How to be Romantic

Here’s one thing you should know about women: They all love romance. They love it when you do something thoughtful. Because, really, that’s what romance is. It’s not necessarily about sweeping us off on holiday or sending 24 red roses on their birthday. Don’t get me wrong, those are pretty nice gestures. I mean, that’s going to guarantee you a few weeks of spontaneous sex. But you do need to know your girl’s tastes. I know plenty of women that would feel embarrassed by such grand gestures, regardless of how well-intended they are. For some, the simple act of taking her to our favourite restaurant on an otherwise dull wednesday night is considered the height of romance. Or sending macaroons to her office when she's having a terrible week at work. You see, true romance is when thought goes into a gesture, not cash.
Whilst the girls know exactly how they want to be treated, I can see how men can be misguided on 21st century romance. They don’t expect you to help them out of a carriage, hold an umbrella over her when it rains or hoist her over a puddle so her petticoats don’t get muddy, but romance still counts. But at the same time they don't want cheesy. See, they totally appreciate how tricky it all is. So, here are my romance pointers:

First Date Romance
You don’t know her well enough to know what she likes, so stick with being well mannered and chivalrous. Holding the door open is lovely, but pulling the chair out is too much. You’re not our dad and we’re not three years old. Or 93 years old. Top our glass of wine before topping your own. This is often overlooked by blokes and one thing I always notice. Offering to get her cab home, or at the very least making sure she gets in a cab safely, is romantic. Offering to walk her home is a little full-on. You're a potential boyfriend, not bodyguard.

Casual Dating Romance
You’re still getting to know each other, but you can step up the romance slightly. When I first started dating my boyfriend he’d write little cards and leave them on my bed. So cute. Then came playful yet personal presents, such as the Skinny Meals in Heels cookbook, because of what he considers are my ‘weird’ eating habits. Since when was cold pizza for breakfast and carrots dipped in peanut butter for dinner weird? Sorry, I digress. That kind of thing: good romantic.

Relationship Romance
You should know her well enough by now to know what will make her cringe or grin. By now, emoticons, petrol station flowers — yes, she can tell the difference — or text messages on our birthday are unacceptable acts of romance. Step it up. What are her hobbies? What’s her favourite film? Who has she always wanted to see play live? To be truly romantic and thoughtful requires a great deal of actually listening to your girlfriend (sorry about that, guys).
My own forms of romance aren’t quite as inventive when compared to the lengths some gents I know have gone to. Although I am proud of a few efforts