If your relationship is feeling comfy but a tad boring, here are 6 ways to add instant romance. (And don’t say you haven’t got time. You have 1,440 minutes in every day — how you use those minutes is up to you!)
1. Go for the classics:
Overdo something. Does he love black jellybeans? Buy a kilo! Her 30th birthday? Send 30 sunflowers. Place a rose under the windshield wiper of her car. (P.S. Men like flowers, too). Kiss each other at every red light. Put a photo of her in your wallet (and a BIG one of her on your desk). Toast one another every time you hold any sort of glass.
2. Be prepared:
Make a list of at least 10 things you know your partner would love to do or see. Always have on hand – scented candles, chocolates, a bottle of chilled champagne and a cute card. Wrap gifts beautifully: remember that the presentation is nearly as important as the gift itself.
3. Think outside the square:
Create a collage of photographs of the two of you, or write a list of all the things you like about your partner on a parchment scroll. You don’t have to be artistic, just sincere. Hide notes under pillows, in his tool box, under his dinner plate, frozen in ice cubes. Having pizza? Ask the chef to scatter the pepperoni slices in the shape of a heart.
4. Splash out:
Hire a flautist to play during dinner at home. Have her portrait painted from a photograph. When’s the last time you went to the ballet? The opera? A concert? Rent a classic car and take it out for a Sunday drive. Has she got a favourite toy animal? Slip a bracelet onto its paw or a pretty scarf around its neck. What’s your fantasy? Hire His and Her fancy dress outfits – cowboy and cowgirl, pimp and ho …
5. Shake things up:
On a budget? Trade homes with a friend for the weekend. The change will refresh you both and it won’t cost you a cent. Do one of her chores for her (and get bonus points by letting her find out for herself, without you telling her how virtuous you’ve been!) Take a shower together. Eat dinner by candlelight. Listen to romantic music, like The Phantom of the Opera or Andrea Bocelli’s Romanza.
6. Surprise!:
Buy her a kitten. Carve her initials and yours in a tree. Buy some gorgeous lingerie and leave it on the bed, with a note. Use those ‘conversation heart’ lollies to spell out a romantic message on her dressing table. Draw hearts on the eggs in the fridge. Sticky-tape an “I love you” note to the underside of the toilet lid (hell, he leaves it up anyway). Hang fairy lights outside so she can see them from the kitchen window, balcony, or whatever. Greet him at the door wearing a big pink bow – and nothing else. Have a picnic. In bed.
