Candlelight and Chocolates......

Is that what we really want? If you ask a man what his idea of being romantic would be....Most likely, you'll get answers along the lines of giving flowers, a candlelit bubble bath, or maybe even leaving love notes on the bathroom mirror for his lady love. But, are these nuances really the way women gauge a satisfying relationship? Or are these appreciated perks, less important to some of us than others when it comes right down to what really makes our hearts skip a beat? While Terry, 38, Atlanta, says that flowers and a tennis bracelet are the right romantic moves to get her attention...Joey, 27, Los Angeles, finds that simply spooning on the couch while watching TV is enough to create magic for her. Going through a divorce forced me personally, to re-examine just what my true romantic needs were. Was it just the fact that my spouse no longer wrote me poetry that caused my complaints of romantic deprivation? Hardly. Self-discovery can be a beautiful thing. It is the moment when you're truly ready to acknowledge the voice of your soul rather than that of your girlfriends, or society's ideals about romance. What is it that truly makes you smile and say, 'He must've heard the voice, too. For some, it may be the amount of cash your lover shells out on your romantic interludes that coerces you into keeping him. But after a long day on her feet, Linda of Chicago, finds that a foot massage and pedicure given by her man to be a more welcome surprise than a vase full of expensive poseys. However, most women won't argue that candlelight and chocolates are great romantic overtures. For me, the real thing is having your sweetheart call you each morning (even long distance) to ask the question....'What can I do for you today? You see, this is where it all starts. Most women will agree. Sometimes, you just want to know that a man cares enough to ask if there's anything at all you need. It could be picking up your dry-cleaning for you, or taking your child to the dentist, or maybe you don't need anything at all. But, wouldn't we all appreciate starting out our day at least hearing the question asked? All that's required for good romance is sincere effort and consistency. So, the next time you complain to your man about being more romantic, ask yourself if it's really another Hallmark you want, or simply for him to say, 'I love you' every night before you go to bed. I'd take this over Godiva's any day of the week.