Perfectly paired with yesterday’s post on gratitude, romance is a close cousin to that noun and the presence of gratitude, along with a genuine emotional and intimate connection, brings romance alive in countless beautiful ways. The small gestures of appreciation, the feeling of being truly seen, and the warmth of shared experiences all contribute to nurturing the flame of romance. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a thoughtful gesture, or simply taking the time to listen, these acts of gratitude and connection create an environment where romance flourishes and deepens, enriching the bond between two people.

A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS

Many of you understand the overwhelming sensation when Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries sneak up on you, and you rush to the flower shop, determined to find the perfect bouquet that strikes a balance between lavish and ordinary. For my beloved, it’s the delicate allure of white roses, reminiscent of her exquisite wedding bouquet, that moves her heart.

Big, grand gestures with flowers during special occasions may seem romantic, but to truly captivate her heart, you must make these gestures on ordinary days too. A gift given “just because” holds far more power than one given out of obligation. Remember, it’s the unexpected thoughtfulness that truly touches the soul.

MYSTERY OF LOVE

Romance can be defined as a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love and a deep emotional attachment to someone. It often involves gestures, actions, or behavior that express affection, admiration, and consideration towards another person. Romance can manifest through thoughtful deeds, kind words, and meaningful experiences, all aimed at creating a strong and intimate connection with a loved one.

MY PERSONAL STORY

Once upon a time (okay, actually the late eighties), my girlfriend and I were college students squeaking by on the tightest of budgets. She was working in preschool education to prepare herself for a future as a teacher, while I was working three jobs (Target, Alco, and a local record store) to just get by. Back in those days, there was never talk of a $20 minimum wage. No, as I recall, the wage was pretty close to $3.35 an hour (which explains my three jobs)!

Suffice it to say that during that time in our lives, I discovered the most romantic part of the human body, and it’s definitely not what you may be thinking. For me, it’s the brain and its infinite possibilities through imagination.

There was a magical moment when I found myself free from all three work schedules, and together with my future sister-in-law Ang, crafted an unforgettable evening for just the two of us. With a tasteful but simple recipe and all the ingredients for a delicious Italian steak dinner, we transformed the night into a charming French restaurant experience, filled with great food and the soft glow of candlelight. All on a shoestring budget of course!

THAT’S THE POWER OF LOVE

Isn’t it intriguing how, in the pursuit of romance, one may find parallels with Richard Gere’s character Edward Lewis in the 1990 film “Pretty Woman”, or alternatively, with Kurt Russell’s character Dean Proffitt in the 1987 film “Overboard”?

One is a wealthy man whose aloof and business-oriented demeanor is softened by Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts, a “hooker with a heart”. The other is a working-class man who, through deceit and desperation, initially wins, loses, and eventually reclaims the affections of amnesiac socialite Joanna Stayton, portrayed by Goldie Hawn.

In matters of romance, there is no fixed formula, no financial prerequisites, no predetermined income threshold, and no requirement for cosmetic alterations. While it may sound like a cliché, it holds true that the heart desires what it desires, and if destiny exists, so does romance.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

So, how do you define romance? What’s your story? Take a moment to share with my readers in the comments!