One Dozen Out-of-the-Box Ideas to Inspire Romance
My heart is ever at your service. – William Shakespeare
Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.
Often the times the gifts we give from the heart are the ones cherished the most.
Mary Beth and I made a pact several years ago not to exchange token or cliché gifts on special days like birthdays, our wedding anniversary or Mother’s and Father’s Day. Gifts like a dozen of roses (although I do surprise her from time-to-time with flowers on days that have no particular meaning), after-shave or a box of candy are considered bad form.
Instead we attempt to provide gifts that will touch the other’s heart and soul. We try to go a little deeper to let the other know how much we cherish their presence in our life.
Here are one dozen out-of-the-box gift ideas to help you think differently about what to give on the days your want to inspire romance and let your partner know how much they mean to you:
- Take her car for the day. Have it washed and vacuumed. Get the oil changed and take care of any other needed repairs or maintenance. Deliver it back both cleaner and safer – this will remind her that you do value her safety, security and comfort.
- Use your design skills to create a “Take a Day for You” certificate on the computer. Print this and give it to your wife or girlfriend. Explain to her the certificate can be redeemed on any day that is most convenient for her to do whatever she chooses.
- Ask her out for a date. Really ask her just like you did in the beginning. Call her and say the words. Let her know you don’t take her, or the time you share together for granted.
- Get tickets to an upcoming concert of show. Take a look at who is coming to your area and surprise her with tickets. For even more fun, invite a few other couples to go, too, and rent a limo to keep the partying safe.
- Coordinate a girl’s night out. Call some of her best friends and arrange for them to pick her up and take her out.
- Arrange a movie night. Grab a couple of classics or current releases she may have missed, but would like to watch. Pick up a bottle of wine, some of her favorite hors d’oeuvres and get the fireplace going.
- Surprise her by bringing lunch to her work. Show-up, unannounced, with lunch for two. This is the time to bring a bouquet of flowers. The flowers will remind her of your visit, and to be honest, she will enjoy showing them to her co-workers as testament to having such a thoughtful man in her life who loves her very much.
- If she lives away from her parents or relatives, buy her an airline ticket (round-trip, of course). She will appreciate your recognition of the importance for her to continue developing and enjoying these relationships, too.
- Make her something with your hands. It can be a Valentine’s Day card, a piece of pottery, or something from your workbench in the garage. The point is to put yourself into the gift – something unique from your heart to hers.
- Plan a weekend get-a-way. It doesn’t have to be far away, only far enough to provide for some new scenery and a change-of-pace.
- Take her back to the place of your first date. Let her know if you had to do it all over again, you would.
- Put her needs before your needs. Tell her how much you love her and then live it by giving her the space to grow. Keep your jealously in-check, and let her live a life that is uniquely her own. Live the spirit of Valentine’s Day on the other days too. When you hold onto something too tightly it doesn’t have the room to grow. Find the courage to release it. When it comes back, you will know it is yours to keep, forever.
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Comments
19 Responses to “One Dozen Out-of-the-Box Ideas to Inspire Romance”
What do you think?
Alex, these are awesome! Truly, not just a ‘Great Post’ response. These are really great!
The first one, “Take her car for the day.” is one that my wife would really appreciate. This just shows an appreciation and a willingness to do what you mentioned with number 12, “Put her needs before your needs.” which is something we should do all the time.
Thanks for sharing this! Eric.
Surprise is the key. A gift on her birthday is expected. Flowers on Valentines day is expected. Random, unexpected, no-reason-but-that-I-love you romantic action is the ultimate brownie point winner ever. I have learned this from my many years experience with the ladies
take my advice, young bucks, and go forth …
These are great ideas for all the people in your life – not just the romantic relationships.
I don’t subscribe to the “you must buy a gift for these specific days” – I so much rather be in a store .. see an item and in my head pops that person who I know will adore this item… That is when I buy gifts!
These all would definitely melt my heart. I agree with everyone above. Surprise is the best. I love the idea of setting up a girls night out. Thinking about what would make the other person feel amazing versus focusing on how it effects you is key. I feel so many gifts are just given because it feels mandatory.
These are all really good…except for #12. I agree that you should put she needs before your own, but be careful that you don’t give her too much “space to grow”. I did this with my ex-wife and..well..now she’s my ex-wife. I gave her too much freedom and “exploration” time and she realized she liked being on her own better than being with a partner.
I love the way you think Alex. I’ve always been a romantic and if only we could clone you…..
Cheers,
Lorraine
http://www.powerfull-living.biz
These things can go the other way too! I would love to do these things to and with my husband. Nice list!
Does anyone here really think these are truly ‘out of the box’ ideas? I think they all seem pretty mundane and lack true originality. These are great and thoughtful if you are looking for typical/practical, but I like original.
I would appreciate any effort made, but I would appreciate original effort that much more. Any of these things can apply to most people, which is ok. But, I would want romantic effort focused on the unique preferences and interests I have. If one wants to be original, pay attention to the little things your loved one likes and plan something around those things.
These ideas are sort of like giving someone a vanilla candle as a gift. Almost everyone likes vanilla and candles, but there isn’t really any personalized thought or effort made to give such a gift.
Nice article. I love the points you mentioned.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
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I think some don’t do this as often as they should.
The smallest of gestures should be appreciated.
Creative well text him a steamy message or put a hand written love note where he will find it.
Putting the others needs before your own is essential, I think.
Good post
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This is a great list. All of the ideas have a common thread – unexpected surprise. The essence of romance is to understand your lover and do those things that they find romantic. This requires that you step out of your own ego into the heart and soul of your mate. Some of us like practical (clean car, airline tickets) and others of us groove to artistic (opera tickets, handmade gifts). Still others appreciate both. The time spent understanding your significant other will be richly rewarded.
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Karo would like to point out that you shouldn’t skip regular-gift-giving-days just because gifts are expected.
Having had my birthdays and anniversaries forgotten, no gifts on any annual days such as Christmas or Valentines, I can say that I would take anything– even that blasted vanilla candle. Or maybe a hug.
It’s not so much about the gift itself, but the fact that they remembered you and wanted to make you happy on that particular day. Not the gift, but the gesture.
Also a good gift on any God given day– a massage. Undoubtedly we all have sore muscles sometimes, especially the back and neck from too much sitting, standing, or simply having some feminine shapes attached to our front.
#5 is a little creepy.
I like Karo’s (comment #16) idea. I given my wife the gift of a professional massage, at a nearby spa, a few times. It’s always a great gift.
These are great ideas! I love the one about getting the car done…that’s one of the small things that makes a big difference.