One of my favorite old Gary Cooper movies is "Friendly Persuasion." After a minor spat, the protagonist and his wife end up spending the night in their barn (and away from the kids). As they are walking back to the house the next morning, he asks, "Can we go back there again sometime?" She just looks at him and smiles as she pulls a piece of straw from his shirt.
One of the most romantic things you can do with your partner is to surprise him or her and go on a one-night vacation. This is also something you can plan together, or you can take turns doing the planning if you decide you "want to go back there again sometime."
Taking a one-night vacation doesn't have to cost a mint. In fact, a barn (with suitable accoutrements) will work, but it may be better to take the more modern route. Find a nearby hotel or B&B, the more romantic the better. Different people need different things, but room service is mandatory. If it's a B&B, ask if they will bring breakfast to your room. Whatever you choose, make sure it's a place that will be inspirational to both of you. If the hotel you're considering remotely resembles a Motel 6, take it off the list.
Most nice places know how to stage a room with rose petals on the bed and chocolate on the pillow. This is also something you can do yourself in two minutes. There's no shame in bringing your own champagne, candles or whatever else you like. It's always wise to call ahead to see what they can supply.
Finding the time seems to be the biggest deterrent to couples getting away by themselves. Using this one-night plan, you can more easily sneak away any day of the week, even if you have kids at home. If you don't have chicks in the nest, this is still a wonderful way to reclaim the spark and add a little sweetness to your relationship.
Doing things differently, changing it up a little here and there is not just good for your romance, it builds your bond and makes you look at your partner differently. When someone goes out of his or her way to make the relationship more fun, it's an act of love and it can't help but make your connection a little bit deeper.
For those with busy lives, making this romantic gesture often is a great way to keep intimacy alive and make your romantic life a little extra special. Whether you return to the same place on a regular basis or find new locations you will be creating wonderful memories for years to come.
