden)

Eden of Sugar and Charm + Zan: 

How did you meet your significant other and how long have you been together?

Zan and I met at Nordstrom at The Grove (go figure!). I was working behind the Kiehl's counter and he came in to say hi to a friend who introduced us! I thought he was funny and charming. We have been together for 15 years now! Married for 10, wow!

Any advice for single people out there looking to meet 'the one’?

Don’t rush… I think it happens when you’re not trying to force it. Enjoy your time, work on your best self and travel. I think travel is a great way to meet people. Love will find you, just make sure you’re not sitting at home swiping through your phone screen all day!

What's your top tip for keeping the romance alive?

Laughter! For us, laughter is the key. He makes me laugh constantly and somehow I can actually make him laugh after 15 years (I’m really not that funny, ha!) and I think it’s been the glue in our relationship! I find funny people very attractive, so he’s lucky!!

Jenni of Jenni Kayne+ Richard

How did you meet your significant other and how long have you been together?

My husband and I were set up through mutual friends. We were supposed to meet at a casual dinner at their house, but at the last minute they canceled. Richard called me and took me out that night and we have pretty much been together ever since. We have been married twelve and a half years and have been together for almost fifteen years!

Any advice for single people out there looking to meet 'the one'?

Don’t waste time with the wrong ones because you are scared to be alone. Energetically, I think it's important to be available and open and know what you’re looking for in order to attract that person into your life.

What's your top tip for keeping the romance alive?

Now that we have three kids, it’s really important for us to have time alone so we can reconnect. We try to go to dinner at least once a week just the two of us and take small trips or with another couple a few times a year. Setting aside that time make all the difference in maintaining the connection.

Jessica of Noonday Collection + Joe

How did you meet your significant other and how long have you been together?

Joe and I met a training for the organization we were about to move overseas with called Food for the Hungry. There were 40 women and two dudes. I still don’t know how I pulled it off!

Any advice for single people out there looking to meet 'the one'?

I met Joe when I was about to leave for Bolivia to live in Andes— the last place I would ever expect to meet my man. Follow your passions! Run hard and grab the guy’s hand who you find running beside you.

What's your top tip for keeping the romance alive?

We have regular date nights. Also- hotel sex. Even if it’s a staycation! It’s important to get out of your usual environment.

Camille of Camille Styles + Adam: 

How did you meet your significant other and how long have you been together?

Adam and I met at work, and from that one evening when we grabbed drinks under the guise of a “meeting,” we were basically never apart. But I will say it was not without controversy. There was the fact that he’d recently broken off an engagement with a girl he’d been with for many years, the fact that he was 12 years older than me, and probably most noteworthy: he was my BOSS! But I decided to take a risk and follow my heart. That voice inside me was so strong that even me, the girl who always played it safe and did the right thing, had to pursue what my heart was telling me even though my roommates, coworkers and parents thought I’d lost my mind. And I’m so happy that I did, because marrying my soulmate was the best decision I ever made. We celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary this June.

Any advice for single people out there looking to meet 'The One’? 

Tune in and listen to your heart as much as your head. Someone may not look like your perfect match on paper, but I think that so often, the “one” surprises you. Your heart beats faster, you find yourself wanting to be around them all the time… listen to that inner voice and keep an open mind.

What's your top tip for keeping the romance alive? 

Choose to see your partner with the same eyes you saw them with when you first fell in love. Remember what attracted you to them in the first place, and why you felt like the luckiest person alive because they loved you too. Sometimes a subtle mindset shift is all it take to reignite romance, and I guarantee your partner will feel the difference in the way you respond to them - and will return it right back to you!

Alicia of Cheetah is the New Black and Tanner:

How did you meet your significant other and how long have you been together?

My husband and I met on a blind date (technically set up by our mother's).  We were home for the summer from our first year of college at Santa Clara.  Coincidentally, both of us are from the same hometown (Chico), and the only two from Chico who went to SCU.  We hit it off immediately and have been together ever since (15 years, married for 8 this June–crazy!).

Any advice for single people out there looking to meet 'the one'?

Oh gosh, I'm obviously so out of the dating loop... but my best advice to my girlfriends is to just keep putting yourself out there and be open to meeting tons of new people.  You just never know who might introduce you to who, and or who you might have a connection with.  Also whenever my girlfriends focus more on themselves and their career / hobbies that confidence always shines through!  And it seems to be in those times that they least expect meeting "the one" they do.  Also think about where your dream partner might be... I know for me I probably wouldn't have found Tanner at a bar or through a dating app.  All easier said than done I know, when you're not the single one.

What's your top tip for keeping the romance alive?

Keep dating!  Now that we have a 2 year old finding time for just the two of us is trickier but when we make sure to schedule in those dates it's always the best!

Alright, friends! Now let's hear from you! Any tips for finding 'The One'? Best ideas for keeping the romance alive?

Jamie of The Happy Hour and Aaron: