The Empty Nest: Tips for Rekindling Romance

Ah, ha! The kids are gone, and nights are quiet and peaceful throughout your house. No more must you lie awake nights waiting for for the kids to come home from the dance, those special dates and worrisome overnighters.

Now that you two lovebirds are in your empty nest, you no longer need to keep your bedroom door closed and locked at night. Finally, you have the total freedom to once more show the love and affection you gloried in when you were first married all those years ago.

How do you light that wonderful spark into the old flames again? There are many ways.

1. Show affection. When you had to get the kids off to school and yourselves out to meetings and jobs, you didn't often stop to take time for a hug. When you walk, hold hands as you did back when you first met. A sudden kiss is always a happy surprise gift.

2. Look your best in your empty nest. With the kids gone, you no longer need to dress up each day and look like typical parents. However, that doesn't mean you can slouch around in a tired bathrobe and slippers, especially on nights when you are in romantic moods.

Go back to those post-honemoon days when you always made sure you dressed and smelled as if you had just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Seduction requires the same kind of preparation.

3. Bring each other gifts, and do it frequently. Try a small bouquet of flowers, a tasty food item or a box of favorite candy. Leave little love notes where your spouse will find them. You can get all kinds of funny and loving illustrated examples on the internet. Add your own words and print them out. Leave a note in the morning just before breakfast or at night on the bed.

4. To get back into the lovebird mood again, a romantic dinner can be a great way to do it. It can be a candlelight supper at home or a visit to your favorite restaurant.

5. Now that there are no daily schedules requiring you to take the kids to their events anymore, you have the time to attend shows, concerts and dances. Go out together and once again be your favorite dating partners.

6. What could be more romantic than a cruise for two? You could also find an island paradise for you to romp together in the sun and sand.

Now that you're living in an empty nest, you two lovebirds should find many ways to rekindle the romance you had when you first soared together into marriage.