Keeping Romance Alive in 2020: The Victorian Era Holds the Key by Connie Vines #RomanceGems

Married or Single. Dating or Engaged.  Or, simply dazed and confused and not able to fathom anyway of dating during the social distancing practices of 2020?

Since I write romance novels, finding true love and happily-ever-after-ends are part of my stock and trade.  There simply had to be a solution.

I happened across a PBS show which highlighted courtship during the Victorian Era. I'd watch the special years ago, but it wasn't until now that I really focused on the details and nuances.

Is there a more perfect example of 'social distancing'?

Could the norms of the Victorian Era dating practices be adapted in 2020? 

I believe so. 

One of the most romantic aspects of a Victorian courtship was the written word. Not only did women keep a diary of the courtship, but both partners exchanged romantic letters. They also exchanged lockets, antique coins, portraits, poems, sketches, etc.

Historical example of Victorian love letter

Victorians took flirting to a new level. Women created a “fan language” in order to communicate with suitors. Chaperones appreciated self-restraint, many viewed this type of subtle flirtation as acceptable.The fan signals weren’t hard to interpret: If a lady’s fan was shut, she didn’t like the suitor and wanted him to leave. If her fan was half-open, she was friend-zoning him. If the fan was open wide, she really liked him.

Museum Selection

Some men had cards made for the express purpose of clandestine flirting, and would pass them to a woman without anyone noticing. Unless and until the female recipient read the card, its true message would remain a mystery.

Under this strict code of etiquette, items of apparel such as fans, gloves, and handkerchiefs were given meaning as were objects given as gift called 'love tokens' such as flowers, painted miniatures, or jewelry set with gemstones of particular significance.

Victorian Wax Flower Dome

Most fragrances in early to mid-Victorian times were delicate and floral. They were understated, feminine – and often simply conjured up the scent of a particular flower, such as jasmine, lavender, roses, honeysuckle… Aromatic herbs might be used, too:  marjoram, thyme, rosemary, and the odd sprinkling of spice – like cloves (which gave a carnation-like scent).

History Collection.com

Courtship is when a man is attempting to “woo” a woman, (to win her over) with the end result being marriage. .. 

Time, attention, and discovering who a person is equals courtship. 

Courtship = Romance. 

There is noting old-fashioned about courting.

Victorian Courting is perfectly suited for 2020.

Remember Fragrance and Love are never out of fashion!

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Thanks for reading!