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Newsletters>
True Romance for Couples with Kids: 10 ideas
May 2, 2003
Author: Susie Michelle Cortright
Article:
In my marriage, some of the most memorable evenings have
also been the least expensive. Sure, I have enjoyed the
bouquets and the boxes of chocolate, but it is the folk
music in the ski lodge, the sips of Chardonnay on our
summer porch swing, and the nights spent reading in bed,
side by side, that really stand out.
Anyone can splurge on a formal dinner or a pricey bottle of
perfume, but it takes creativity, forethought, and time to
be truly romantic.
The key lies in personalizing your celebration. Here are
ten ideas to fuel your own creativity:
1. Empty a box of chocolate (either into your mouth or onto
plate...) Then cut out 50 to 100 hearts from lace doilies,
construction paper, or fabric. On each cutout, record
something about him that you love. Be specific, "The way
you smell when you come to bed at night," "The way you take
care of me when I’m sick," or simply "Your recipe for
pancakes."
Another variation: Write down 100 cherished memories of
your life together. Fold the cutouts, place them in the
chocolate box, and top with a red satin bow. The time you
spend coming up with these ideas will contribute to your
own romantic mood, and what he thinks is a plain box of
chocolates will be a gift he’ll keep close to his heart
forever. And you can add to the box each year.
2. Build a romantic fire. Before the kids go to bed, have
fun roasting marshmallows. After their lights are out, host
your own indoor picnic, complete with a bottle of wine and
chocolate-covered strawberries.
3. Recreate your first date together. What were you
wearing? Where did you go? Do you remember what you talked
about? Spend the evening reminiscing and reflecting on how
far you’ve come as a couple.
4. Spoon all night.
5. Choose a book in which you are both interested, fiction
or nonfiction. Read a new chapter each night before bed.
This cozy tradition will allow you to spend some quality
time together and often makes for thought-provoking
breakfast conversations.
6. Make a tape of the songs special to your relationship.
Include "your song," songs from your wedding, songs from
favorite movies. Add a personal voice dedication and leave
it in his briefcase, Walkman, or car stereo.
7. Turn off the TV.
8. Kidnap your husband. Arrange for a babysitter for a few
hour--or a few days. A friend of mine had a lot of success
with this one. She knew her husband had always wanted to
get married in Vegas, but he had agreed to a large, formal
ceremony hosted by her family. So, after they had been
married 10 years, she surprised him at work with a packed
suitcase. They caught an evening flight and renewed their
vows before an Elvis impersonator in a Vegas chapel. Years
later, they’re still talking about it.
9. This one requires a babysitter, too. Next time you’re
visiting your parents or in-laws, leave the kids with their
grandparents and travel to another town, where no one will
recognize you. Check into a hotel or B&B. Dress like
another woman. Act like another woman. It’s fun to slip
into another persona from time to time.
10. Have a scavenger hunt. Write a few poems, wrap candy
kisses inside, and hide them around the house. Each poem
should be a clue to finding the next one. Make sure the
final clue lands your man someplace you want to end up for
the entire evening. A romance package, including a bottle
of champagne and new lingerie, is a nice touch.
Create a memory this Valentine's Day, not with your
pocketbook, but with your imagination.
Copyright 2003 Susie Cortright
About the author:
Susie Michelle Cortright is the author of More Energy for
Moms and Rekindling Your Romance After Kids, as well as the
Soul Snacks booklet series, featuring creative ways to
nurture yourself and your family in 15 minutes or less.
Each of these publications is available through
Momscape.com, a website devoted to helping women celebrate
and embrace their diverse
roles: http://www.momscape.com
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