Romance

A GROWN-UP'S GUIDE TO ROMANCE

In case you need a refresher about how to romance the man/woman in your life, here are a variety of romantic suggestions.

Tell your mate that you---love, adore, admire, cherish, desire, want, need, prize, esteem, idolize, revere, treasure---him/her.
Plan a "mystery date" for next month.
Plan sexy surprises.
Shower together by candlelight.
Change one bad habit.
Go "above and beyond" for your partner.
Be funny.
Be playful.
Place a rose under the car windshield wiper.
Devote yourself to your partner's happiness.
Do something out of the ordinary this weekend.

ROMANCING YOUR VALENTINE: A COLLECTION OF ROMANTIC GESTURES

In preparation for Valentine's day, here are a collection of romantic ideas, seductive gestures, caring attitudes and loving behaviors, taken from Cindi Haynes and Dale Edwards in their book: 2,002 Romantic Ideas (Adams Media Publishers).

When shopping for gifts, think extra-special, romantic, unique to your partner's tastes, nonpractical, tasteful and meaningful.
Kiss goodnight. Kiss goodnight every night.
When you set a romantic table, use the good china, sterling flatware, cloth napkins, candles, tablecloth/placemats and a floral centerpiece.

SEXUAL "SECRETS" EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW: PART 2

Note: This is the second of a two-part series.

If you ask a room full of grown women what they think about men and sex, you are likely to get an earful. At various times, you will likely hear them complain about men and their sexual behaviors and attitudes.

"SECRETS" EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW: PART 1

Note: This is the first of a two-part series.

Dear Neil: Some time ago you wrote a very impressive article entitled "Secrets Every Man Should Know." I still have a copy in my possession. In it was advice you offered men about how to be effective in their relationships with women---essentially how to make love to a woman in the broadest definition of that word. I am sure every woman would love to have the equivalent advice about how to be the best spouse, lover, friend and companion with a man. Would you please write a column titled "Secrets that every woman should know?"

Relationship Report Card

What Grade Would You Give Your Relationship?

Everyone wants to be in love, stay in love, and live a fun, passionate, fulfilling and meaningful life. We begin our relationships full of hope. We begin our marriages by vowing our best. We all feel that our relationships are special, different and unique. And they are. So says Gregory J. P. Godek in the book "Love--The Course They Forgot To Teach You In School" (Casablanca Press, 1997)

What a Relationship Requires of Us

A Valentine's Primer

Here are some of the essential challenges an intimate relationships asks of us. Master these skills, and you’re well on your way to having a Happy Valentine’s Day:

Having Fun is One Way to Keep Romance and Passion Alive

Most of the time, the couple that plays together, stays together.

Once a relationship has a commitment, people tend to quit dating—and the fun slows way down. What we then have is a variety of responsibilities and obligations—all of the things we “have to” do in order to sustain a relationship, family, home, career and get the bills paid.

Romance Requires You to Walk Your Talk

Note: This is the second of a two-part series.

Here is a continuation of ways to keep the romance strong and vital in your intimate relationship:

The Essence of Romance

As we approach Valentine’s Day this year, I would like to highlight some of the best ways to keep your relationship romantic, close, connected and hot:

Intimate Relationships After Age 45

Facing The Challenges of The Second Half of Life

Dear Neil: I am 45 and in a new intimate relationship that shows a lot of potential for a stable, long-term commitment. I have been married before, have raised kids, paid down a mortgage, acquired possessions, advanced in a career and experimented sexually, which leads me to assume that relationship challenges are different for women (and men) my age than they were when I was younger.

As a couple, if we were going to make the most of this opportunity, what would we need to do?

In Love in Vail, Colorado