Sustaining Romantic Relationships Using Creative Language: A Perspective from the Song of Solomon

Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine how creativity in language use sustains romantic relationships, using The Song of Solomon as a model for understanding the communicative strategies that foster intimacy and relational longevity. Theoretical Framework: Guided by Simpson’s (2004) Narrative Stylistics within Narrative Discourse, the research explores how actions and events of “thinking,” “saying,” and “doing” are expressed linguistically to reveal the dynamics of love between the Shulammite Woman and King Solomon. Methodology: Employing a qualitative textual analysis of the biblical text, the study identifies structural and functional sentence types, alongside metaphors, similes, and repetitions, as central resources in constructing expressions of affection and desire. Results and Discussion: The findings demonstrate that both characters creatively deploy language to renew affection, resolve tensions, and sustain emotional connection, offering insights into relational balance, reciprocity, and mutual admiration. The discussion highlights how these strategies provide a communicative framework relevant to contemporary couples and marriage counselling. Originality/Value: The study contributes to communication scholarship by emphasizing the role of stylistic creativity in relational maintenance and offers practical implications for Christian marriage counsellors in fostering healthy, enduring partnerships. The originality of this research lies in bridging biblical poetics with modern relational communication, positioning The Song of Solomon as both a literary and practical guide for sustaining romantic relationships.