Trish's Top Tips for Romance

 

1. Keep “dating.”
   Married people who continue “dating” their spouses are among the happiest people in the world. Many people with great relationships schedule a “date night” each week.
2. The unasked-for gift is the most appreciated.
   The surprise gift is the most cherished.
3. Love is a process.
   Adjust your daily schedule in some small way to advance the process of love in your life.
4. Flirt with each other at a party just as if you were single.
5. Learn how to say “I love you”
   and other romantic phrases in sign language. You can then have an intimate conversation across a crowded room.
6. Identify one pivotal event that brought the two of you together and celebrate that event each year.
7. Put your relationship first.
   Romantics do not put their partners first by ignoring their own needs and wants.
8. Romantics don’t constantly buy gifts for their partners,
   but they do give “things” – little things, private things, goofy things, meaningful things – such as comic strips, love quotes, greeting cards, little toys, and magazine articles.
9. One of the greatest gifts you can give your partner is your own happiness.
10. Great relationships don’t just happen, they are created.
11. Don’t expect your partner to read your mind –
    if something is bothering you, tell them!
12. Do something long-term together.
    Learn about investments, take dance lessons, refinish the furniture, reach your fitness goals. Do something that will enrich and interest each of you – you’ll stay connected and foster common ground in the relationship. Make sure that this is above and beyond child rearing.
13. Practice "Random Acts of Affection."
    Be affectionate towards your partner for no reason and at completely spontaneous times. Hug your partner from behind while they are brushing their teeth, washing the dishes or making supper; hold hands while driving together; play slow music and ask your spouse to dance.
14. Always have a bottle of champagne on hand so you can celebrate anything (or nothing!) at the drop of a hat.
15. To break out of the daily grind, be sure to compliment your partner on something - anything.
    Often people forget to comment on a pretty dress or nice shirt because they see that person every day. That quiet comment can be just the thing to lift spirits for an entire day.
16. Don’t forget to laugh together every day.
17. Give a perpetual bouquet.
    Give your partner one flower every day, a different kind each day. In a week you’ll have a complete bouquet. Keep doing this for three months, removing one wilted flower and replacing it with a new one. It makes an ever-changing reminder of your love.
18. Advice to guys:
    How to catch her, learn to dance. How to keep her, learn to cook.
19. Don’t take romance for granted.
    Make it a priority by making an honest appraisal of how you spend your time. Give your special someone top priority over work, friends, hobbies, etc.
20. Love letters become treasured keepsakes.
    They will bring a sigh to your partner when re-read.
21. Be yourself!
    Being romantic doesn’t mean being someone else.
22. Switch roles with your lover for a day, a weekend or a week.
    Trade responsibilities, chores and daily routines; trade sides of the bed, trade as many aspects of your lives as you possibly can. You’ll gain new insights into your partner, which will make you more patient and understanding with each other, and help you make romantic gestures that are personal and appropriate.
    
23. Don’t wait until Saturday night (or a cruise) to go dancing.
    Move the furniture and dance by yourselves at home in your living room.
24. Do something totally out of character:
    - Always late? Be on time.
    - Not creative? Think-up something original and unexpected.
    - Forgetful? Remember her birthday every day for a month.
    - Watch TV every night? Go out to dinner instead.
    - Two left feet? Take dance lessons together.