Give your time for Valentine's Day

It's Valentine, my second most favourite time of the year. I know some persons are cynics of Valentine's Day especially those who don't have a lover or the ones who are always doing the gift giving. However, for me being married for so many years, I've come to appreciate the importance of looking for reasons to be romantic with the person I am spending my many, many years with. So Valentine's Day is our once a year reminder that it is extremely important to show each other a little bit more romance, especially since romance is a much-needed balm to rub on a super busy, letting-our-relationship-coast lifestyle.

My definition of romance is doing things to make your partner feel special, and there are many ways you can do this. Giving gifts and dinners are just one great way to show your love. But my preferred ways are to give the gift of your time, attention and appreciation. It is, after all, the very best foreplay for us women.

Now, if you don't know where to start, think about who you were at the start of your relationship when everything was as my grandson Shaun would say 'peachy' fun and the sex was just amazing. Things were great because you were putting your best foot forward in order to woo your beloved so there was a lot of built-in romance.

Why not bring back some of that magic this Valentine's Day, especially in this climate of a pending election. It really takes very little planning, and the best part is that it is absolutely free.

1. Look for reasons to laugh and smile at your partner. Laughing and smiling is an offshoot of flirting. Flirting with your partner can be incredibly sexy, and can make the two of you feel so very special. Simply look into your partner's eyes and give him your best sexy smile. I warn you, smiling is contagious, your spouse might just smile back and you'll share a special moment.

2. Make a little fuss over your appearance. It's really nice to make an effort to look sexy, simply for your partner's satisfaction. Pluck a few hairs, sexy perfume, sexy underwear (both of you) and some first date clothes. Dressing up will make you feel great about yourself and your partner will feel special too.

4. Listen and be interested in what your partner is saying. Too many couples stop listening to what their partner is saying; just hearing enough 'verbal clips' to interject an intelligent grunt when necessary. But really listening to your partner shows that you truly care about what they have to say and makes them feel valued.

5. Initiate something different and fun. Create a shared moment that you can remember fondly for a few months to come. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but it does mean doing something outside your regular routine. Have a carpet picnic in your living room, leave a love note somewhere, feed each other nibbles of food, snacks or chocolate, or share a special bottle of wine. It's not so much what you do, but that you did something that means so much. Your spouse will be walking on cloud nine for a week after Valentine's Day. Just give the gift of you at your finest, you never know, you might have such a wonderful time you will want to create romance more than just once a year.