Think of the last time your girlfriend surprised you with a visit at the office, or the last time your husband called you out of the blue in the middle of the day. Spontaneous displays of affection are a great way to remind your significant other that you are always thinking of them. And, with technology at our daily disposal, it’s easier now than ever to reach out and rekindle the romance. Here are a few reasons why sending a romantic email is a great way to say, “I love you”.

It’s Easy Peasy
Composing an email is as simple as accessing your email client, filling out a few details, typing up your message, and clicking ‘send’. Want to personalize your message with a little extra flair? Email clients make it easy to add picture attachments, insert cute little emoticons, and use other fun tidbits to make your digital love letter come to life. Because these services are usually offered for free, sending a romantic email is a wonderful, inexpensive alternative to text-messaging or placing a call during the day (though, by all means, do pick up that phone if your sweetie is so touched that they want to hear your voice!).

It Fits Into Your Schedule
Feeling pressed for time but want to let your significant other know that they’re on your mind? It literally only takes a minute to type up a quick but heartfelt message – “Can’t wait until I can come home to you!” or “Looking forward to seeing your beautiful face!” are just some short and sweet examples. On the other hand, if you’re taking an hour-long lunch break, why not write a detailed message describing just how much you miss your loved one and how much it means to you that they’re in your life? The beauty of email messaging is that there are no rules – no matter how much (or how little) time you have, it’s always possible to reach out to that special someone.

It’s Out of the Ordinary
Most inboxes are filled with the same kinds of emails day in and day out – newsletters, work-related correspondence, tons of spam. Imagine how surprised (and happy!) your significant other would be to receive something a little more exciting and personal than a sales flyer from Amazon.com. Because messages usually include a subject line, sending an email with a sweet (or saucy) header is the perfect way to add a little touch of romance to their day. Be spontaneous and creative – you never know what pleasantly unexpected messages you’ll end up getting in return!

It’s Good for Your Relationship
Communication is a very important part of maintaining healthy relationships. Listening to what your partner has to say, and sharing your own feelings, promotes understanding and openness. By communicating to your significant other that you care about them and appreciate them, you are strengthening the core of your relationship and nurturing your intimacy. Doing something as simple as sending out a romantic email can have a very deep (and very positive) impact on your partner – it lets them know that they are an important part of your daily life, and that no matter where you are or what you’re doing, you will always be thinking of them.

The next time you’re away from your loved one (at work, on a business trip, even just a few rooms down), consider hopping on to the Internet and sending them a thoughtful, romantic email. Make it a funny anecdote about the first time you met, or copy and paste the lyrics to a song that reminds you of them. It can be as short or as long as you’d like, as light-hearted or as poetic as you can make it. As long as it reflects your feelings and makes your partner feel special and loved, there’s no limit to how much romance you can spark with the simple click of a button.

One of the biggest complaints from men is that they simply don’t know what kind of gift they should give on Valentine’s Day. Wealthy men have sometimes spend fortunes to buy an extremely expensive piece of jewelry for their lover, only to find that she is completely disappointed and unimpressed. Feeling disgusted with themselves, these men may be tempted to ask for the gift back, since it didn’t have its intended effect – but this is another grave mistake. The woman will become extremely offended if a man asks for an expensive gift back, even if she didn’t show the proper gratitude in the first place. The unspoken rules of Valentine’s Day can be extremely tricky to navigate, so all men are cautioned to tread lightly.

Instead, a great alternative is to create a homemade Valentine’s Day gift. This is a great idea for many different reasons and for almost any class or category of men. It is especially a good idea for the poor man, who may not have the necessary funds to spring for an expensive gift, dinner, or vacation. He can simply make a card or a poem, which indicates to the woman that he held the thought her in his mind for at least as long as it took him to make the gift. For this reason, the more intricate or time consuming the gift is perceived to be – the better received it will be.

This is also great news for the rich man. Men and women are often not on the same page in so many instances. The lover of a rich man is typically not aware of the great sacrifices that he made to acquire his fortune. She does not see the blood, sweat, and tears that he shed to become successful. She does not see the times when he worked for 36 hours straight, or the times when he sacrificed creature comforts in order to better put himself and his business on the path to success. All she sees is the finished, polished, rich man, and she takes his money for granted. When he spends his money on her, he knows what he sacrificed in order to acquire that money; and that sacrifice, often many years ago, is his gift. But she does not see this, and she merely turns her nose up at his “thoughtlessness”. This is a lose-lose situation for this unfortunate man. Instead, he can give her what she wants, without any great sacrifice on his own part. He might make a card for her out of construction paper, or maybe he could write a nice poem expressing his love for her. Picking flowers from a nearby field is also a great way to add a personal touch to a Valentine’s Day gift.

Some of the best picks for romantic foods are those that are termed aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs supposedly contain chemicals that enhance feelings of love and romance. From Cleopatra’s age, people have been eating certain foods to achieve this means. Examples of purported aphrodisiacs include almonds, avocados, bananas, mint, chocolate, eggs of all sorts (including caviar), figs, foie gras, and oysters. Although there is not a lot of scientific evidence to support the effects of aphrodisiacs, other characteristics of these foods could lead them to inspire romance. Some of them, including bananas, figs, and eggs, are symbolic of sexual organs or fertility. Others, such as caviar, oysters, foie gras, avocado, or almonds, provide an attractive contrast or sensual mouth feel. Just imagine the crisp texture of caviar pearls bursting in your mouth, or the smooth, rich feel of ripe avocado. Whether or not these foods have chemical properties, they are certainly worth a try for a romantic dinner.

If you are not interested in giving aphrodisiac foods a try, another great option is to set up an intimate menu involving finger foods. Using your hands to feed yourself, or your partner, is a very intimate and private experience. Examples of good finger foods include grilled shrimp, sliced cheeses, olives, caviar, crackers, sliced baguette, crab cakes, or thinly-sliced pieces of steak. For dessert, you could serve sliced fruits. A fun way to present a romantic dinner of bite-sized finger foods is to use a fondue set. Dipping your bread, apples, bits of chicken and vegetables into a cheese fondue can make for a fun evening. Make it even more exciting by feeding each other. You can do a chocolate fondue for dessert, or do something simpler that doesn’t need a lot of clean-up.

While there are a lot of options for romantic foods that can make the night fun, there are some things to avoid. Foods that are strongly-spiced or smell overly of onion or garlic may not be the best option. Gaseous foods, such as beans, broccoli, or cabbage, are also best avoided. When planning your meal, try to think of something that will be simple to clean-up, or that you won’t mind leaving until the next day. If your meal leads to more, you will not want to interrupt a romantic interlude to wash dishes.

When setting the table for your romantic food, try to keep things close. If possible, use a small table or situate your place settings so you will be touching your partner. Dim the lights and set out candles. However, be sure to use fragrance-free or lightly-scented candles and flowers so they will not overwhelm the foods you have prepared.

Whichever foods you choose to serve for your romantic meal, remember to have fun and let go. Eating can be a wonderful experience, and sharing this intimate act with a romantic partner can be one of life’s greatest pleasures.

For romantic traditionalists, spending Christmas in a warm weather locality is almost blasphemous. If you believe that snow should be part of your romantic Christmas vacation, then a trip to the Rockies or a local ski lodge will be perfect for you and your lover. Book with a ski lodge early to ensure that you can get a room, as skiing vacations are very popular during the holiday season. It’s important to book with a ski lodge early to ensure that you can get a room, as skiing vacations are very popular during the holiday season. You will also need to decide whether you will want to bring your own ski equipment or rent it when you reach your destination. With many airlines now charging round trip fees for every piece of baggage, it may be cheaper and easier just to rent bulky ski equipment once you arrive.

To make your Christmas ski lodge vacation even more memorable, do a little research and find out if there are other romantic activities that may be offered at the resort, such as a horse sleigh trip or massages. Don’t forget, also, to make reservations at a nice restaurant for Christmas or, if all your restaurant options will be closed on Christmas Day, figure out a way that the two of you can still have a romantic dinner with as little stress and work as possible.

If cold weather is not you and your lover’s thing, then do like the Hollywood stars and head to the tropics. Celebs flock to literal hot spots such as Hawaii or St. Barts in the Caribbean during the Christmas holidays. Australia, where it is summer, is another hot spot option. While lounging on a beach is not usually what one thinks about when they think about Christmas, many people enjoy taking a break from the cold weather that seems to last forever in the winter.

Unfortunately, both skiing trips and tropical vacations have one not-so-pleasant thing in common. They are both usually very costly, as it is high season for both types of vacations during the Christmas holidays. If you are looking for a bargain, check into packages for off-season romantic sites such as Paris or Venice. Though, they may be chilly, and maybe even a bit dreary, these locations still offer much charm and are beautiful settings for a romantic Christmas vacation.

Before you rush off and book a romantic Christmas vacation, it is important to make sure that your lover will be fine with the idea. Surprising a lover with a trip may sound like a good idea, but if it will conflict with annual family plans, a vacation could end up causing more stress than romance.

Another possible faux pas is one that could possibly trip up a guy. Single men, who are planning on staying single, and who are taking their lovers on a romantic vacation should be careful about the type of gift they buy. A romantic setting and a jewelry store bag or box being presented on Christmas could ratchet up hopes of a wedding proposal.

Overall, however, a romantic Christmas vacation is a great way to celebrate a cherished holiday with a cherished someone.

Couples massage retreats are often focused on rejuvenation, healthy lifestyles and detoxification. All of these processes allow the person to gain more energy. Energy improves a person’s outlook and invigorates the feelings of sensuality. A couple’s massage retreat is the right prescription to inject love back into your relationship. Several couple’s massage retreats will be mentioned to give individuals an idea of what is available for romance renewal.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain

This intimate retreat on Camelback Mountain offers Asian-inspired treatments to couples. The marble bathrooms are complete with full garden spa tubs that the staff decorates with numerous candles to set the mood. There are several vitality pools, infinity pools and fire pits where romance can brew between the couple. Deluge showers are also available for relaxation and detoxification. Each of these amenities may be rented to enjoy private sessions between you and your mate. Extensive wines lists are available to encourage relaxation. Many of the spa casitas are located on the side of the mountain with spectacular views of the valley and the evening sunsets. The casitas are completely private to allow for romantic interludes alone.

Body Holiday at Le Sport, Saint Lucia

Le Sport was rated in the top five destination spas in the world. This particular spa offers guest numerous spa treatments, relaxation exercises, ocean views and an overall comprehensive experience. The spa is luxurious and all inclusive. Couples may golf, play tennis and engage in water sports to grow closer together. This five star resort will not disappoint couples who are seeking to reestablish their romantic connection.

Maroma

Maroma is a romantic Mexican Caribbean resort designed to provide the ultimate romantic relaxation experience. The resort focuses on privacy and renewal of the spirit. Part of their regimen includes Earth, Air, Fire and Water to help relax the mind and revive the spirit. Couples will typically enjoy five nights of romance and the opportunity to reiginite their relationship through massage. The beaches are spectacular and the tropical forests create a magical experience that emanates intrigue and romance.

Fairmont Turnberry Isle

This Mediterranean style resort is situated on 300 gorgeous lush tropical acres in luxurious Miami, Florida. In 2009, this resort was ranked the World’s Best by Travel + Leisure magazine. This resort features private cabanas, a lazy river, poolside dining and the award winning Willow Stream Spa and fitness center. The Willow Stream Spa is where couples will reignite and renew their love for one another through massage. Couples may also engage in 18 holes of golf on a championship designed golf course or tennis on one of the four clay HydroCourts. Shopping is only a shuttle away. Couples may enjoy Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom’s, as well as, over 250 specialty shops at the Aventura Mall. There is also spectacular cuisine available on this romantic couples retreat.

Willow Stream Spa Scottsdale

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a five star resort where the Willow Stream Spa is located. The spa was inspired by an oasis deep in the Grand Canyon where energy unites and restores. The spa is complete with red rock waterfalls and an open-air reflection atrium. The waterfalls beckon relaxation and rejuvenation. Couples may reconvene on private outdoor patios to reignite their passions and love for one another. The beautiful blue skies against the purple mountains are a beautiful sight to behold. The entire resort is an enchanting and delightful experience. Couples will feel rejuvenated and romantic from their couple’s massage retreat.

Respect is the first sign of a healthy relationship. Do you respect your partner, and do they respect you? Do you value each their opinion? Do you seek their advice? Respect is essential in any relationship. If you do not respect someone, or they do not respect you, then there will be problems down the road. You should never feel like you are being taken for granted, used, or constantly put down. Those are unhealthy behaviors in a relationship. Again, you may have a fight and insult may be used. The key is talking about it and trying to find out if there is a deeper issue. At that point, you can see if the respect for each other is still there.

Reliability is another key part of a healthy romantic relationship. Can you count on your partner? If you had a bad day at work, would they be there for you? If their car broke down on the highway, would you stop everything to go help them out? If you’re in a healthy relationship, you absolutely need to be able to count on each other. If you tell your partner that you will be somewhere or do something, you need to do it. If there is a pattern where one of you is constantly letting the other down, that is a sign of a bigger problem.

Trust is essential in a healthy relationship. Do you trust each other? If your partner is out, are you constantly worrying that they are doing something bad? Do you feel like you need to conceal things from them? Being open and honest is the most important part of a relationship. If you cannot trust the person you are with, you shouldn’t be with them. If your partner goes out for a night on the town, you should be able to relax and know that they are simply having a good time, not doing something to sabotage your relationship.

This one may be simple, but do you enjoy each other’s company? If you are going to be in a relationship with someone, you should enjoy being with them. This means all the time, rather you are on a vacation or simply sitting at home watching television. You shouldn’t feel awkward around them, nor should you feel the need to force conversation all the time. You just genuinely need to feel comfortable with each other. This means doing things together, relaxing together, talking about your day, and countless other little things. It should never feel like a chore to be with someone if you are in a healthy relationship.

Lastly, you should feel excited about the relationship. When your partner calls you after a long day at work, does it make you smile to see their name on the Caller ID? Do you look forward to plans you make together? Do you like sharing stories with each other? These are all signs that you enjoy spending time together and talking to each other. Every relationship has a honeymoon period that ends, but that doesn’t mean that you lose the feeling of being happy to be with someone.

One tried and true method is to have a picnic. You can pack a basket or backpack with some cheap food from the grocery store: it’s best to choose food that doesn’t require cooking, such as sandwiches. A great idea to lengthen this into a full day is to combine the picnic with a hike. Hiking doesn’t cost any money, and it can kill many romantic hours of talking to each other and pointing out the beautiful plants and animals that you encounter.

If you really want to push the hiking idea to the next level, you might want to try a camping trip. This is a great opportunity to show your lover that you are capable of taking care of yourself and her even in remote regions away from civilization. You should sell it as if it is a dangerous adventure. The downside to this is that many women don’t like bugs, and you may find her whining and complaining a lot – she’ll say that this is the opposite of romantic. To avoid this, you may only want to do this in areas where there aren’t a lot of scary bugs. On the other hand, if she is a whiner and complainer, then it is probably better that you find this out sooner rather than later so that you don’t marry her.

Another great romantic gesture you can give to your lover is to pick some wild flowers for her. This is best when it is combined with another cheap activity that she may not really think is too romantic in and of itself. For example, perhaps she is coming over to your house for the evening, and your only plan is to cook some macaroni and cheese and to watch a movie that is set to be broadcast that night on cable television. Instead of settling for an uninteresting night, you can simply take a walk around your neighborhood before your lover shows up at your door. Find some pretty flowers and arrange them in a bunch. Then you can present them to her when she arrives at your door. She will be surprised and delighted by your thoughtfulness.

You can probably think of many other ways to have a romantic time with your lover for practically no money at all. Not only will you save money, but it’s a great opportunity to show off your creativity.

Romance is important to both parties in the relationship. Even if the two of you are challenged by distance, this doesn’t mean you have to put romance on the back burner. There are many ways you and your sweetheart can still be and feel romantic.

Put the romance in your long distance relationship by:

- Investing in a set of webcams and then video chatting with one another.
- Send romantic, sexy email to one another.
- Write a real, romantic, old-fashioned letter to your love. Spritz some of your cologne or perfume on the letter prior to mailing.
- Send your sweetheart flowers just to show your love.
- Send a care package to your love. Fill it with favorite treats, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and a special mug. Include a snuggly robe that your sweetie can wear and feel as if he or she is wrapped in your arms.
- Call a local take-out restaurant in their area and have dinner delivered to your love. Then, get on the phone and have dinner together.
- Send romantic, loving, text messages.
- Start a blog together where you can each go to blog your feelings for one another and upload current photos.
- Burn a cd of favorite songs and send to your sweetheart.
- Play online games together such as Scrabble or Bingo.
- Buy matching pajamas and wear them on nights that you are separated.
- Make a calendar for your partner to hang on the wall. Mark your important dates and anniversary and dates that you plan on being together. Have it personalized with photos of the two of you.
- Make a collage of photos and cut out sexy phrases to glue on with the pictures.
- Fill a jar with Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses and place a note on the jar stating the jar is for emergency hugs and kisses.

Planning your next reunion is also a wonderful way to keep your long distance relationship romantic. If possible set a time limit for how long the relationship is going to stay long distance. Even with all the strides made in technology, there is still no substitute for touching and smelling your partner. Realize that each of you is going to have contact with people the other one does not know. Make sure you both work on trusting each other. Be realistic and give yourselves time to achieve the goals that have caused the separation to begin with, at the end of that time re-evaluate where you stand and see if you are both ready for the next step.

Ensure that the communication line is kept open. Talk on the phone frequently. Tell each other how you feel and if there is a problem work it out and talk it our immediately. Do not let anger fester or quit talking to one another. With good communication, a long distance relationship can be just as rewarding and romantic as one that is not restricted by geography.

The first thing to think about is dinner. A good romantic date means not going to a restaurant you always visit. Instead, pick a nice place and make a reservation. This could be a new place or a place you have been before but don’t visit often. Check the website and look at the menu to make sure there is something each of you will enjoy eating. Make the reservation well in advance. Dinner times fill up fast at some places, and you don’t want to be forced to eat dinner at 3 PM or 11 PM on Valentine’s Day. Also, think about any special situations at the restaurant. If you have a gift to give, bring it to the restaurant ahead of time. The same goes for flowers. When a girl sees that you put some planning in to things, she appreciates it a lot more. Another option is to surprise her by cooking an amazing dinner. This is especially romantic if cooking is not something you normally do. If you go this route, plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need.

Once you have dinner figured out, come up with something unique to do before or after. Movies are great, but they are not romantic. Try thinking outside the box instead. Is there something you have always talked about doing together but haven’t yet? A romantic date is a good opportunity to do so. If you live near a major city, check out the internet to see if there are any events you might like, such as plays or concerts. Ask around to find other ideas. Think about what she likes, and go from there. If she enjoys ice skating, then going to an outdoor skating rink is very romantic. If she enjoys art, take her to an art show in the city. The fact that you are doing something you don’t normally do together makes it feel that much more special. Also, it shows her that you are paying attention to her interests.

Lastly, think about what you want to do after your date. Pick a great area and go for a small walk. If your town has one, go for a horse and carriage ride. You should also think about what to do once you get home. Buy some candles and spread them around your apartment. Get a bottle of nice wine and make some snacks ahead of time. You could also put on a CD or rent a movie that you both want to see. Think about every little detail and try to make it special. She will see all the effort you put in to the date and know you really care about her.

A good romantic date is all about details, so plan ahead. This means thinking about everything from cleaning your house to knowing where to park if you visit the city. If something does go wrong, have a good backup plan so that all your efforts for a great date aren’t derailed. A great romantic date does not have to cost a lot of money. It all it takes is some creativity and planning. That will show her how much she means to you.