Valentine's Day Tips and Advice

It's a sad fact, but the longer a couple are together in a relationship, the more the everyday responsibilities such as work, kids and chores around the house get in the way of romance. After the first flush of love, we often find that we have little chance to spend quality time with our loved one, and instead find that we spend our free time rushing to the supermarket, cooking dinner, ferrying the kids around, doing the laundry, or simply crashing in front of the TV.

However, to keep a relationship healthy and alive, it is vital not to forget the importance of romance - even if you've been with your partner for years. Romance creates feelings of togetherness, affection, admiration and respect, and the bonds of love and trust that it provides can help to make a relationship stronger. Valentine's Day is a perfect chance to celebrate and spice up the relationship between you and your loved one, and an injection of romance can help to remind you of those special feelings and your importance to each other.

However, you may be wondering what you can do to introduce some romance on Valentine's Day - especially if you've got out of the habit of being romantic. The trick is to concentrate on making your loved one feel special, so that they can really see how much you cherish them and your relationship together. Here are some simple ideas for you to try out - not just for Valentine's Day, but for any time you want express how much you love your partner...

Create a CD of your favourite romantic music; choose songs that describe how you feel or that hold special memories for you, and then slip it into their car CD player for a fun surprise.
Create a scrapbook with love letters, their favourite photographs, and other cherished mementos.
Cuddle up in front of the fire and talk about your lives together.
Dedicate a song to them on the radio.
Give your lover 11 red roses and 1 white rose, with a note that read "In every bunch there's one who stands out - you're that one."
Have a candlelit bath awaiting when your partner gets home.
Hide a romantic gift or note in their bag or coat pocket, so it can be found later.
In a public place, shout at the top of your voice that you love them.
Leave messages of love (and lust!) around the house for your partner to find.
Make a Valentine's card and compose a poem or prose that expresses your love for your partner.
Make eye contact across a crowed room and mouth the words, "I love you".
Pamper your love with dinner in bed.
Place some Love Hearts sweets on your loved one's pillow.
Prepare a surprise candlelight dinner for your partner.
Put a special photo of the two of you in a special frame and write the words, "I love you more today than yesterday... but not as much as tomorrow."
Slow dance to your favourite song.
Sneak up and give your beloved an unexpected hug and kiss.
Sprinkle rose petals around the house, and create a romantic mood by lighting some heart-shaped candles.
Use your lipstick to write a sexy or loving message on the bathroom mirror; alternatively write it on a steamy mirror, and then wait for it to appear again when they have their shower.
Write them a little love note and slip it into the book they're reading.