The Romantic Way

If you are looking for romantic date ideas stop for a moment and consider whether or not you have listened enough yet to the one you love. Romance is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Real romance is knowing the one you love. It is caring enough about them to take time to listen to their heart and soul, to find out what makes them tick. What does she really like to do? What does he really love about spending time together? What is important to her? Once you ask yourself a few of these questions, romantic date ideas will simply flow.

When Rod and I head out of the house to spend time together, he often takes me to a restaurant or cafe that has windows. Are windows romantic? Not to everybody, but they are to me. They tell me that Rod understands me and my needs. We live in Moscow, Russia at the moment, a city of over 12 million people, and I am indoors a lot. It is often cloudy, and I am a sunshine and fresh air sort of person. I like to drink coffee at an outdoor cafe and watch all the people go by, or sit by a nice, big window in a restaurant that has a great view of the fountain in the park across the street. Rod is aware of these pleasures of mine and thinks of them when he takes me out on a date. I love him for it and it means the world to me. Starting to get the picture? What makes a difference to your sweetheart?

Whether your relationship is old or new, whether we are talking about a sweetheart or just a best friend whom you want to encourage by adding a little romance to their day, the first question to ask yourself is this: What do I know about this person?

Helpful Date Ideas

In your quest for the perfect romantic date ideas, here are a few questions just to get you started:

• How daring is your date?
• Does she like surprises? Someplace new? Some of the best romantic date ideas are something you've never done before.
• Does he prefer a place that feels comfortable and quiet?
• Does she prefer wide open spaces or intimate and cozy corners?
• Does he like to go out on the town dancing or to stay home and prepare a gourmet meal together?
• Does she like to go for a drive to a quaint little town or does a wild night in the heart of the big city enliven her?
• Would a picnic in the park and a trip to the zoo give him the time he longs for to talk and get to know you or would a nice easy dinner with no dishes to wash up be just the thing at the end of a long hard day at work?

Here's a great resource: 300 Date Ideas
by Michael Webb.
This e-book features nearly 6 years worth of creative date nights. Tips on first dates and asking someone out for a date too. You can hardly go wrong on this amazing resource!

One day Rod and I found ourselves on an all day trek to Thunder Bay, Canada, just to find the delectable Canadian butter cream tarts we love so much. Now, there's a romantic date idea! I learned that day that he loves an adventure -- a hunt, even if it is for something as crazy as tarts. He loves to sample the local food wherever we dine: Cajun food in Louisiana, barbecue in Texas, the local beers in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. If I want to surprise him with a picnic lunch for a hike for a romantic date, I buy the local fare, such as salads, breads, and desserts, especially if we are traveling. If we are going to enjoy a restaurant, we often stop somewhere interesting or unique because I know he loves to try new things.

As you explore new romantic date ideas, don't forget about yourself! Think about what you enjoy doing with your date. Try some new adventures, but also explore what you have in common. Consider how well you know yourself. Be sure that you are sharing the real you with the one you love. The very best relationships are based on honesty and trust. Don't just get to know your sweetheart, get to know yourself too!

Yours along TheRomanticWay!


Holly & Rod