One Dozen Romantic Delights

Romance is the best. We feel so alive, so attractive, so hopeful. The world is in the palms of our hands. We're infallible. We can do anything. Yet we let the romance slip away sometimes without even a backwards glance. You've heard people say it. "We've been together for so many years. It's just not the same anymore" Or better yet, "We're just too busy...with our jobs, the kids, whatever." Too busy to feel good? Haven't you figured out yet how fast life goes by and don't you WANT to feel good as much as possible? Its not rocket science and it doesn't even take lots of money. It just takes a tiny bit a creativity, a little attention to detail, and basically the desire to hold on to the good stuff.

Here are a dozen ways you can hold on to the romance you've been lucky enough to find in the first place.

#1. Learn to listen. This is a tough-y. We all just want to be heard. I don't even care if my partner agrees with me. I just want to know that I have the floor and he is hearing what I've got to say. It's flattering and re-assuring at the same time. If I manage to keep my mouth closed and just listen when he talks, I learn a tremendous amount about what's on his mind, what worries him, what's made him happy today. Sometimes, I even get rewarded with his romantic words about his feelings for me. It's simple, yet it's magical.

#2.Never underestimate the power of candles...especially those with a mild fragrance. I've got a "fresh linen" scented candle I picked up at Walmart and it's as yummy as it can be, no matter which room I put it in. I love one by the tub. The light reflects off the water and for a few moments I'm transported to the ocean which is always a romantic spot to share.

#3. Flowers, flowers and more flowers. It doesn't have to be a bunch; it can be just two. Remember that men like flowers,too. You can put one on his car seat, slide one under the windshield wiper, or better yet, take the dried petals and float them in the tub, lit only by the candlelight nearby.

#4 .Speaking of tubs, wonderful bath salts and bubble bath are delightful ways to relax and be close. Looking for soothing scents like lavender, grapefruit, lime, and mint.

#5. Brush each others hair. It's such a sensual feeling. The scalp has tons of nerve endings and each one loves some attention. Whether you massage each other's scalps or just brush each other's hair, it feels good to the recipient and the donor. I love stretching my hands and fingers and feeling the strands of hair run through my fingers.

#6. Find cute greeting cards and keep them in a file. When you need one, you'll be ready. Leave one in his car, where he hangs his keys. Even send one to him at work. And women love getting them at work, too, where they can display them and make the other girls jealous. It's true and you know it!

#7.Get a pad of post-its and stick them in places that'll surprise your partner. Inside a sock, under a pillow, under the shaving cream, in the jar of coffee beans. It's guaranteed to bring a smile to that special person.

#8.Champagne. Whenever possible.

#9. Dance like there's no tomorrow. In private where you can create your own steps. In public where you can flirt with each other and become entranced by the dance floor lights and the energy of the rest of the crowd.

#10. Try to utilize some special skill you have. My partner is an artist. Last Christmas he gave me a fabulous gift. He drew a caricature of my two hound dogs and me in a Conga line! It might be my favorite gift ever and one I'll love looking at when I'm ninety! I cherish it because he took the time to create something so personal and because he drew me with a body like Pamela Anderson's which he seems to think I have and, trust me please, I don't even remotely come close to having. Can you create a little scrapbook? Make a wonderful meal? Write a poem or a song? It's the effort that counts, not the amount of perfection you achieve.

#11. Take your partner back to the place where you met, or had your first date. Don't reveal the destination. Just ask them to take a short ride with you and surprise them. Works every time!

#12. Carve your initials in a tree. It says you want that relationship to last forever and what's more romantic than that?