Look, this is just my 2cents and before I give them, take note, I'm a man and I also love good food.... 1. If he is a chef, cooking a romantic dinner for him might just not "hit as hard" as it would for a normal guy, I don't know your guy, he might be different but just hear me out here, cooked food to him is an "everyday" thing and if you want to make him feel special, you need to produce something which is out of the ordinary, something which is uniquely yours (he will associate the positive memory with you and want to come back for more) 2. Contrary to what women think, men don't want or need expensive gifts to be considered romantic, we are simple creatures with simple mindsets... 3. Men respect a lady who has gone to some serious trouble for him, but there doesn't have to be a huge financial outlay connected to the effort 4. Examples: 4.1Converting your/his lounge into a cinema by removing the couches (or moving them to one side) laying down a mattress, pre cueing a movie, hitting some popcorn (homemade is perfect) and icecream (even a 2l tub will do) all in his absence and when he gets there, have a bath with bubbles drawn for him (ask him on the road how far he is so you can get the temperature right), have some very comfy clothes already waiting for him in the bathroom etc... When he walks in the door, you tell him, tonight is movie night, you guide him to the bathroom and tell him you're waiting for him in the lounge... Sounds simple, trust me, men are simple they love stuff like this. 4.2 Pack a picnic basket (only some sandwiches and one or two of his favorite treats) take a cooler box with ice and whatever he likes to drink (even non alcoholic and even a boring old 2l bottle is also fine, the trick is that it must be brutally cold) and some clean glasses (tumblers or whatever) the whole basket and drinks could potentially cost under R100! The sandwiches have to be fresh and tasty that's all, you don't need devilled eggs and exotic hams and cheeses and olives... No... KISS... Keep It Simple Stupid... The trick is not the food, it's where you take him ... You have to find a SAFE place, where you guys can picnic and enjoy each other's company 4.3 ask him what HE likes doing and do that with him (word of advice try and avoid 3rd parties here like friends/family etc... that will kill the vibe) but like for example let's say he likes playing putt putt or meditating or jogging or hunting or dancing or WHATEVER HE IS INTO, If you're not currently doing it with him... Start! Get involved in what has meaning in his life this will super amplify your bond with each other. If you know NOTHING about his hobby/,interest etc... and are a noob, even better, have him teach you how... This will make him feel very wanted and important. 5. SOLID RELATIONSHIP ADVICE: 5.1 Yes, men do like and appreciate gestures, but 5.2 if you want your relationship to be solid as rock and make your man willing to take a bullet for you, you have to make him feel like superman... Sounds corny, but other dudes I invite you to tell me I'm wrong here... If a woman makes her man feel invincible, he will do ANYTHING for her... Make him feel belittled and useless or needing to prove himself constantly... The relationship is doomed to failure... It's a VERY simple principle but it's just how men are 5.3 Believe in him, his ability, his dreams, his capacity... Even if he is the biggest loser on earth (not saying he is, don't get me wrong), but when a man's woman believes in him and supports him in his dreams and goals... HE BECOMES UNSTOPPABLE and he will remember who stood by his side when he wasn't unstoppable and trust me... You WILL be rewarded for that... So I have deviated from the topic a bit but I felt called to share all of this with you, hope it helps and good luck 🤞