Surprise ME!

We all made Christmas list when we were younger and we still like to get things that we want this day and age. However, I think several people still miss the meaning behind the gift giving. This is a celebration of love and happiness. We get to show our loved ones that we care about them, the thing that really gets lost at this time of year is the old saying "It is the thought that counts" The price and item itself are not the important part of the season, we are not in competition. Get the idea out of your head that the size or cost of the gift tell you how much someone cares about you. You need to be thankful that you have someone in your life that cares enough to go out and purchase you something because they love or care about you. Understanding that just getting a gift is something several people would find extremely important and some people simply can't afford big expensive gifts. Remember being in love doesn't have to cost you. Another thing I like to caution people on is saying that Santa only brings presents to good boys and girls. There are several children out there that get nothing for Christmas and they aren't bad children. It might be a case of a parent getting laid off work or a family struggling to just pay their bills. Whatever the cause the children shouldn't be made to feel like they did something to desire no presents from the jolly man. A nice surprise might be to find out one of these families and either purchase items for them or go through some of your old things and find toys or clothes that would help them out. You might be amazed at how good you will feel by doing this.

Tought times make romance even more important.

Right now most people are in the same boat. We are all having to really nit pick what we spend our money on. With this most of the romantic things we use to spend money on are falling to the way side until better times return. For the romantic at heart this is a real bummer, however if you are creative you can still bring the romance home in other forms. Maybe you can't afford a big fancy dinner out, but maybe you can make a nice meal at home for your partner and you to enjoy. A huge bunch of flowers might be just a little too much, but a nice single rose still says "I Love You" For every romantic thing you use to do you can find a less expensive version. Going out for drinks can be replaced with buying some booze for home and inviting friends over to play board games. Spending the night snuggling on the couch watching movies under a blanket with microwave popcorn can replace going to the megaplex and paying $10 a piece to see the same movie. I hope you see where I am headed with all this. You don't have to stop being romantic you just have to find less expensive ways to do the same things. However some to the best things are and will always be free. Long talks, hand in hand walks, and making love all night are still high on the romantic list and to my knowledge have never cost anything.

To much Cologne is not the answer.

Men here is a little tip that might help you out with you partner. Cologne is a nice touch but too much cologne is a disaster. I am sure you have smelt the guy who must put on a bottle before he goes out. Do you think women want to really be anywhere near him? Cologne can enhance your natural essence if you don't over do it. You should put on just a touch and it should go on your skin not your clothes. Put it in areas you hope your partner will find later such as your chest or neck. Let them sniff it out, if they can smell you from more then 3 feet away you have over done it.

Another thing to remember in the cologne debate is that cologne is not a substitute for showering. Don't come from the gym and just splash on some cologne before taking you partner out for dinner. Cologne does not get rid of body odor it just mixes with it. So if you do this you are just smelling like a perfumed skunk. Always practice good hygiene you partner deserves this.

Cheap cologne is okay but don't make the mistake of using more because it doesn't cost much. Every once in a while spring for some more expensive cologne to wear on special occasions, your partner will enjoy the switch up. Lastly make sure you cologne agrees with your partner, they might not like the smell or they could be allergic to it. If that is the case get rid of it now, don't save to wear when you are not around them. It is a great gesture to pitch it if you partner can handle it.