Romance Out Of The Box

I don't think romance has to involve two people. Yes, it's nice when two lovers can gaze into each other's eyes and without speaking, see the potential that is reflected. Or if you have a partner that actually takes the time to think about what to do to make you know you are loved and cherished, and creates a special moment for the two of you, then you have found a keeper.

Couples walking down a secluded beach on a brilliant sun-drenched morning, with sea birds screeching and diving into the waves, not talking, just being, is a romantic moment.
When two people enjoy a candlit meal in an intimate restaurant where they tune out their surroundings, the quiet hum of other conversations and clinking of glass and silverware is just secondary to their focus on each other. That can be a romantic moment.

Hiking along a wooded trail, where a rowdy mountain stream shouts its song of eternity out to a pair of adventurers who are sharing a connection to nature, is romantic.
Two parents, sitting down to eat dinner, their chubby cheeked little one between them in a high chair, smiling a one toothed smile and smearing pureed carrots artistically all over the tray in front of him or her, while the proud pair who just created this new family look on with such a swelling of love in their hearts for this future Master Artist, that they can hardly contain their joy. That's a romantic moment.

Loving moments shared between two people that creates joy and fulfillment is romantic and can be appreciated and cherished.

But do you have to have another person present with you to enjoy the romance that fills this world? The answer for me is no.

You can be solitary and still experience the thrill and joy of a romantic moment.
Take that walk along the shore on your own and watch the sun setting. Then sit on that waitng bench along the rock walkway and take the time to see the millions of diamonds dancing along the surface of the still water as the waves gently slap upon the rocks that lie along the bank. See the colors in the sky change from a brilliant blue with white clouds here and there, to shades of pink and orange. Notice the mist on the horizon as it creeps upward and along the crest of a small cliff. Feel the connection to your heart center and be aware that you whole body tingles with the joy of the moment. A romantic moment that you share with Self and be grateful that you can experience that.

Sit in your home reading as you tune your ears in to a conversation your children are having with each other in the other room. Let yourself be distracted by their animation and their fantastical pretending and marvel at their wit and imagination and feel the way your heart softens to their innocence. That's a romantic moment for you to experience and cherish for years to come.

You see, if you limit your ability to see and experience romance until you are with another person to share it with, you will miss a lot of romatical opportunities to give love and romance and happiness and joy to yourself.
So pay attention. And just love and stay there. Rumi said that and I agree.