Besides wedding anniversaries or dating anniversaries, Valentine's Day has become "The Day" of romance and celebrating love.  It seems to be an unspoken rule that the more money you spend on someone, the more love you show.  Whatever happened to, "it's the thought that counts?" Whatever happened to spontaneous romance?  It doesn't matter what commercials, magazines, etc., try to sell and portray what they want us to believe.  It's about knowing what you and your significant other enjoy doing together.  Sometimes it can be trying something you both have never done before, but keeping it intimate to allow yourselves moments to reflect on and enhance what attracted you to each other to begin with. More importantly, it doesn't have to just be once or twice a year, but often.  I want to share a few ideas to keep love alive and keep it spicy!

If you're married with kids, you know, it can be a little tricky to be romantic. OK, let's keep it really it's totally challenging to be romantic and have alone time.  Let's face it, just when you think you have that moment, you don't... There always seems to be interruptions that might be important or not.  What do you do? Do you both just sigh and agree "It is what it is"?  If your kids are in school, take off work on a week day to enjoy each other.
1. Go catch a movie.  Sometimes, depending on the time and day of the week, you both can have the feel of having a private movie.

Set up a weekend get-away or staycation in advance.  Set up arrangements with family and friends you trust, if you have kids, to care for them in your home or theirs'.
1. Book a hotel, bed and breakfast or create a romantic atmosphere in your home bedroom.  Make sure you bring/have all the essentials you need and want with you, including food/snacks/drinks.  So, if you choose, you never have to leave your room....Wink. Wink.  It's all about enjoying each other with no interruptions.

Before there were pager, cell phones, laptops, etc., there was pen and paper.  It's always nice to get unexpected written notes of affection. Put them in their briefcase, luggage or on their night stand before you leave for work.
1. Give your sweetheart a cute card that says exactly how you feel about them.  We're not all gifted poets, but buying the perfect card for our love almost allows us to take the credit.
2. Write a love letter. It doesn't have to be fancy or long.  It only needs to say why you love him or her, how they make you feel when you're with them and when they're away, how you long for their return.

One of the most romantic things my hubby and I have done is cook.  We both love it and when we get the chance to this time in the kitchen, it's so much fun.  Yep, cooking is work, but if you're talking, laughing and sampling the food, the process is so much better.  I love to offer little bites with him and I love it when he offers me some of the food he's preparing.  I'm always there to give my expert opinion. Haha.  On a serious note, with all of the cooking kits that are available to order, we can all cook a delicious meal with our special someone.
1. Cook and share a meal together. Set the table and dim the lights.  Light some candles and play some nice romantic music.  The mood has been set and when the food is ready, look into each others' eyes with every bite.  Enjoy the food and each other.

There are so many ways to keep romance high with your significant other.  It takes work.  It takes you getting out of your rut.  Romance is a choice you both have to make to keep your relationship healthy, interesting and fun.  It also keeps you looking forward to more of it.  I hope the ideas mentioned here has sparked you to get romance back in your relationship or given you a new idea that keeps your already romantic relationship going.  Also, if you have additional suggestions, please comment below.  It will definitely help others.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I truly appreciate it!  Have a blessed weekend and I look forward to seeing you on the next post.

XOXO,

​Nae

​**photography: unsplash.com/explore