The holidays have passed… we’ve indulged in our favorite things, enjoyed priceless family time, made countless New Year’s resolutions and a handful of trips to the gym.  Is reigniting a spark with your partner on that list of to-do’s for this year?  Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  We often neglect the ones we love most and fail to show them how truly important they are.

I’m certainly no “love expert” but working at a fantastically romantic B&B allows me the pleasure of seeing many couples in love. Holding hands (rather than cell phones) over the breakfast table, booking an anniversary getaway every single year without fail, and stopping by just to visit their engraved brick along wedding walk, these romantic couples inspire me. I hope the following three tips inspire you to rekindle your romance, collected through quiet observation of those I consider to be experts.

Tip #1:  Unplug.  I’m not talking for an entire weekend getaway (unless you’re really up for it).  Unplug for just a few minutes, maybe a few hours if you can swing it.  In today’s world of instant everything and constant communication, it seems like we’re texting, e-mailing, networking, tweeting, and posting 24-7.  Everyone can always reach us and whenever something really fabulous happens, we’re sure to snap a photo to share with the world.  What if we put down that addictive hand-held contraption for a few hours and reconnect, face-to-face without distraction?  Eye contact, active listening… it may not sound super romantic but when someone truly listens to you and has eyes only for you, it really is an incredible feeling and who knows where that may lead?

Tip #2:  Let the to-do list wait.   I am so guilty of worrying and fussing over the next item on my list and so is my husband (as much as I love him!).  There’s always a mess to clean up, laundry to fold, bills to pay, dishes to wash, a child or a pet to care for.  We tend to get wrapped up in what needs to be done not to mention the countless projects we’d like to finish and our conversations happen while both of us are preoccupied.  What would it be like if we had nothing else to focus on except each other for a little while?  This is where a dinner out or a romantic getaway, even just one night at a local bed and breakfast (I can recommend a few!), can completely change the dynamic.  No chores, no work, no commitments or obligations. Time for just the two of you… everything else can wait.

Tip #3:   Stroll down memory lane.  Remember that sushi restaurant from your first date where you sat at a corner table for hours talking and laughing?  It’s worth another visit.  Maybe you proposed or were married at a romantic local spot… surprise your partner with a quick detour or a weekend drive. Sometimes we’re so busy that we forget to make time for things we used to enjoy together – whether it’s wine tasting, concerts, art galleries, flea market shopping, trying new recipes in your own kitchen or stargazing.  Make an effort to plan an outing or some special time at home doing things you enjoy together.  And reminisce while you’re at it.  Reliving memories of romantic and fun times spent together inspires more of the same.

Wishing you much love, laughter and romance!