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I may read a crazy number of romance novels, but nothing beats real life. I met my husband over 20 years ago, we started dating 18 years ago, and I’ve been happily married for almost 17 years. Seventeen years! Sometimes, I don’t know where the time went and I cannot believe we’ve been married that long. Then, of course, I remember that I’m forty-ish and have two young children.
Even after all this time, my husband and I still find ways to keep the romance alive. I want to share 12 Days of Romance, including ways that couples can celebrate one another and keep the passion in their relationship. Trust me on this one. Pick and choose your favorites to show your loved one how much they mean to you. Even the smallest gesture can mean so much.
Just because I’m doing 12 days, feel free to do more than one of these on one day or make it a romantic week! The longer you’ve been married, the more you’ll realize it is the little things that truly mean the most. Let’s start with one of the sweetest ways you can show how much you love someone.
1. The Love Note
A couple of weeks ago, my husband left me a sweet note. He went to work early one morning and I was getting the kids ready for school and found it on my computer. The best part? It was written in blue highlighter on a paper towel. True Story. It really doesn’t have to be a 3 page, typewritten story. Just sweet.
2. Dinner at Home
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Blackened Chicken
This easy recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes, including a bagged salad and some french bread! It makes for a super-simple, romantic dinner with enough left over for lunch the next day.
Step 1. Cut chicken breasts into bite size pieces. Coat with Blackening Spice.
Step 2. Heat pan to medium-high heat, coat with oil, and add seasoned chicken.
Step 3. Cook until no longer pink. 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside
Step 4. Boil water in large stock pan, add pasta to boiling water. Cook according to package directions.
Step 5. Meanwhile, heat a sauce pan over medium-low heat and begin cheese sauce by adding butter and melting.
Step 6. Add heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 7. Add garlic and shredded Parmesan and stir until smooth. Reduce heat.
Step 8. Drain pasta and return to pot.
Step 9. Add cheese sauce to pasta and combine.
Step 10. Serve pasta on plates and top with blackened chicken. Enjoy with salad and bread.
3. Be a couple for the night
Take a night away from the family. Get someone to watch the kids, and either rent a hotel room or just go back home (it’s quiet now!). Put on some relaxing music and slow dance. Reconnect without the kids, the chores, or the errands. Just connect with each other.
4. Massage
Plan a massage. Get out the scented candles, the really soft sheets, something cute to wear, and romantic music. Don’t forget the to make the intimate moments even more special.
I used this $2 coupon to save on K-Y® Yours+Mine® Couples Lubricants® while shopping at Walmart. I found the K-Y® Yours+Mine® Couples Lubricants® on the Family Planning Aisle, near the top of the shelves. All the K-Y® products were in the same area so that finding the right product for our needs was in one place.
5. Flowers
Women like flowers. It’s a fact and we like it when our significant other finds a way to bring us flowers. Maybe not every day, but when we aren’t expecting them. The best reason I’ve ever heard for getting flowers: just because. I think I have a keeper!
6. The Beach
You may not think that it’s the season for heading to the beach, but here in Florida we go year-round. When we go on vacation, we usually include my in-laws. You know what that means? That my husband and I can usually get one night to ourselves to go out to eat, walk on the beach, and spend quality one-on-one time together as a couple.
Having the whole family at the beach also makes for some great memories for the kids. I like the fact that we can all be there, but hubby and I can still get some alone time. That, and the beach is really one of the most romantic places that I’ve ever been. It’s so peaceful and relaxing.
7. Dinner Out
Just as we like to enjoy dinner at home, it is sometimes nice to get dressed up and go out on the town. A nice romantic restaurant with candlelight and wine can be just the spark you need. Follow it up with a walk by the lake and it makes for the perfect date night.
8. Pick up the Phone
This may seem like a no-brainer, but call your significant other and tell him that you love him. Use words and talk to each other. You don’t always need to text. Take a minute and communicate. One of my biggest tips when I’m asked “what makes your marriage last?” is communication. Be open and honest with each other and share what you’re feeling. So, yes. Call her and tell her that you love her!
9. Bring Home Her Favorite Dessert
Heading home from work? Stop and pick up something she’ll love, whether it’s her favorite cookies or a cupcake. It’s something small, only takes a few minutes, and it will make her love you even more. My husband has done that a few times. After work, he’s stopped by my favorite bakery and picked up a special dessert. It works both ways. When I see something special that my husband enjoys eating, I’ll stop and pick it up for him as a treat. It’s just nice to be surprised sometimes.
10. A card
You don’t need a special occasion to grab a sweet or funny card. When we were first married, we always picked out two cards for Valentine’s Day and our anniversary because they are one day apart. One funny, one sweet. Now, if I see a card that I know will make him laugh I’ll pick it up and surprise him. It’s just another way to show how much I care.
11. Hold Hands
This is another one of those things that doesn’t cost a dime, but really packs a punch in the romance department. Whether you’re watching your favorite show on television or walking through the mall, grab his hand and give a little squeeze. My husband and I do this while watching TV at night. We’ll be sitting there and he’ll just reach over and grab my hand. That’s when you’ll see me swooning, again.
12. Communicate
Don’t hold back. Be honest, be loving, and be kind. Love each other. Just talking can bring a closeness that you may have forgotten about or haven’t yet discovered. Oh, and don’t go to bed angry.
These are just a few of my favorite romantic gestures. I have quite the list in my head, but I have to say just being together is romantic. I can say that’s true, even after so many years. Here’s to another 60 years of happily ever afters.
What ideas do you have to bring the romance to your relationship? Do you have any I haven’t already mentioned? I’d love to hear what you think!
