Let's talk about love!

Yes we all know February is the month of love, with Valentines Day on the 14th. But this month I want to talk about what romance really means!!

I always think of the COLLABRO shot in our 2017 calendar that had the 4 of us holding roses to symbolise love and from then on I always try to make February a bit more 'romantic' or 'wistful' in my pictures for my personal calendar.

This month, I asked my incredible Patreons to tell me what they find romantic and some of them even shared some stories of romance for me to share with you.

Gwen says she would always receive red roses on Valentines which she found very romantic and her husband asking permission from her father to marry her was probably the most romantic thing anyone ever did for her. Talking from my own experience, asking permission is a very daunting task but actually so rewarding and it's so great to know you have the support of the family you're about to marry in to.

Linda thinks nothing beats a romantic dinner with candles, just the two of you, sharing good food and getting the chance to really chat. I'm trying to think myself whether it's nicer to be out together in a restaurant or if one person has cooked. I suppose that shows an extra level of attention but then maybe one of you isn't quite as relaxed. What do you all think?

Susan also thinks flowers are the most romantic way to show someone you like them. I remember Nicole telling me that she always envisaged me getting off a train back from London and her picking me up from the station and me having a big bunch of flowers. The only problem is, the trains are so busy you're all squashed hahaha. PLUS train station flowers are expensive! Maybe one day I'll achieve her request.

Sylvia is a fan of carnations over roses as they smell so good. I need to go and smell some now! I always think of a carnation for a prom or something, again associated with romance.

Gill had a red rose left on her doorstep from her lover to show her he was interested, that sounds pretty romantic to me! She thinks time together is the most important, a nice walk just the two of you is her ideal romantic day.

Mary also likes the idea of a walk, maybe along a beach. However, don't picture the warm sun and sand between your toes....no! Mary's ideal is in the cold, wrapped up warm, walking along with no one else around, maybe on a shingle beach hearing 2 sets of feet and chatting away to get to know each other better.

Ruth finds romance in poems. I think this is such a romantic thing but something so hard to do. We all know the poem 'roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you' and we all know of the different versions that have been written too hahah!

Apparently the most romantic poem ever written was this by Elizabeth Barrett Browning 1806 – 1861

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

I think I need to up my poetry skills!!

Elizabeth has a funny story about red roses. I've tried to re-tell the story without being too explicit but can't seem to write it too well. Let's just say one dozen red roses doesn't necessarily mean you're dating! Elizabeth also thinks that dinner out is the most romantic date.

Jackie is another who likes peaceful walks to create intimacy in a relationship. She has a really fun and sweet idea with her partner where they do clues for presents. For example, Jackie received a DVD of 'Breakfast at Tiffanies' which was code for 'I'm taking you to New York' - how amazing is that!! I'm definitely going to keep that in mind for gifts moving forward!

Nicola also likes walks along the beach and says if anyone were to propose to her, St Andrews beach is the place please!

So I recon the most romantic date sounds like:

Arrive with a bunch of flowers, go out for a candlelit dinner and finish it off with a walk along a beach wrapped up from the cold. What do you think?

Love Michael :D