Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.  If you still haven't figured out what to do, I’ve got you covered! 

Here are a few low-key ideas to stay connected to your sweetheart without a lot of fuss.

1.       Re-enact your first date. 

Unless your first date was in Paris, more than likely this option is doable.  Perhaps your first date was at a coffee shop, the movies or at a restaurant.  Or perhaps it was a walk in a park.  Whatever the case may be, for added effect, wear the same outfit, get ready separately, and meet at the location, ready to re-live those precious moments.

Why it works:  It re-engages all the senses.  The re-enactment of your first date is likely to spark feelings of excitement and flood back intense memories of the first time you met.  Fall in love all over again!

2.       Cook dinner together. 

Instead of trying to make a last-minute reservation at an expensive restaurant where you’ll be shuffled along for the next seating, why not enjoy creating something delicious together at home?  Try these 30-minute menu ideas:

• Filet mignon in a wine reduction with roasted potatoes and asparagus

• Linguine with shrimp scampi for an extra boost of libido enhancing zinc

• Salmon with saffron rice and spinach

• Sundried tomato and goat-cheese stuffed chicken breasts with penne and rappini

For dessert, try one of these delectable options:

• Crème Brule

• Brownies with chocolate sauce

• Raspberry and chocolate parfait

• Chocolate-dipped strawberries

Warning:  If you sample the dessert first, you may not get to dinner!

Why it works:  Cooking involves communication and working together.  Besides the chop, chop, and “pass the salt”, there is an opportunity to connect about other meaningful things as you work together to create a nourishing (and possibly sensuous) meal. 

3.       Light some candles, open a bottle of wine and get out some questions.  Do this after idea # 1 or #2, or do this as a standalone activity, perhaps after the kids have gone to sleep! 

Read out these questions one by one, or put them on 3 X 5 recipe cards and alternately pick from the deck.

• What is your most treasured memory?

• What is your worst memory?

• Take four (4) minutes each and tell your life story in as much detail as possible.

• For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

• What are you most stressed about right now? What could I do to alleviate that stress in any way?

• What has so far been your favourite sexual experience with me?

• What would you like to do more of together?

• What new thing would you like to do together?

• If I had a crystal ball, what would you most want to know?

• Alternating, share five (5) things that you love about your partner.

Why it works:  We seldom take the time to really see our partner.  When asking these questions with a curious attitude, we learn something novel, come to appreciate them more, and become bonded to them in a new way.  If we are truly open, we become vulnerable ourselves and that too strengthens our bond. 

One of these options will be sure to generate greater awareness about your partner, rekindle romantic feelings, and bring you closer than ever.