The Romantic Way

I love Valentines Day and I love great romantic Valentines Day ideas. While I resist the commercial influences associated with other holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, I appreciate the fact that Valentines Day enjoys the loyal help of greeting card publishers, restaurants, and gift shops.

Are the world's lovers mindful of the cost of life to the Roman saint from whom our holiday takes it's name? The history books tell us that during the third century, Roman Emperor Claudius II struggled with the fact that his young army recruits would rather make love than war and concluded that the best solution was to eliminate one of their options. Hence, and I'm sure to horror of all sweethearts, the emperor outlawed marriage.

Enter the hero, Valentinus, a priest and it would seem, a hopeless romantic himself. He had his own romantic ideas and out of compassion for the celibate plight of young soldiers and their would-be sweethearts, he opened his own underground wedding chapel. The emperor got wind of Valentine's clandestine matrimonial meetings, and though he admired the priest's verve, he was obliged to execute the poor cleric.

The rest is legend but makes a great love story. While Valentine contemplated his last days in the Emperor's Roman dungeon, the jailer asked him to pray for his blind daughter, Asterius. Valentine's prayers were answered, and young Asterius was able to read his farewell note to her with her own eyes, those words of love which would linger on lips of lovers, and their cards for centuries, “From Your Valentine”.

Now you know the story, but what are some romantic Valentines Day ideas? Shopping centers, gift and card shops, florists and on-line retailers are eager to help you with your quandary, but I recommend a little thought first. Our hero Valentine reminds us of the reason for the season: “Be Mine!” My tradition is to think of how many ways I can say “I love you!”

Exactly one week before Valentines Day on February 8th, I remind my one and only of my undying love by giving her a gift of something red each day. I know that Holly really likes to be remembered often. She enjoys lots of little things and looks forward to receiving them.

Simple Romantic Valentines Day Ideas You Can Use

• Sometimes, I'll put a little gift someplace where she'll find it like little chocolates wrapped in red foil, or a unique or funny card I bought or made.
• Sometimes the red gift is a treat to eat like a carton of cherry-nut ice cream or a frosty glass of strawberry soda served over ice.
• Maybe I see some flowers that catch my eye or a simple little special gift.
• I seldom fail to buy a bag of those little candy sweethearts with the messages.

What is my advice on the best romantic Valentines Day ideas? Pause, consider, and go for the simpler choices. You don't need to spend a lot of money to say “I love you.” If you're going to celebrate Valentines Day with tickets to a play or a reservation for a nice dinner out with champaign and red roses, be sure to allow time to talk and simply be together. You knew the most romantic Valentines Day idea is to spend time alone together. Let your lover know you love her and that you love to be with her. The best way to do that is.... well, to be with her.

Yours along TheRomanticWay!


Rod & Holly