Sunrise hikes, Fig Newtons, pork empanadas, and plastic ladybugs

Sunrise hikes, Fig Newtons, pork empanadas, and plastic ladybugs: nothing about this disparate collection of actions and objects, all culled from the detritus of our everyday lives, would suggest an epic romanc or the sizzle of seduction. Despite what the cultural clichés around us suggest-most of them mass-produced by commercial and corporate entities-rituals between romantic partners often have less to do with champagne, red roses, and violins and more to do with deeply personal gestures that catalyze and sustain an intimate and exclusive human connection. Just as Ann Swidler demonstrates in the interviews that inform her book Talk of Love, the culture of romance is a repertoire, and we, as players, get to decide the tenor, cadence, and rhythm that suits our connections best. For some couples, a cold Orange Crush in a glass bottle is the most seductive bubbly available. For others, a plastic ladybug is more romantic than lingerie.

— from True North (Ethics, Integrity, Truth, Values)

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