With Valentine's Day just around the corner, lots of folks are thinking about romance these days. All sorts of gift anxiety going on out there, whether it's what to get a spouse or what's appropriate for a new significant other.All the romance talk has me thinking about romance in general and, more specifically, what people consider romantic. I'll freely admit, I'm not girly when it comes to romance. The joke around my house is that a man wanting to propose to me would be better served offering me a new laptop computer than a ring. It's a joke that's funny because it's true; I hate wearing rings, but I'll always take a new computer.
I like gifts that are specific and meaningful. Roses and candy are nice and all, but surprise me by cleaning my bathroom and making me a nice dinner, and I'm yours.
I think some of my attitude shows up in my books. My heroes and heroines aren't big into fancy dinners, big bouquets or roses or expensive jewelry. For them, a romantic gesture might be a foot rub after a long hike through the woods in an attempt to avoid a killer hunting them. Or surprising a partner with a burger and shake in the car on a stakeout.
So what about you? Are you a traditional romantic? Or a quirky one like me? What's your ideal romantic gesture?
Leave your comment and I'll draw a name to win a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com.
I guess I'm more traditional - I'd never say no to flowers and chocolates, or a romantic weekend away. Paris, anyone?
ReplyDeletepageturner345@gmail.com
I'm more like you. I mean flowers die, candy just kills my diet so I'd rather be given something more useful. I've been saving for a Kindle Fire so I would be thrilled to get one of them, or a bookcase. That would mean more to me than flowers or candy.
ReplyDeleteseriousreader at live dot com
I have never liked flowers. They are so expensive and die so quickly. A homemade card will melt my heart every time
ReplyDeleteyenastone at aol dot come
Hey Hey Paula,
ReplyDeleteI love to be surprised. Take the planning out of my hands and I'll adore you (okay, maybe I'll adore the hubby!). Daisies over roses, homemade dinner over dinning out...a walk over a show, a hand-written message over a store-bought card. Simple pleasures.
~Angi
We aren't good at what we call the Hallmark holidays. My husband always work Valentine's Day because it is a huge day for restaurants. He brought me flowers a week early, and I teased him because they were a variety of rose called "Freedom". We tend to play up holidays for our daughter, because she gets a kick out of them. Though she found her Valentine early because I forgot to put it away, it is a stuffed dog holding a rose in its mouth.
ReplyDeleteI say I am more of a quirky one me. I would just soon have a new printer for the computer as to a box of candy or flowers. Its more the thought of them getting me something as to what the gift is.
ReplyDeleteI love the small little things that are done whenever... I am not into the big chocolate and flowers day... showing you care for someone does not need a specific day...
ReplyDeleteI like smaller, more personal gestures. In many cases it was as simple as him getting up and getting me breakfast from my favorite restaurant so I didn't have to cook. Little things like that are better than a grand gesture.
ReplyDeletegeishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com
I'm a little on the quirky side. I might enjoy the roses and candy but would much rather have a massage, electronics, books or my house cleaned for me as gifts. Thankfully my husband understands and only gives into the jewelry or flowers gift urge occasionally and does get my one weakness in jewelry which is silver with unique designs.
ReplyDeleteI love flowers and candy but I'd rather have a romantic trip to Italy. How about Venice? I wouldn't say no to that!
ReplyDeleteI would rather be treated with small things all year long or have you listen or notice something I wanted but haven't brought for myself yet and you surprise me with it.
ReplyDeleteI am a little quirky, I am not really into jewelry, candy, or roses. I like the more into the little small things. I also like gadgets and books. I will be happy just getting a book or Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteTiffany
I'm more on the quirky side. Cooking or cleaning for me beats flowers any time!
ReplyDeleteI'm very definitely on the quirky side no matter what the gift giving occasion is ~ birthday, Christmas, Valentine's....
ReplyDeleteI am traditional, I like to get flowers and candy, but the occasional quirky sentiment will be just as nice.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably more of a quirky romantic. I want to hang out in bars and go to ballgames.
ReplyDeleteI guess I would be more of a quirky romantic. I prefer to be surprised.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Wow, look at all the quirky romantics! I think it goes back to my opinion of love - it's not just a feeling. It's what you do for the person you love.
ReplyDeleteI watched the movie FIREPROOF a few weeks ago. Yes, it has a religious message, but I think there's a really valuable lesson for people regardless of their faith: if you make a commitment to love someone, you have to make a constant effort to treat that person with love, respect and sacrificial consideration. Love is a verb as well as a noun.
In the books I write, I try to show my characters' love for each other in action. Sometimes, they barely get the words "I love you" out of their mouths by the end of the book, but you know they have the kind of love that can last because of how they've treated each other and the things they do for each other.
Quirky or otherwise, all I ask is to be shown unconditional patience eg if I choose to spend the entire weekend in bed catching up on the latest Intrigue releases, let me and I'll know I'm well loved.
ReplyDeleteOh, I like that one, Lindsey! A little understanding goes a long way!
ReplyDelete