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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Romance Is Alive And Thriving

Cheryl Lavin Chicago Tribune

In this cold, hard, high-tech, fast-paced world is there still a place for romance? In some households, romance is alive and well.

Marissa: “My husband doesn’t express himself verbally very often. His feeling is ‘Of course, I love you. We’re married and I’m still here, aren’t I?’

However, he never forgets a special day. I get a beautiful card for my birthday, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Sweetest Day, our anniversary, and probably more that I can’t think of. The verses on them show he takes the time to pick out just the right one. He brings me little gifts for any reason and for no reason, like a single rose or a little Cabbage Patch doll to go on the end of a pencil because I collect Cabbage Patch kids, or just a candy bar. So very many things. None are expensive but all are special to me. What do I do for him? I love him, but I usually forget to get him anything except perhaps on his birthday and Christmas. We’ve been together for 15 years.”

Denise: “Every day since we met, we’ve called each other during the day just to say ‘I love you’ and sometimes we leave romantic notes by the phone. When we spend time together, we do things for one another no matter how big or small or mundane. He’ll wash my pantyhose while I pack his lunch, or I’ll sew on some loose buttons while he changes the oil in my car. We buy each other little ‘just because’ gifts. Anything from massage lotion to flowers, wooden carvings to a violin. Vacations are always such fun that we have to make the occasion memorable by coming home with a tacky icebox magnet and matching T-shirts. I love him and never let a day go by without telling him.”

Monica: “I knew Steve loved me more than ever when I was four months pregnant with our second child. We drove two hours with me being uncomfortable and a 13-month-old in the back seat to start our vacation. After arriving, we hauled all kinds of luggage and baby equipment into our rented house. It was such a hectic day that I’d failed to realize I had finally started showing a bulge of pregnancy. After I got settled, I decided to look for Steve. He and my brother-in-law were setting up the grill for dinner in the back yard. They both looked at me and then straight to my belly. A big grin came on Steve’s face and he said, ‘Well, look at you, sweetie!’ I was never happier. I look back on that day often. It reminds me on long days how lucky I am to have him love me.”

Amy: “Kyle and I had been so busy with work, family, activities, social functions, church activities, etc. that we were exhausted and had no time to catch our breath. One day he told me he had arranged for us to go away for a long weekend in February. He had called my office and scheduled vacation days for me. The destination was a surprise. I spent weeks trying to guess, with no luck. Finally, the day arrived. Kyle loaded the car - he told me what to pack - and we were on the road. We ended up at the airport. I thought we were going to Chicago, but we went to the international check-in. I followed him to the gate in a daze. We were going to Paris! Needless to say, I was so surprised, I couldn’t contain my tears. We had a fantastic time in France, the sights, the sounds, and best of all our time together. It was a trip that I will never forget. I am so happy and blessed to have him as my husband.”

Russell: “When my wife and I first got married, I was a typical male. Romance embarrassed me. I was too macho for that mushy stuff. But my wife has showed me that candles and flowers and a nice bottle of wine and soft music on the stereo can go a long way toward keeping a marriage together.”

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