With Valentine's Day two days away, I've been seeing and hearing all sorts of commercials for florists, jewelers, and fancy chocolates. I shake my head and sigh. Is this what romance is built upon? Okay, I'm a chocolate lover, but they're not romantic in my eyes even if they come in a gigantic heart-shaped box. Most people I know agree that true romance is not represented by the stereotypes of Valentine's Day.
You need to consider this when writing romance. Are your characters traditional romantics? Or does something different sweep them off their feet? Find what romance is to your characters and you've discovered the core of their being.
It could be something silly she collects or tickets to a sporting game she enjoys. BUT most of the time it isn't about physical things. It's about actions, morals, and emotions. A dedication to family, the will to never break one's beliefs no matter what the enemy does to him, selfless acts, and loving someone for who she is no matter all her crazy little quirks.
For me, romance lives in the times my husband and I stay up late talking and laughing about silly things, and the moments we sit quietly in each other's company. Walks in the woods holding hands. When he stays home instead of going to do something he really wanted to do and takes care of our son so I can have a nap. A smile and a wink that still makes my stomach quiver even after 15 years.
What is romance to you?
Aww! I can see how the little things can be more romantic, although I wouldn't mind some chocolate. ;)
ReplyDeleteSo romantic--yes, I agree, it's the various little moments.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! I love how you describe your romance with your husband. That's what real romance looks like - or at least that's more the style of my hubs and I. Now, if I could just figure out how to include that kind of romance in my books . . .then maybe I could write romance.
ReplyDeleteIt is the little things and all the little considerations to make my life easier.
ReplyDeleteThe most romantic moments are... when I'm freaking out, my husband giving me a hug and telling me everything is going to be all right in such a way that I believe it. I'd rather have that than more chocolate, and I love chocolate... and jewelry.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I don't even care about flowers and candy, altho they're nice. I'd rather have a carefree night grazing on tapas and sipping wine and just laughing together. That's romance to me.
ReplyDeleteHappy <3 Day!
Thank you all for stopping by and commenting. I love seeing it's the little things for other people too. (Chocolates are little things!)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Christine... and totally agree... it's not the gifts but the memories of wonderful times spent together. This Valentines I'm making hubby a huge chocolate cake:)
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Flowers and chocolate hearts are very nice, but they aren't really what matters!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great attitude you have towards romance. I keep telling my wife that me taking out the trash is romantic, but she seems to think that isn't quite enough. There's a happy middle in there somewhere, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteAww, what a sweet (and romantic!) post. I hate the Valentine's Day commercials so much because I just think they are almost always cheesy.
ReplyDeleteWell put!
ReplyDeleteHave a great Blitz and Valentine's day.
May your romantic moments include making snow angels together and sipping hot cocoa.