Romantic is hard to define or pin down, I think. We all have the special things that trip our triggers, maybe get us teary-eyed and yet smiling at the same time. I think for the most part 'romantic/ is something that gives us an intimate glimpse into the heart and soul of someone's love for another person. If that someone is our SO and the person is us, that makes it even more special but we all know that life and fairy tales have little similarity in most cases. Especially in the context of long term relationships!
I know women often complain that their husband or boyfriend is not 'romantic' enough but maybe we need to remember that mostly men and women show their love in different ways. Maybe when he is courting us, he does the flowers and candy stuff once in awhile because he has heard that is what women like and he is really trying to make an impression. But a lot of men do not ever do this. Still they may show their love in other ways–maybe fix something on our car, endure a 'chick flick' with us because he listened when we told a friend we really wanted to see it but probably wouldn't get to, or maybe surprises us with a card or a really nice gift on a birthday or anniversary. Maybe not candy or flowers but something special and meaningful anyway!
My late husband was not a hearts and flowers type guy but he wrote me some neat notes and a few awkward verses at times and I still cherish those. Once in awhile he'd bring home flowers from his father's beautiful yard full–my father in law was a master gardener and had wonderul roses, dahlias, and other blooms! I know at times he sent one of the kids to get a card instead picking it out himself –knowing our daughter would get a really nice one!– but I think he gave them some instuctions (i.e.) not too mushy but nice, never snarky or too 'modern' and in later years there was always one from our current 'fur kid' too! I really liked that.
So what is your idea of romantic and what has someone special done for you that really touched your heart? Gwynn Morgan has offered a paperback copy of her book of romantic poetry, Walking Down My Shadows to one commenter on this post. The book is also available as an ebook if the winner prefers that format. Gwynn says she still loves poetry and has written it all her life. Now when she works with some young would-be authors she tells them to think of poetry as just lyrics that do not have a song yet. That often gets them much more excited about it! Lyrics does not sound as stuffy and old-fashioned, I expect. Then she tells them that rap is really a form of poetry and they are ready to go!
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