The Twilight Saga

Based on the award-winning novels by Stephenie Meyer, these stories of vampires and werewolves are arguably the most romantic we’ve seen over the last decade. The theme of eternal love is examined in a modern, fantastic setting, helped along by the broody looks of Robert Patterson as the ever-attractive Edward. Although this most recent sequel is Twilight at its darkest, romance is still the pull and focus of the story. And to add further to the theme, the two protagonists are happily together in real life and are even reportedly spending Christmas together.

The Adjustment Bureau

Another Matt Damon film, another action-packed struggle against a sea of faceless villains. But this time he’s fighting for love, his assailants the agents of fate. No matter how hard their enemies try to prevent it, ballerina Elise and politician David keep bumping into each other and are determined to have their lives together, however much it may strain against their destinies. Super-natural, thrilling, unique and deeply romantic.

One Day

David Nicholls’s hugely successful novel One Day was adapted to screenplay by the author, filmed and released this year. It details the lives of one couple on the 15^th of July each year for two decades, examining their ups and downs, following their heart-filled struggle. Another very romantic premise.

Jane Eyre

Probably the most romantic novel ever written, this Charlotte Bronte classic has been again adapted for screen. Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester are a match made in heaven, combating social etiquette, crazy ex-wives and scarring bodily injuries over their lengthy courtship. Two relative unknowns play out this age-old love story with touching depth in a thoughtful adaptation.

The Inbetweeners

If I said ‘controversial, modern comedy’ you may think of a plot involving the increasingly popular habit of meeting people over a free dating site, or other technologically advanced ways of handling romance. But The Inbetweeners take a different approach, setting their romance in a depraved, alcohol-fuelled clubbing resort in Greece. After several hours of cringed-filled comedy, the film concludes in a surprisingly romantic way. Definitely my romance of the year.

There have been many epic romances of 2011 and there are sure to be many more in 2012.

Talk Back: Have any favorites you’d like to add? Post a comment below…

Which do you think your husband would choose if put to the test:

a.) Watch the beautiful tearjerker movie, The Notebook

b.) Do anything that doesn’t involve watching The Notebook

My answer is easy. My husband would opt for a root canal rather than sitting through a movie like The Notebook or Terms of Endearment. Now don’t get me wrong. That doesnt mean he’s not romantic. The man loves deeper than I could describe. He’s simply not a fan of traditional “romance movies”.

Our date nights usually involve Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Owen Wilson, or Jim Carrey. Those men don’t know this, but they’re a huge part of what makes our marriage such a joy. The fact that our date nights consist of a fun movie instead of a forced moment means that my husband is happy and relaxed – two very good things for romance.

Are you looking for a lighthearted fun romantic movie that both you and your husband will enjoy? Here are some of our favorites.

The Princess Bride (1987)

“Is this a kissing book?” The Princess Bride is the story of a woman who is being forced to marry a cold, evil prince, while her true love tries to stop the wedding.

I don’t know how many times I tried to get my husband to watch this movie until finally I just put the movie in, clicked “play”, and hid the remote. It’s now one of his favorite movies. He likes it because of the comedy and the fighting. I love it because it’s just a joy to watch.

Groundhog Day (1993)

After reluctantly going to cover Punksatawney Phil for Groundhog Day, a weatherman gets stuck living the same day repeatedly.

This is one of my husband’s all-time favorite movies. Plus, if your husband is a fan of Caddyshack, he’ll appreciate Bill Murray battling a rodent once again.

The Wedding Singer (1998)

Robbie, the wedding singer and Julia, the waitress are both engaged to be married but to the wrong people.

Any man who remembers the 80s will thoroughly enjoy this. And, every woman will be teary-eyed when Robbie sings “Grow Old with You” at the end.

Love Actually (2003)

This movie portrays eight stories of love. It shows romantic love, as well as love of a father for his son, love between siblings, and love of friendship. It’s a beautiful story that shows that Love Actually is All Around. It’s funny on so many levels, but also deeply touching.

Romance doesn’t need to be serious. It can be fun! Just enjoy each other. Now go grab a funny movie, snuggle up with your hubby and enjoy.

This article is aimed at men because men don’t seem to complain that “she’s not romantic enough.” Men need romance, although not to the degree that women seem to.

For many men, this subject creates a fair amount of angst. They know women want it, but they don’t quite know how to give it to them. Men also know that women tend to have a lot of expectations regarding romance and unfortunately, for a lot of men, if they don’t do it right, they’re in trouble.

Romance is about caring, thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and creating love. Some men are natural at creating the kind of romance that women want, but a lot of men think romance is simply preparation for sex. There is some truth to that because most women need to feel a man cares in order to be emotionally and physically available for sex. Romance helps women feel cared for.

Any gesture of thoughtfulness between two people who are in or moving toward love can be received as romantic. Picking up the phone in the middle of the day and telling that special person you care. Buying a gift for no reason. Planning a special outing or trip. Creating a surprise. Offering to help in little thoughtful ways.

Anything that sets a mood, such as lighting candles, playing favorite love songs, or turning down the bed, are all romantic gestures. How about picking her up and carrying her to the bedroom?; drawing a hot bath; or arranging a baby-sitter so you can have a quiet evening alone. Stopping what you’re doing, looking her in the eyes and saying “I love you” can be one of the most romantic things you can do.

Each woman has her own “hot buttons” and you want to pay special attention to those. But how do you discover them? A great way is to notice what she does for you. Does she send you notes and cards, or leave loving messages on your phone machine? Does she create surprises or special outings? Does she love to get dressed up and look pretty and sexy for you? When you notice her doing something romantic for you, write it down. Then, every once in a while, look at that list and do one of those things for her. She’ll love you for it and, seeing the sparkle in her eyes can inspire you to become a natural at it.

Ask a close friend what has worked for him. Ask women friends for ideas–they’ll enjoy helping out. Find a book on love and romance. LIGHT HER FIRE by Ellen Kreidman is filled with great ideas.

Romance doesn’t just happen. It takes creativity and desire to keep the love between you and your partner alive or, for those in new relationships, to win his or her heart. Romance is the best way to say you care.

No Canned Poetry

“What does that mean?” Everyone copies some
romantic verse from a famous author to put in their love letters.
Be different and original. Write a poem yourself. Or if you’re
not talented at that sort of thing, simply put down a few lines
from the heart about how you feel.

Use a Blank Card

Instead of adding your verse to a card that
already has a saying in it, or putting it on a blank piece of
paper, try using a blank card. You can get something with a
romantic picture on the front, then include your personally
written verse on the inside (written in your own hand; don’t type
it). If you’re afraid of messing up, write it on a piece of
paper first, then cut the paper to size, and tape or glue it in
the card. That way if you make a mistake, you can try again on
another piece of paper, without ruining the card.

Leave a Note in a Secret Place

Leave a love note somewhere
your partner will find it when you’re not around. Let your love
enjoy it in private. It will be a wonderful surprise. And you’ll
most likely get a wonderful surprise in return.

Don’t Send an Anonymous Letter

Although it may seem romantic,
with the world as it is today, an anonymous letter may cause the
uncomfortable feeling of being stalked. Your love might begin to
wonder if it’s from someone who’s affection and attention is not
desired.

Include a Small Present

Include something that can be put
inside the card or letter. A pressed flower. A small, flat
pendant – like a gold heart. A memento from someplace special
you two went on a date, perhaps with the word “remember” printed
on it.

Good luck with your love letters. I’m sure there are lots of
other ideas you can come up with on your own. Create lots of
romance and have fun!

• P.S. ‘I Love You’
• Penelope
• Something New
• The Notebook
• Fever Pitch
• Jersey Girl
• The Truth about Cats and Dogs
• Return to Me
• Ever After: A Cinderella Story
• Here on Earth
• Dirty Dancing
• Pretty Woman
• You’ve Got Mail
• Titanic
• Ghost
• Sleepless in Seattle
• 10 Things I Hate About You (the title doesn’t imply romance but there is actually a very sweet lovestory as one of the main plots in this movie.)

Men, this is good news…you don’t have to do something big or extravagant to romance your partner. You don’t have to exert a lot of effort to make her happy. Even better news…your partner will be most fulfilled by the things you do that don’t require a lot of effort, planning, or money!

These things are called “little things”, and they can be a man’s best friend. “Little things” are just that…little and rather simple things that YOU do for HER. Despite the fact that they are “little” they mean so much to women and are crucial in ensuring that she be fulfilled in your relationship or marriage. And…when she’s happy you’re happy, so it’s a win win situation.

Author John Gray, addressed this in his book, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus“: “…imagine that women have a love tank similar to the gas tank of a car. It needs to be filled over and over again. Doing many little things…is the secret for filling a woman’s lovetank. A women feels loved when her love tank is full”.

Considering the importance of little things I’ve composed a list of my own ideas for men to express love and affection to their partners…and create romance. Go ahead, pick one right now and go try it on your partner. The results will be positive.

• When she gets home from work, or wherever, ask her about her day and listen while she talks. Extra points if she complains about a bad day and you reply sympathetically and ask her to tell you more!
• Tell her how beautiful she is
• Give her a hug for no reason
• Pick her a bouquet of wild flowers
• Massage her back and/or feet after she’s had a hard day at work
• Leave an “I love you” note for her to find
• Call her from work (or where ever) to tell her you were thinking about her
• When you are going to be late getting home or meeting her, call to tell her. It is very inconsiderate to make her wait without calling.
• Say “I love you”… a lot
• When someone calls for her (on the phone), and she isn’t home, neatly write her a message
• Compliment her: the way she looks, her hair, her smile, her voice, her eyes, her sense of humor, her intelligence, something she has achieved, something she is proud of doing, etc.
• Hold her hand in public

Daily reminders of an upcoming excursion can make one anxious and eager. Likewise, by sending reminders of a specially planned event to your sweetheart, you can multiply the anticipation and enjoyment of the occasion.

If the event is going to be more romantic in nature then think of some romantic items to entice him or her with. Roses and pieces of chocolate smell of romance. On each day about a week before the special date deliver, mail or hide a piece of chocolate or a single rose or other romantic gift.

If you are poetic, try writing a verse to go along with each daily gift. If poetry isn’t your strength then write a simple line about how you are looking forward to this special date or trip you have been planning.

On one particular date I wanted to make really special, I bought a dozen roses a week before. Six days before our date I put half a dozen roses on her desk with a note mentioning I was looking forward to the grand event in six days. I did the same three days, two days and one day prior to the date.

A little hype can turn even the most average date into a special occasion. However, one must be careful not to over-hype an ordinary date. Otherwise, the date itself may be a let down.

If your trip or date is more fun in nature, send something festive each day. If it is a birthday party in the works, you could send a party hat one day, then birthday candles and a noise maker and so on.

For those who like to plan mysterious evenings or getaways, try sending clues throughout the week. An event that is planned well in advance could be promoted by offering weekly reminders beforehand.