I recently got caught up watching the "Twilight" series on DVD and the latest movie "Breaking Dawn - Part 1," which was in theatres in December. First of all, I bet you're wondering why I would be interested in this vampire series. I thought maybe I'd read the books, but then realized I didn't start in time and the third movie had already been released. I found the first movie in the series to be almost dreamlike and tried to just sit and take in the entertainment of the it. But by the fourth movie in the series, I had figured out what the attraction was. It was romance. Yes, pure and simple romance. Whether it be flakey or not, you find yourself intrigued by the possibility of a man actually being that romantic. Yes, even at my age.
I hear all the time from men that they "think" they are romantic. Are you serious? Plugging in a light-up air freshener in the kitchen and shutting the lights off doesn't constitute a romantic evening.
As young girls, we were brought up with princess stories of a knight-in-shining-armour sweeping us off our feet and making us feel safe and loved. I don't think that feeling ever goes away for most of us. Even though we think we have our prince or knight, we can never be swooned enough. There is always something magical in that feeling that one is the most special person in the world. For whatever reason, for however long and at whatever age, it cannot be bestowed upon us enough. Am I not right, ladies?
Now I try and keep it light in my household when it comes to romance because as my friend, Judy, would say, "Most men are dumb asses." (Can I say that word? Oh well, I did). They need to get hit with a frying pan before they truly get it. I have actually had conversations with men who admit that they are "wired" much differently from women and really don't realize some of the things that seem so common sense to women.
Going down to the continental breakfast at a hotel and bringing back a small plate of fruit and toast and then declaring, "Don't ever say I never brought you breakfast in bed", will not get you a lot of brownie points. Don't get me wrong. The act of actually taking the time to fill a plate and bring it back to the room before one goes off to meetings for the day will get you an "honorary" mention, but is so far away from the actual 'making me breakfast in bed' (from scratch...like I would make) that it isn't even funny. Now remember...I have a great sense of humor and I had a huge laugh at his ability to come up with that one liner...but really....seriously....not romantic at all.
My parents were married almost 60 years and always put each other's needs first. So you see, it doesn't just happen in the movies. There are truly some great men out there. Now that my mother is no longer with us, I really understand the saying "a sparkle in your eye" because when it's gone, there is a very painful, lonely look. I was blessed with expecting that that is how a woman should be treated and good or bad, I will not settle for anything less. Life is too short to just dream that this will happen. We all want and need to be loved and no one wants to be alone. Be sure you find a compatible, respectful partner to share your life with because if you settle for less, you are short-changing yourself. Remember this also pertains to the giving in one's relationship. As they say, you reap what you sow and giving love and affection will also attract love and affection.
So, this Valentine's Day, take the time to put a sparkle in someone's eye; if not for a lifetime, at least for one day.
Maxine saying: Just saw a three-hankie movie. That's how many I stuffed into the mouth of the talker behind me. (This is especially true when you attend a romantic comedy just so you can sit through a 'no-brainer' movie and enjoy a good cry only to find you're sitting in the "yappy" section. I should maybe put this in the pet peeve section, hey?)
Pet Peeve of the Week: People, especially businesses, who do not keep their store front clear of ice and snow. Not only is it your duty as a business owner, but you are annoying customers who want to come into your business and unfortunately these people tell others. A little snow shovelling and de-icer will avoid a lot of problems for yourself and your customers.
