Like a finely cut diamond, romance has many facets. Romance can be discovered in a fictitious tale of adventure, heroism, and mystery. Romance is experiencing the thrill of courtship and love. Romance is also incorporating the spirit of the dreams and sentiments of love to the areas of your life.

Romance & Your Life

The wonderful benefit of being a woman is our femininity. By embracing our femininity and expressing that uniqueness, we invite romance into our life.

Scents & Senses

Perfume and fragrant lotions are an easy way to make us feel feminine. There are many products available in a wide range of prices. Keep your eyes open for the end of season sales. Take advantage of "buy one get one free" deals.

When it comes to sleepingware, toss out the baggy sweats and old T-shirts. Enjoy the soft touch of silk and soft cotton fabrics against your skin. If you have to suffer from the strong breezes of a fan or simply get cold at night, select silky nightwear that has flannel on the inside. Don’t overlook the "pretty practicals" that are available, too. Sensible sleepingwear can still be feminine. Also, please remember to replace intimate apparel before it is ready to be tossed into a roaring fire!

Feminine Maintenance

There are other little things we can do to make us feel womanly. A simple daily maintenance program for our hair, body and nails will bring out our own female beauty. It is amazing what a shower with fragrant soap or body gel, make-up, and neatly manicured nails can do to your feminine self-esteem. We don’t have to look like a model or be a wealthy lady of leisure to present your femininity!

Don’t let frantic schedules, responsibilities, or motherhood overshadow the fact that you are first a woman. It’s important to keep a connection to your feminine side. In doing so, you can feel romantic even when you’re wearing jeans and a sweatshirt.

Romance can present itself when we least expect it. The only way to participate in romance outside your home is to reach out for the experience. Whether you are attached or not, it’s important to take the opportunity to socialize, visit picturesque locations, and use your own creativity to design romantic occasions.

The ideas are limited only by your imagination. Try writing down ten things you can do as a couple or with friends. Here are three ideas to start off your list.

Idea #1: Enjoy a Picnic: Picnics are a frequent suggestion, but don’t overlook their romantic potential. They are the perfect activity for an intimate lunch for two or small group.

Idea #2: Host a Party: This is an idea for those of you that are unattached! Invite 5-8 of your friends. They in turn should each bring one unattached friend. Keep track of the gender ratio so the ratio of men to women is equal. Plan activities that will encourage mingling. Alissa Fields of Eye Spy Optical took an interesting spin on this idea. 

Idea #3: An Afternoon Together: Schedule an afternoon together. Take a walk around the lake at an Arboretum and finish the afternoon with a late lunch. Visit a local museum. Get tickets to a minor leagues baseball game. This always promises a good old-fashioned outing. Attend a gallery opening. Often you have a chance to meet talented artists.

No matter where you are along your romance journey, keep the dreamy sentiment of love in everything you do.

This is just a reminder that it is critical to put time aside for you or as a couple. The responsibilities and business of daily living can quickly smother thoughts of romance simply because you’re too tired. Even if your schedule only allows stolen moments, take advantage of those precious times.

Whether you are celebrating your twentieth anniversary of marriage or first year of dating, reflect upon your special love. Create a special occasion doing what you enjoy. Perhaps it will be an evening dinner cruise, a carriage ride through the city, or a weekend getaway. Whatever you dream as romantic, indulge in each other’s company and relive the moment when you first shared the words, "I Love You."

NOTE:  If you have children: If a friend or family member has children, offer a "baby-sitting switch" arrangement. One evening or weekend of watching your kids can be exchanged for the same arrangement for their children. In the end, everyone wins! Your kids have a special outing and you enjoy a romantic interlude without interruption or distractions!

Take pleasure in reading a romance story. Be swept away in the whirlwind adventure and romance that a writer can create. The choices in types and categories of romance stories are as varied as the tales.

If you enjoy books on tape, check out the listing of romances on tape at your local library for FREE. Check out time can be as long as three weeks at some libraries. It’s a fabulous way to enjoy the visions of romance, even if you're dusting the furniture!

We have all heard that some of the best things in life are free. The statement is definitely true when it comes to romance. Saying "I Love You" is so very important. Even though we know we are loved and love our mate, whisper those three little words every day.

Making romance a part of our daily lives also means being sensitive to the common courtesies. Familiarity and a certain level of comfort often lead us to forget the special treatment that we should bestow to our special love. "Thank you," "Please," and "May I help you?" are never out of style. Unfortunately, the common courtesies of the past are sometimes forgotten in the business of life.

Keep your romance fresh and sensual by cherishing the little things.

Romantic environments influence how we feel about ourselves and those around us. Elements of romance can be made a part of your garden, bathroom, kitchen and even your closets. Consider what you can do to create the surroundings that make you feel special. Add some ideas to your own by taking a look at Create Your Romantic Paradise.

Not unlike the unique beauty of a diamond, you can make your life sparkle with romance.