A Year for Romance

The end of December with the looming of January 1st signals the time to start taking stock of your life and figuring out where to go from here. If you are in a relationship that sometimes feels a little stale, then perhaps you should make a resolution that this new year is going to be your own personal year of romance. And OK, sure, that is easy to say, but getting started on that front isn't so simple. If it was you'd already be doing it, right? Well, here are five easy, simple, and delightful tips and tricks to help heat things up in the romance department:

1.) Try going for a weekly or monthly dinner and a movie night. You both show up at your house, cook dinner together, and watch a romantic comedy. There are wonderful resources on the Internet to help you prepare a themed dinner to match your movie. Check out the show Dinner and a Movie on TBS to give yourself some inspiration.

Preparing a delicious meal together while sipping wine and eating appetizers is a fabulous way to unwind and talk about what's new in your lives. And watching a great movie always lifts the spirit and gives you plenty of future conversation topics.

2.) Make plans to have one out-of-the-ordinary date or sexual escapade every month, or at least every other month. My favorites include romantic picnics, sexy massages, weekend getaways, and sex in a hot tub. It's crucial to keep a sense of adventure and excitement in your love life. So take into consideration what your lover enjoys and make your plans accordingly.

3.) Give thoughtful just-because gifts to show you care. A single red rose is incredibly sexy and always thrilling to receive. Maybe your significant other has his or her eye on a special book or movie that is just coming out. The gifts don't have to be elaborate or expensive, and you don't have to give them very often. They only need to convey that you pay attention and that you care.

4.) Make small gestures! Surprising your love with dinner after a long, hard day at work, washing his or her car when he or she is too busy to get to the car wash, or simply holding a door for your sweetheart can make a world of difference in how they view you. Small gestures show that you care and that is what love is built on. Do these as often as you possibly can. Make up lists of thoughtful little things, if you have to, and challenge yourself to do them all. Make them a normal part of your every day life.

5.) Communicate! I think this is the single most important thing in any relationship. My husband and I spent (and still spend) hours and hours talking about everything and nothing. Talk on the phone while you both watch the same movie from different locations, chat in IM while sending silly links back and forth, sit up in bed all night and discuss everything from politics and religion to Calvin and Hobbes comics. Just start talking and don't stop. It will strengthen your relationship. Really, that's the reason my husband and I got married, we just started talking to each other and then realized that we didn't ever want to stop.

Try these five suggestions and I predict that over the course of the new year your relationship will blossom into something defying expectation. Now go get started!