Valentine's Day All Year Long

Once a year, we celebrate love on Valentine's Day. Most of us will make dinner reservations, buy cards, and gifts to express our love and appreciation for that special someone. But after the celebration, how does romance fare the rest of the year? Are you keeping love alive after February 14th?

Honestly, it is easy to become comfortable in a long-term relationship and not focus on romance. We get complacent unless we make efforts to show love and affection.

So, here are a few ideas to try:

1. Write, "I love you", with lipstick on the bathroom mirror. It'll be the first thing your loved one sees in the morning and will put a smile on his or her face!
2. Put sticky notes in your partner's purse, brief case, lunch box, coat pocket, or anywhere that will create a surprise.
3. Pick flowers on the side of the road or buy a single rose on the way home.
4. Cook together. Creating a meal together can be more romantic than you might think.
5. Flirt at a public event. While you are talking to someone else, give her that "I am interested" look, brush past him in a sexy way, or smile across the room.
6. Attend to your appearance. Sometimes romance doesn't get a spark because we get lazy and sloppy. We are visual people, so dress nice, fix your hair, brush your teeth, and stay clean. It will build your confidence, as well as, attract your partner.
7. Touch that doesn't necessarily lead to sex can be very romantic. Hold hands, give a massage, put your arm around your partner, etc.
8. Have private jokes, sayings, and cues that only the two of you understand.
9. Do something spontaneous or novel. This gets those love hormones activated and creates feelings of bonding.
10. Get off of devices and look each other in the eyes. It'll make your partner feel important and increase attraction. 

Most of all, allow God to open your heart and show you how to love in new ways. For inspiration, read the book of Solomon in the Bible together. Romance and intimacy were created by God. Let the book inspire you!

OK, on February 15th, what's your next move?