Romance: It's Not Just for Anniversaries Anymore

Ever wish your sweetheart would bring you a treat... just because? Mates, dates, or spouses, here's a tip: Everyone likes to feel special, to feel appreciated, to feel cherished - all year long. Men, you don't have to bring flowers once a week; women, you don't have to buy expensive gifts every day to show you care. These things are nice, but where's the originality, the surprise?

We can't allow love to become routine. Stop for a second and think: what was the last romantic thing you did for your partner? When was it... a holiday, an anniversary? There should be a bit of romance in each day. No matter where you are or what you are doing, there is always room for romance. It is possible to create magical moments each day. Even better, it doesn't have to empty the bank account. Sounds hard to believe, doesn't it?

At a loss for ideas? That is to be expected. Our daily lives are ruled by the clock, by work, by children and family obligations. We are, out of habit, focused on getting the job done: the project, the dishes, the car repairs, the housework, etc. Out of necessity, we tend to put our tangible requirements first - food, shelter, warmth, clothing, health. It is easy to let the intangibles slide, but it is not wise. Relationships that are not nourished, grow bland, even stale. Studies have shown that a sense of belonging is high on the list in the hierarchy of human needs. It is not that everyone likes to be appreciated and cherished; we need these things to thrive!

How, you might ask, am I to be romantic and creative with my partner/date? Perhaps you are single and interested in dating someone and want to show your interest. Maybe you are in a committed relationship and feeling burdened by work and don't have time nor the funds to whip up a second honeymoon. Either way, you care about your partner and would like to follow this advice, but may not have a clue as to what you should be doing. Good news! There are many easy and inexpensive ways to show you care and be romantic each and every day of the year.

To get you started, think first of your partner/date's favorite things: favorite foods, scents, hobbies, colors - you name it. Now, make a mental list of some of the things you cherish most about your partner or date. Anything goes here, folks... his or her smile, little ways that brighten YOUR day, even the way they yawn - you get the idea. Ready? Now, combine the two. Does she like to read? Enjoy Chinese food? And you love the way she smiles? Great: make up your own, handmade, fortune cookie message telling her so; leave it next to her plate as a surprise. Does he like NASCAR? Make you feel like a one-in-a-million prize whenever he is near? A little token - a matchbox car or even drawing a little certificate yourself stating that he's your #1 and telling him why is very special. Create your own lottery ticket. Give your loved one a wildflower from the garden or even one you saw on the walk home! The sweetest romantic ideas will not cost an arm and a leg. Best of all, they will work any day, anywhere! Enjoy!