I was talking to my father last weekend on the phone. The usual transpired, “what are you doing”, “how are you,” I asked him what he was doing for his wife for Valentine’s day.  He said “Nothing, I don’t know what to do.”  Still in his 60’s he’s stumped at romance.  Here’s some help:

1. Creativity doesn’t have to mean working rally hard. Keep it simple. Think of things you don’t do everyday like Write a love note (when was the last time you got something in writing instead of on some kind of screen?) and for bonus points then hide the note somewhere your partner will be surprised to find it, like the medicine cabinet or under the pillow.  This creates a surprise factor, something out of the ordinary and expresses some kind of feeling. Check , check and check!

2. Use your senses. Cant figure out what to do?  Pick a category (taste, touch, hear, smell, sight).  Nothing says playful like a blindfold and some fruit!

3. Knowing something personal about your partner and using that in some creative way is one of the best romantic gigs.  Do they like to hike? Set up a picnic before hand, and when you come around the bend, Surprise! its all set up.

Romance doesn’t have to cost money. Being creative doesn’t have to be hard. Romance is so very necessary and foundational in a well oiled relationship.  Now I have to go call my Dad and see that he followed through!