"It is much the same in the Coral Sea... each region and species has their own practices and methods. The ones you listed are vitally important, though the acts themselves are not exclusively romantic." Because in such a vast place full of so many dangers it is only natural that the small communities of merfolk take care of each other. Jade's family is fairly vital in that sort of thing, for example.

Not that he'll be bringing them up just yet, but possibly... should this conversation take a serious sort of turn. "In our part of the Coral Sea, gifts and providing for a potential mate is one of the highest concerns, but more-so are acts of bravery or cunning. The ability to set themselves out as a strong mate that can preserve and strengthen our already old-sea bloodline. ...My species also mates for life."

He knows the last bit is particularly difficult for some humans to understand--even some merfolk, really. Even if they comprehend, it's different to actually accept it when things get difficult. Especially when they can witness other merfolk switching partners so easily with the seasons.