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When it pours, most people brace themselves for longer commutes. Traffic slows to a crawl and people walk slower to avoid slipping and falling. The cool weather brings respite to the uncomfortable heat, but to many, it's also an inconvenience. I, on the other hand, find rain romantic. And not just any rain, but the type that falls steadily for hours on end. It can't be too heavy, because thunderstorms can seem violent. It can't be too light either, because that's annoying. How many times have we sweltered on hot days, wishing for the skies to open, only to receive a mild drizzle that you can't even feel, or a mere five-minute downpour that only serves to release heat stored in the ground? Image: Kofa Boyah, Unsplash Constant drops Steady downpours are romantic because they set a particular mood. The sound of drops hitting our environment is soothing - there are countless 'rain ASMR' videos on YouTube if you have trouble falling asleep. I feel that rain has a cinematic quality. The skies are grey, and the world moves slower. If it's been raining for several days, the temperatures drop putting us in a chill mood. It is in this context that I find rain conducive to romance. If we need to go out, the missus and I can share an umbrella. I feel chivalrous, ensuring that it's me, not her, who gets wet. I watch for large puddles or potentially slippery surfaces (smooth concrete and foliage on the ground are particularly dangerous). Huddled under an umbrella, the patter of raindrops becomes background music. We don't need to canoodle or whisper sweet nothings. Chatting about our day is fine. Silence is okay as well. Rainy days mean lazy weekends, perhaps sharing a blanket on the couch. There have been many times when we did that cliche couple thing - one of us reads, the other streams their favourite show. Talk is minimal; we just enjoy each other's presence. Image: Jonathan J. Castellon, Unsplash Let your mind wander Admittedly, finding romance in rainy weather can sound whimsical and to some, unrealistic. But what's the point of romance if it can't have a dreamy quality to it? Perhaps this is why unplanned dates are just as sweet as meticulously organised ones, which are also stressful. A casual trip to your favourite cafe is just as meaningful as a dinner at an expensive restaurant. The company matters more than the food. And if the activity is accompanied by cool weather, grey skies and the constant patter of raindrops, so much the better. – Jeremy (Main image: Abishek Tewari, Unsplash)