Chocolate bars no longer imprisoning modern romance

Valentine’s Day is long gone but for some people romance never dies. At least that’s what the experts say. But what really is romance? The ninth edition of the Concise Oxford Dictionary defines romance as, “An atmosphere or tendency characterised by a sense of remoteness from or idealisation of everyday life. When used imaginatively, it is a literary genre with romantic love or highly imaginative, unrealistic episodes forming the central theme.” In my younger years  whenever the topic of romance came up, the first few things that popped into my mind were flowers, chocolates, picnics, beach walks, wine and dinner—images with which we are constantly bombarded through different mediums. In reality, though, my thoughts may not actually be what most women deem as factors contributing to romance. Those days appear to be long gone, as flowers, chocolates, wine and dinner are now seen as an extension of duty and commitment to a lover, boyfriend, girlfriend, wife or husband. When a person, in this case a man, is committed to his partner, these factors are expected of him. Are they, therefore, a by-product of commitment? What then does it mean when a woman says that she wants to be romanced? I posed this question on one of the social sites to give women an opportunity to voice their opinions.

 

Opinions on romance:

Aneesa Francis: You just have to know what your woman likes. It can be a thoughtful gift, what you say, cooking dinner and basically whatever shows you care. She also likes the zoo, picnics, the ability to partake in adventure and things they can do as a couple. Octavia Rogue: Send roses just because you love her, and not only on special occasions. Or a text message expressing your love. The simple things you would have done if you were still dating or “tracking” her. Something that keeps the flame going and a reminder that you still got feelings for her.

 

Carol Rampersad: TLC (Tender Loving Care). Different strokes for different folks. 

 

Kerri Boisson: It means she watches too much TV. 

 

Salina Mohammed: Romance should not be an event to plan. Romance is when you make it all about the other person. Do what the other person enjoys, doing things for them with no strings attached. It means she wants to feel some love, but not in a sexual way. 

 

No mention of chocolate, teddy bears or wine as being significant factors in their romantic ideology. 

The main idea expressed was the ability of a man to show his true commitment by participating in bonding activities with his partner.