The Hopeful Romantic

Romance is not only an important part of an intimate relationship, but also can be the best part of it. It can make life wonderful for both people involved, and bring them close when life threatens to tear at the fabric of their relationship. Romance is the glue that truly brings couples together.

There are many ways to be romantic, and being romantic may mean different things to different people. To some, nothing but candlelight and roses will do, while others may find a nice hike together followed by a picnic to be a better choice. Some prefer an expensive restaurant, while others may like a dinner at home that they cook together. However, while each person may have different preferences and different ideas of what romance means to them, the need for love is universal.

Sometimes it can seem like romance has to fall by the wayside as life takes over. Some people think that romance is too expensive, or too time consuming, but it doesn't have to be. Romantic gestures need neither a lot of time or money. They can cost money. They can be time consuming, but only if you choose for them to be.

Where romance is concerned, it's often those thoughtful little gestures that mean the most. It could be a note or quick text to tell your significant other how much you love them. It may be as simple as making or bringing home their favorite dinner just to surprise them. Sometimes romance even means taking the time to listen when your spouse has had a hard day. Sometimes it even means taking over a chore that they would normally do, just to be nice or saying thank you for the things they do to help out the household.

This not to say that the big gestures don't have a place, too. The best relationships have a good balance of both. Big gestures don't always have to cost money, either. They can be gifts of time or love. The most romantic gesture I ever remember my husband doing for me was the night that he made our bed and lit candles in our bedroom after I'd had an especially difficult time putting our daughter to bed. It was so sweet to go into our room and see how beautiful it looked. All of the stress of the day just melted away, and although there was no cost involved, it was a very big gesture.

As time goes by, I hope that you will find ideas that will inspire you to be more romantic. Whether you are in a brand new relationship, or are celebrating many years together, a little extra
romance can keep your relationship strong.