Romance 101
Like the Man Says, Tell Her About It
Category: Romance 101
Here's a lesson in romance that we men need to learn over and over again. It's quite simple really. It doesn't require you to become Romeo incarnate, and it only costs a few bucks. However, it will cost you something much more precious, both to you and your wife—it will cost you time. But trust me guys, it is worth the investment.
Last night, Krista and I went on a date to Panera Bread. We ordered a light meal, nestled into a corner booth, and talked. And talked. And talked some more. For three hours, taking occasional refill breaks, we conversed together. Our topics ranged from a lunch meeting earlier in the day to landscaping projects we would like to complete while I'm still on sabbatical to planning a family getaway next month to thoughts about how we will celebrate our upcoming anniversary to her involvement in certain ministries to our homeschooling plan for the next year. Later, she enthusiastically expressed her joy of simply talking together and hearing my thoughts and dreams. (Turns out, I was more Romeo-esque than I realized.) It was a very romantic evening, and so very simple.
Gentlemen, your wife wants to have unhurried, uninterrupted, beneath-the-surface conversation with you. If you make the time for it and actually engage with her, listen to her, and look at her, you may find that she catches a glimpse of Romeo when she looks at you. And that is a good thing for your marriage.
A Gift for Her You'll Both Love
Photo by jspad
Category: Romance 101
Recently, a husband remarked (okay, complained) about how the colder temperatures of fall and winter always bring equally icy conditions in his bedroom (if you know what I mean). His wife's winter PJs are thick, heavy, all-encompassing, and don't easily let go of their owner. My friend spoke as if intimacy with his wife would soon be entering its annual state of hibernation.
Now, frankly, it does not sound as though my friend applied much effort to problem-solving here (the same resolve would surely get him fired at work). And it soon became clear that their romantic slumbers involve more than the turning of the calendar. Nevertheless, I graciously shared a couple of gifts from my Christmas past which would provide the perfect remedy (for this part of the problem, at least).
Two years ago I purchased a heating blanket for my wife. Big deal, you say, any guy can do that. Yes, but most guys don't. And why not? Because most guys (my age) are not about to put something on the bed that will make it hotter. But, here is my ingenious solution: I bought a blanket for a twin bed. We have a queen. My wife's side of the bed stays toasty (way too hot for flannel pajamas), while mine remains unaffected.
The second inspired gift? A space heater. Now, my wife can adjust the temperature of the bed and the room to her liking. Granted, the warm air from the heater makes its way over to my side, but, I must say, it's a small price to pay for the, eh, concurrent benefits.
Last I heard, my friend had imitated my resourcefulness, bringing a warming trend through his bedroom and putting hibernation on delay. The forecast calls for a mild winter.
