Thursday, February 28, 2013

Romance - Doesn't End with Valentine's Day

I want to share some ideas with you from an article found in the Vita Community Living Services newsletter by author Desmond Bailey.  The article was about people with disabilities needing support with romance, an often overlooked need.  Mr. Bailey reminds us, "Relationships need acts of love, romance and romantic gestures in order to flourish and bloom.".  
So you know I love ideas and I love sharing them with you...sure you've maybe helped someone set up a dinner date, but here are some more concrete ideas from Desmond Bailey on romance (things you could do or SUPPORT someone in doing):
-  Give a "no occasion gift".  Surprise your partner with a wrapped present and write on the tag "because I love you".
-Listen to your partner.  Surprise her with something she has always wanted or something she desires.  She will never forget your thoughtfulness.
-Have a private dinner visit.  Ensure there is soft lights, music and there is no hustle and bustle of other people.  Plan an outing for others in the residence so the couple can have privacy.
-Work on an art or craft project together.  This is a fun way to spend time together.  Couples can work on a scrapbook or paint on canvas together.
-Take a class together.  It could be a fitness calss, cooking class or any area of interest.  Sharing common interests will give the couple somthing to look forward to and a way to be supportive of each other.


Romance doesn't end with Valentine's Day (or it shouldn't anyway)!