When you think of romantic things to do with someone you love, walking on the beach is probably on the short list. But what if you don’t live near a beach? No worries! If you know what makes beach walks romantic, you can apply the ideas anywhere, any time of year. And if you do live or travel where there’s a beach, even better. Make a point of taking those walks.

Three things make strolling on the beach such a great way to connect with your partner:

Beauty. The beach is a change from the workplace, home, and screens most of us look at most of the time. We also have a primal connection with water and long views. It’s just pretty by the sea. Your eyes are pleased, which lifts your spirits and creates a happier mood.

Intentionality. When you go to the beach to walk with your honey, it’s not something you have to do. You’re making a choice to spend the time together.

Focused attention. This is the most important element. When you’re walking together, it’s just the two of you. You’re not doing some task or on your device. (If you are, you’ve blown the relational benefit.) You’re talking to each other and really listening, or just enjoying companionable silence. You are together.

Applying This Anywhere

So, here’s how to create romance, whether or not there’s a beach available:

Look for beauty, or create it. What natural beauty is nearby? Maybe mountains, woods, a park, a lake, a river? Take a picnic or go for a stroll. Or, take the ordinary and make it special. Set a fancy table and serve a special meal. Or de-clutter and decorate the bedroom, with fresh sheets and soft lighting.

Make a point of spending time together. It’s easy to start taking your partner for granted and putting them at the bottom of your priority list. But over time, that undermines your connection. To keep the feelings strong, have regular date nights where you have fun and focus on each other. Set aside a few minutes most evenings when you turn off devices and talk or at least watch something together. Build in time that says: Our relationship matters to me. You matter to me.

Set aside distractions. Our busy lives are an obstacle to connecting with our partners. Our devices may be an even bigger one. More and more research shows that the time we spend online interferes with our ability to connect in real life. Even having a phone sitting on the table—just sitting there—reduces the depth of conversations, because you know you can be interrupted at any time. So turn it off. Leave devices in another room during meals, for an hour before bedtime, and when you’re talking together. Nothing is going to happen on social media that can’t wait a couple hours. And for sure, nothing happening online is as important as your sweetie. Give your love the great, romantic gift of your undivided attention.