A few months ago, I stumbled on a TikTok trend that changed the way I looked at my life: romanticize your life. The videos were full of candlelit baths, handwritten letters, fresh flowers, and slow sips of matcha in aesthetic cafés. It all looked so dreamy, and expensive.
At first, I thought I had to spend more to feel more. That “romantic” meant luxurious. So I tried. I bought overpriced candles, splurged on random self-care items, and booked brunch dates I couldn’t afford just to feel like I was living my soft-girl fantasy.
But then I got tired… and broke.
So I had to figure out a new way. One that didn’t require a “clean girl aesthetic” budget or an apartment that looked like Pinterest threw up in it. I needed a version of “romanticize your life” that felt authentic, not forced.
And guess what, I found it.
If you’re someone who craves softness, intention, and magic in your everyday life, but you’re also on a budget, this one’s for you.
First, what does it mean to “romanticize” your life?
To me, it means slowing down enough to notice the beauty in the ordinary. It’s giving your life the same attention and care you’d give a love story. It’s saying, “I deserve moments of joy and magic… even when nothing grand is happening.”
It’s not about faking a life you don’t have. It’s about elevating the one you do have, with presence.
Here’s how to romanticize your life without going broke
1. Make your mornings soft (without buying a thing)
Instead of grabbing your phone first thing, light a candle or open your window. Play a calm playlist. Drink water slowly. Journal for 5 minutes, even if it’s just “how I feel today.”
Romanticizing tip: Romantic mornings are not about products, they’re about peace.
2. Use the good mug, even on a random tuesday
Why are we saving the “pretty things” for guests or Instagram photos? Pour your tea or coffee into your favorite mug. Eat on that cute plate. Wear the cozy robe. You are the occasion.
3. Walk like you’re in a movie (Headphones optional)
Seriously. Put on a playlist and walk like you’re the main character.
Bonus points: if the sun is setting and you’re carrying a tote bag.
4. Write love letters to yourself in your notes App
Every once in a while, I write something like:
“Dear me, you’re doing better than you think. I’m proud of how far you’ve come.”
You don’t need a partner to feel loved. You can start with you.
5. Read books just because
Not for productivity. Not for a class. Just for pleasure.
Bonus: if you read in bed, on the floor, or outside in the sun with a snack nearby.
6. Create tiny rituals around basic tasks
Make your bed like it’s an act of care.
Light incense before a journaling session.
Water your plants with soft music playing.
These things aren’t “extra.” They’re little reminders that your life is worth tending to.
Need help simplifying your wardrobe rituals? Download my 333 Wardrobe Planner for free!
7. Romanticize your budget, too
Yes, even your finances. Use a cute tracker, set goals that feel aligned, and celebrate the small wins like, “I didn’t impulse buy this week” or “I made coffee at home all week and saved $15.”
Remember: living a romantic life isn’t about pretending you’re rich. It’s about feeling rich in presence and intention.
Want more money-saving tips while living soft? Check out how to save money as a bougie but broke student.
8. Talk to strangers (The nice ones)
Compliment the barista. Chat with the auntie at the market. Connection is romantic. It reminds you that the world is full of softness if you’re looking for it.
9. Make one meal a day feel special
Even if it’s just cereal. Eat it on a tray. Add fruit. Light a candle beside you. It’s not about what you eat, it’s how you serve it to yourself.
10. Let yourself Rest without guilt
Doing nothing is romantic. You’re not a machine. Lie in bed. Daydream. Breathe. Let your rest be sacred, not something to “earn.”
You deserve beauty that doesn’t break you
Romanticizing your life isn’t about escaping reality, it’s about softening it. It’s about saying, “Even here, even now, there is still something beautiful.”
You don’t need more stuff. You don’t need a better apartment, a prettier body, or a richer partner. You need awareness. You need intention. You need tenderness.
And you already have access to all three.
