"Simply Romantic"

I think I can speak for most of us, who are of the female persuasion, when I say... Women love romance!

Now you men out there... don't start sweating and having palpatations. I'm not talking about Fabio-like tresses, rippling abs, and whiskings away to bedouin tents adorned with luxurious beddings! (We may read those fantasy novels, but we know those stories come from the desperate imaginations of  sad, love-lonesome, romance deprived women with pens). I'm not even talking grand gestures like diamonds, get aways to gay Paris, or hand in hand strolls along the sunset beaches of Tahiti. (Although these would be 'tres romantique', don't you agree?!)

Nope. I'm talking simple romance here. Romance that can happen anytime, anywhere. Here's a hint guys... the little, unexpected things pack the biggest punch! Really. I would never lie to you. Whoever said, "It's the little things that count", was right on the bull's-eye! And the good news for you menfolk... these little things require very little time, thought, planning or money. (That's why they're called "little things", sillies!) But they will make your special someone swoon at your feet... well, maybe not really swoon, but you get my drift. And what's romance but good ol' swooning, and oohing and awww-ing.

Don't know where to start? Here are my top picks for "little things that are big on romance":
1. Bring her flowers. Cliche you say? Mais non! This is where you can add your own special touch to an age-old romantic gesture. Instead of a pre-made bouquet, be brave, and hand pick the blooms for your sweetheart. Venture into the cooler at your local florist, choose just two or three flowers (think her favorite colors here), a sprig of baby's breath, and a nice flowy fern (no stick with rough leaves!). Have the florist include a pretty ribbon and my boy... you are on your way to "Romance Town!" Repeat at whim.
2. Make dinner.  No need to be a gourmet chef. Remember, 'simple'. A piping hot bowl of creamy tomato soup and golden crispy, grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect! Want to kick it up a notch? Use the 'good dishes', set the table, light a candle, and have a nice bottle of wine on the ready. C'est magnifique !
3. Take her to a 'chick flick'. (You know you like them too!) And don't ask, "Wanna go to a movie?" in that 'there's-nothin'-else-to-do kinda whiny voice'. Instead try, " Hey, let's go to that new movie you've been wanting to see, then maybe go for coffee." You've just done so many things right. Like taken the intiative, considered her movie choice, and committed to some chat time afterward. Score bonus points here!
4. Pour a bath. But not just a bath... a romantic bath. This is where a little effort on your part brings big rewards (wink, wink)! With the help of the girl at the beauty counter of your local pharmacy or department store, purchase a heavenly scented foaming bath gel or soothing bath salt. One evening, (and without any pre-announcement), pour your special someone a hot bath, using that wonderful addition you were so thoughtful to aquire. Have her robe and a fluffy towel ready, then take her by the hand and lead her to 'Shangri-La'. Want to go to another level? While the bath water is running, whisk (yes, that funny kitchen tool for scrambling) in one cup of milk and one cup of hot chocolate powder. This is soooo yummy!
(To allow for complete enjoyment on her part, bestow a wee kiss upon her cheek and quietly promise to clean the tub following her delicious soak!) Looking for the ultimate? Once again visit your favorite florist. Did you know, that for a wee price, they sell bags of rose petals! Add a capful of baby oil to the running bath water. When the bath is ready, scatter the petals on top, light several candles, put on some soft music, and place a glass wine on the edge of the tub. Pure bliss! It is important to remember that this bath is solely for the pleasure of your mate. Your involement is purely providing the pleasure! However, if done correctly, your involement will most likely not end there!
5. Plan a day trip. Big, romantic get aways are great if you have the time, money, or energy to take them. But the expectations are high for these trips, and disappointments often many. Not always, but you run the risk. And even if it turns out to be the trip of a lifetime, (how fantastic for you!), it's just that...the trip of your lifetime... likely never to be repeated. How do you fill the void? Day trips!  Whether you're a planner, or a spur of the moment kind of guy, day trips are perfect. Day trips are like little mini vacations that spotlight all the best parts of a big vay-cay! Your girl loves the countryside? Take a drive and leave the city behind. Pack a picnic and bring a blanket. Find a glorious field and voila... instant romance! She's into collectables? Visit a nearby small town and take in an antiques shop or two. Find a local diner and share a BLT, a diet coke, and an ice-cream sundae. How cute is that?! She's a music buff? Get tickets to a concert. Go early and snack on nachos and corn dogs. And don't buy the expensive floor seats. No, no. Get ones way at the back so you can smooch and stuff, like when you were teenagers. Just remember to bring the binoculars! She loves photography? Gather a few props to be featured in the 'pictorial of the day' (like a favorite teddy bear, a gerber daisy or two, an old tattered pair of sneakers, her grandmother's pearl necklace, a cute, framed photo of the two of you...) and take her on a photographic safari. Go urban, or go rural... just go!

There are so many ways to be 'simply romantic'.
Let your imagination rule in matters pertaining to romance.
Be silly or serious, plan or be spontaneous. Spend little, or spend a little more.
Surprise her or let her 'in on it'.

You can do it, and she'll love you that much more for it! Ain't romance great!

(PostScript. Just thought of this idea: May take a little planning, but so worth it in the end. Plan a night out with your girl, to your favorite pub or nightclub. Then, surprise her when you get there with a table full of her gal pals! Slip her a few bills, give her a juicy kiss, and tell her to have a great night of fun with her friends. And yes, a quick call from her will bring your chauffering services for a ride home at the end of the evening's festivities. Badda boom, badda bing... your're a romantic king!)


Keep on keeping on... bArB :)