by Victoria de Martigny

Created on: January 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

Romance is all about the distinct emotional connection you share with your partner. As such, showing your love in a romantic way must also be a unique, personal and private expression of your feelings. Instead of ponying up for a dozen roses, invest some thought and a little creativity into a gesture that will truly dazzle the object of your affection!

I recently saw a movie where a man was trying to romance a baker and he brought her a tray with what appeared to be several small brown bags on it When she asked him what it was, he responded, "I brought you flours". He got the girl!

Here are a few more examples that may inspire your own random acts of romance:

For the animal lover:
-> Puppies are pass, so adopt an animal from World Wildlife Fund or IFAW in her name instead. Adoption kits usually come with a cute plush animal and an adoption certificate, so all you need to do is fill out the card.

For the adventurous:
-> Whisk her away for a surprise weekend getaway where you can spend time alone together doing something she loves. I will never forget the weekend that my beau picked me up from work on Friday night with all our camping gear, a full cooler of supplies and a promise to teach me how to kayak. I was so appreciative that he took care of all the planning and I just had to show up.

For the bookworm:
-> Slip a love note into her latest novel in place of her bookmark. It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece, but it should let her know why she is special to you.

For the frequent traveler:
-> Secretly tuck an article of your clothing into your sweetheart's luggage, lightly scented with your favorite cologne and a note saying, "I miss you". I used to travel for business almost every second week and one day on a dreary trip to Seattle I found my sweetie's t-shirt in my suitcase with just such a note. It was exactly what I needed to brighten up my day and I slept in it that night!

For the workaholic
-> Treat her to a fabulous massage, facial or pedicure at a local spa. Every woman loves to be pampered and letting her know that you think she deserves a special surprise for no other reason than because you love her will earn you extra brownie points.

For the harried homemaker:
-> Give her a day off. Start by cooking her a sumptuous breakfast in bed and then while she reads her favorite novel, relaxes in a bubble bath, watches a chick flick or does whatever she does to relax, take care of all her chores. Do the laundry, mop the floors, chauffeur the kids around whatever she would normally spend the day doing is your task for the day. She will appreciate this gift of time.

The goal is to do something that your loved one will find touching because it has special meaning for him or her. Don't wait for Valentine's Day, or your anniversary either. Any day is the right day for romance!

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