Romancing Her – The Right Way

By Lyra Pappin
[View From Venus]
Romance is a tricky thing. Ladies want it, guys are clueless. Lyra Pappin explains why flowers and chocolates aren't necessarily the answer.
So it’s the first anniversary with your girlfriend. You’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time. You show up with flowers, chocolates and a stuffed animal. You are feeling confident and super-psyched because this is the golden hat trick of romance! It can’t miss! You open the door, find your girlfriend standing there, eyeing the gifts, unimpressed. Huh?
 
Does this sound familiar guys? It’s time to let a lady help you out! Most men seem to think girls are all the same – that we all love and crave “romance”. And just what is romance anyway? If clichés are to be believed, it involves gushy sentiments, flowers, heart shaped items and perfume. Unfortunately (for men), this is not true; romance can mean different things to different girls – and usually does. 
 
Before you guys get your well-intentioned backs up, let me state that I fully realize that you men are not entirely to blame. Most women are far too subtle with their “hints” and “suggestions” about gift giving. There’s that whole “politeness, not wanting to hurt feelings” thing that goes along with accepting presents that aren’t exactly thrilling to receive. Luckily for me, I don’t suffer from the “smile and nod” syndrome so hopefully I can help out some other lords and ladies in their quest for romantic bliss.

True Romance Tip #1 –
Be Attentive

Girls have this odd tendency to not want to shout out “HEY BOYFRIEND! Buy me this sweater because I REALLY like it!”. Strangely, we tend to make some attempt to express these thoughts in a slightly less obvious manner. This may include repeatedly pointing out an item, expressing desire to own it and/or possibly trying it on in a store and then making a big show out of the disappointment we feel over not owning said item. All of these are designed to draw attention to the fact that if it were to be purchased for us, we would be quite pleased.
 
The fact that most men don’t realize these little hints, gives the boys that put effort into it a huge advantage. Your girlfriend will be so blown away if you buy her the CD she casually mentioned, or the shoes she gawked at while window shopping, that you won’t even know what hit you.
 
True Romance Tip #2 –
Be Creative

Another frustrating aspect of the standard “romantic” gestures is that they are tired. Been there, done that. Teddy bear? Yawn, thanks, my boyfriend in grade six fulfilled that dream. As we women age, we develop tastes in different things and our boyfriends taking notice in these changes is both desired and appreciated. Personally, I like to feel that my interests are part of what makes my boyfriend like and respect me. I don’t think I’m alone on that one. So guys, put some thought into it and find out what will make her happy.

Again, this is specific to each girl. Some women may be overjoyed to receive chocolate and flowers, but others may scowl at this and prefer leather chaps and tattoo gift certificates. You never know, so keep your eyes and ears open boys!

True Romance Tip #3 –
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