As a part of our maudern people series, we asked Madrid-based couple Natalia Swarz and Armando Mesias for insights on modern intimacy. Natalia is the content editor at Loewe and founder of travel site Hotel Weekend; Armando is an artist that explores themes through his painting and mixed media.
What is your relationship status?
Married
How long have you been together?
10 years / almost 2 of them married
How did you meet?
Through a friend in common! He used to give Natalia drawing classes while he was in a rock band with Armando (this was ages ago)
In your day to day life, how do you make time for intimacy?
Movie nights, homemade dinners by Armando, and a lot of lying in bed daydreaming and talking ourselves to sleep.
You feel most loved when__
NS: we goof around
A favorite literary or on-screen romance:
NS: on TV, gotta love Jim & Pam from the office: simple but so sweet. Real life couple: Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg. AM: Tuck and Lydia from the 80s movie Innerspace
The perfect date:
NS: an unexpected adventure. AM: getting lost in a new city
Your in the mood food:
NS: Armando’s homey tomato soupAM: Spicy lime cauliflower tacos
Drink of choice:
NS: VerdejoAM: Real micheladas
A sexy or intimate song you love:
NS: Blood Orange and Frank Ocean have the sexiest songs. For a romantic mood, Sam Cooke. AM: Cupid by Sam Cooke
Dating advice to your younger self:
NS: don’t be embarrassed to ask mom all you need/want to know AM: allow yourself to be amazed by the unexpected
What your parents said about love and relationships:
NS: my dad is an old school romantic while my mom was an independent/free-spirited soul! I learned a bit from both of them. AM: never take your partner for granted, nurture your love each day as if it was the first
Favorite scent:
NS: Coconut or Amber / anything that makes you feel on vacation + lavender to relax or sleep AM: Bergamote
