What is your idea of romance? Does it mean passion or sensuousness or do you think of it more in terms of thoughtful expressions of love? Some people relate romance to sexual experiences, like the torrid, swept away relationships described in dime store romance novels. That isn’t my idea of romance.
For me, romance means thoughtfulness. It is the way we show each other the depths of our love and passion by showing how well we know the other person and doing special things for one another that no one else would think to do. It is personal gestures, not just candlelight or roses, but gestures that mean something, that say something, often without the use of spoken words. A look, a touch, a knowing nod or sigh, an extended hand, and arm around the shoulder, a gentle kiss on the cheek at just the right moment.
It can also be whisking your spouse away from it all when he or she needs it the most. It can be an overnight getaway to nurture your relationship away from other influences or demands. Romance means different things to different people, but I have never felt more romanced than when my husband does something special, to make me feel special, something thoughtful that he came up with that is just for me.
I try to return the favor, and while some of the things we do for each other might not seem too romantic to other people, they work for us. Sometimes it isn’t even a gesture, but a statement, a sentiment, a word. My husband seems to know me very well, at least most of the time, and when he knows just what to say or do to make me feel better or make me feel special, I can’t think of anything that could be more romantic.