Adding Romance to Your Life
February 13, 2025
Valentine’s Day has always been special to me. In my younger days, I enjoyed the card exchanges in elementary school. What fun it was to open a box of colorful notes from our classmates! And I still find it hard to resist the candy hearts with sayings on them. But mostly, it’s the day my husband proposed. He was a romantic at heart and brought me roses or boxes of chocolates among other more sparkly gifts. Now it’s a day I’ll miss him, but that doesn’t mean the romance is gone. He’s still out there joining me in spirit on this special day.
Even when we’re alone, we can bring this same sense of romance into our own lives. Here are some suggestions:
Read a romance novel.
Light candles around your house.
Play your favorite mood music.
Go to lunch with a friend.
Pretend you’re a tourist and explore a new facet of your community.
Plan a weekend away at a local resort or B&B.
Spend a day at the beach or lake.
Stroll through a park or botanical garden.
Attend a local fair or festival.
Pamper yourself at a day spa.
Have your hair cut and styled.
Get a mani/pedi.
Watch a romantic comedy on TV.
Buy yourself a fancy box of chocolates.
Call a friend or a relative you haven’t heard from in a while.
Use Aromatherapy with incense, candles, or scented oils.
Wear your favorite perfume or cologne.
Try something you’ve never done before that requires a spirit of adventure.
Take a class in a totally new subject.
Meet a friend for Happy Hour at a nice restaurant.
Go shopping and buy yourself a new outfit.
Visit the makeup counter and try something new.
Attend a live performance at a local theater.
Rekindle an old friendship.
Take a boat tour, train ride, or short road trip for some new scenery.
Spend an afternoon at a local museum.
Explore the shops and restaurants in your town’s historical district.
Spend a morning at the mall.
If you live more in the moment, enjoying whatever sensual adventures come your way, you’ll experience the joy of romance. Happy Valentine’s Day!
What do you like to do on this holiday? Leave a comment below and be entered into a drawing for STYLED FOR MURDER, when hairstylist Marla Vail’s mother finds her home renovation project manager dead in her shower. The drawing will take place one week from today and the winner will be notified by email. U.S. residents only for print copies.
Would you like to know more about our author Nancy J Cohen? Visit her WEBSITE.
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Posted in 2-Nancy J. Cohen, with Nancy J. Cohen • Tags: Adding Romance to Your Life, Bad Hair Day Mysteries, Died Blonde, Let's Talk, Nancy J Cohen | 32 Comments
Hi Nancy, This is a fabulous list for taking care of our romantic selves. I’m pinning that up so I can begin checking them off. Thanks!
Have fun following the list. I’d like a weekend away in an all inclusive resort right about now.
Thank you for sharing so many great ideas, Nancy! I like to think of this day as a day to show love to others. I like to buy a lot of chocolate and give it to all my loved ones. Sometimes I change it up with cards or flowers. Or for those far away, I might send an e-gift card for a book or coffee.
That is very thoughtful of you. I’ve brought chocolates and cards for my family members this year.
The lesson to live and love each day to its fullest was hit home to us when our 17 year old daughter was killed in an accident. Since then, every day is Valentine’s Day to me. Each day is a chance show my love through my words and actions. Don’t ever assume you can do it tomorrow. With that being said, I do love the Valentine Day feeling and trying to make it extra special. Due to a high outbreak in the flu, we decided to to our eating out celebration last Saturday to avoid the crowds. Tomorrow hubby and I will enjoy being in the kitchen fixing a special meal for the day. We both love cooking/baking and you just have to love a man that doesn’t mind doing the clean up. 🙂 With the weather being 70 then below freezing, we have waited until today to decide what our meal will be. That decision will be made today, but I think we will start off the day making homemade cinnamon rolls.
Valentine’s Day has always held a special meaning in my life. You see my parent’s met on a blind date and were married 7 days later on Valentine’s Day. They lives together was the true example of true love. Their love never waivered. Each year, making their day extra special was always what I strived to do. Now when we fix our special meal, we always spend part of the meal time talking about my parents and their great love.
Thank you so much for the amazing chance to win a copy of STYLED FOR MURDER! Would love the opportunity to read and review it.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I’m so sorry for your loss. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you’ve experienced. I truly pray that you can find peace. Enjoy the holiday with your husband and happier memories.
Happy Valentine’s! It’s a day that is fill with love! Hubby and I normally will cook something special for dinner like lobster tail or king crab legs, abd we’ll eat at home. Restaurants are crowded almost everywhere.
It’s another day that I will sprinkle some random act of kindness around.. – Emily
I love your idea to spread acts of kindness, especially to people who may be alone on the holiday. Enjoy your romantic dinner at home!
I love Valentines Day,I always make sure and get something chocolate for my husband, this year I am getting him one of those Big Hersheys Chocolate Kiss . We always get our 2 adult children and our 3 grandchildren Valentines candy and extra goodies, I made them Valentine cards this year. Well tomorrow on Valentines day my husband has a Valentines Day Gig 4 hours away at a restaurant -bar so I will be home, which is fine I will do things for myself and enjoy the day and enjoy this Best gift of all , my life which God has gifted me with.
You are right. Just being here is the greatest gift. You’re fortunate to have 3 grandchildren!
I like to get a take out order eat at home and enjoy a movie. Love flowers and chocolates. So will enjoy the day. Deborah deborahortega229@yahoo.com
I love to eat chocolate on Valentine’s Day. Love the list. Need Pedi. 🙂
Yes, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to eat chocolate. And you can get more on sale the day after at the stores!
Happy Valentine’s!
I love getting cards from my husband. We also may go get something to eat and then come home and watch a movie.💕💕
Sounds like a happy day!
I always enjoy connecting with loved ones on Valentine’s Day (in person when possible, via phone calls when not) and then, for myself, I like to make a meal that I find particularly tasty.
You’ve reminded me to call my cousin, thanks. I’ll be seeing my grandkids today. Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
I love all your suggestions, Nancy. Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Thanks Mags, and same to you!
I get take out watch a movie and get some chocolates and flowers. Thank you Deborah
Chocolates and flowers always brighten the day!
Oh nice list! I have 14 grandkids & 1 great grandson plus several little greatnieces & nephews. I don’t give them candy, I give $$. You know kids do love $$. My hub & I have always stayed in, it’s basically a regular day for us.
Wow, you’ve hit the jackpot with so many grandkids! My grandson loves gift cards.
A few years ago I started making valentines for my husband. They’re mostly snarky, and may refer to screwups he’s experienced or other funny incidents. I have fun doing it and anticipating presenting him with my latest creation.
That sounds like a fun and memorable variationl!
We just have a quiet and relaxing day at home with a nice dinner and a movie.
That’s the best kind of day on a holiday.
Thank you for sharing and for such a wonderful giveaway.
Thanks for stopping by, Gabrielle!
Hubby and I went to a favorite restaurant, had dessert at home and exchanged gifts as well.
Sounds like a memorable evening.
The winner of my Random.org drawing is cherierg. I will contact you via email. Thanks to everyone who left a comment!