Romance on a budget

Romance isn't about how much money you lavish on another. It's about attracting the object of your affection. Romance is about making dreams and fantasies come true. Romance is defined as "an exciting and mysterious quality; a relationship between two lovers." It is the "act of making your partner feel loved." Romance is more than an act, it's a state of being. It's the heart, the soul and the mind working together to create an adventure, and increase enthusiasm for one another.

"Romance means intimacy and connection, which means paying attention to detail. It's making her lunch or giving him a massage. It's making the bed together and cuddling. It's holding hands and leaving little "love notes" around the house. It's touching and feeling and listening and sharing. It's excitement and serenity, spontaneity and planning. It's telling the other person what you want, and doing the things the other person likes. It's connecting deeply.

Romance is about timing, imagination, exploration and creativity. Being romantic is about.... being creative, being willing to take a risk. Sometimes it's being sweet. Sometimes it's being silly. Romance is about ... the right attitude. And attitude can cost you a little or a lot. True romantics have the right attitude; and use imagination to cultivate loving, sensual relationships. So just how do you develop the right attitude? Start out with little acts of affection, little things to show you care and can be romantic. Here are a few suggestions (excerpted from my book, Romance on a Budget) to help you spark your imagination.

• This Kiss -- You must remember this -- a kiss is still a kiss... kiss often. Repeat several times.
• Look into my eyes -- When you gaze into each others eyes, everyone else seems to disappear. And looking intensely at one another can send a message to your lover that can lead to other things.
• You light up my life -- Spray the perfume or cologne you wear on a light bulb. When the light is turned on the scent of you will fill the room.
• What a feeling -- Tell your love how much you appreciate him/her. Write your message on a Post-it-note and stick it where it is sure to be found.
• Get out of your comfort zone -- Do something impulsive, even a little risky that will excite your lover and ignite the romance.

Like the song says "Love Don't come Easy," I believe that "romance don't come easy. " But with a little practice and planning, the results can be thrillllllllling ... .