What’s your definition of a romantic? – Interesting question from the daily writing prompt.
I don’t know what it is, but I try my best because I’m in love. I try to listen and observe to find what is important to my better half. I tell her I love her. I used to be better at getting her flowers for no reason at all. We get away occasionally together on a romantic adventure.
I can’t remember the last time I made her breakfast in bed, but I used to do that. I try to complement her and share both joy and quiet moments. I’ve always embraced her often. I hold her hand. We take walks together.
And to prove I’m a true romantic. I’ll go shopping occasionally when she asks me to.
Had to get a different color flower in the shoot. Photo by Mike Hartley
What’s your definition of romantic? – the daily prompt asks.
When you start off knowing nothing about a person you love. And you spend decades learning about them and how to love them.
Together. Photo by Mike Hartley
You listen and watch intently. For those words or actions that bring a smile to their face. There likes and dreams.
You learn that actions from something simple like taking her hand on a walk or suggesting a bike ride on the boardwalk are magic to them.
Maybe finding an old band she loved decades ago, and getting tickets. Starting and ending the day with a hug and a kiss. Preparing a meal, or taking them out unexpectedly.
Things like a spur-of-the-moment massage or foot rub. Maybe just talking about special dates from the past.
Going to that little town filled with shops near an outlet mall you also stop at on the way back home.
There are a gazillion things that can be romantic. Sitting here right now I know my better half enjoys a fire in the winter months and sitting on the couch together. I’ve been slack on doing that but this year I think I’ll turn that around. It just takes effort.
You make mistakes in the beginning like overdoing on the obvious ones like Valentine’s Day. When that money is better used throughout the year to surprise her on several no-special days with flowers. For what you might spend on that one day you can get more through the year.
And you make mistakes along the way. You find the material things aren’t as important to most as doing things together and making memories.
Hell, we find it romantic sometimes just to sit back and watch our children and grandchildren play together.
