7 Romance Rituals to Start

Need some inspiration for how to keep romance alive?
These women got creative with these cute things they did for their boyfriends. Take note and try one (or all!) of these brilliant strategies for bonding with your boyfriend or husband.

1. Dream Up a Hot Vacation

Get out of your cold-weather rut by fantasizing about a sexy European getaway with your guy. We found his vacation wishlist. While the two of you are sipping coffee and sharing the Sunday paper, take a detour to the travel section. Grab your guy's attention by reading an irresistible description of some totally romantic locale (charming old cities, a lush green countryside, gorgeous sunsets, and delicious local dishes should capture his attention pretty quickly). Then start concocting your own ultimate escape together.


2. Plan Two Hot Dates with Him

Instead of orchestrating a perfect evening you'll both love, make a deal that you'll do whatever he wants one night as long as he does the same for you the other night. Even if he plans an über-guyfriendly date (you know, Beirut at the sports bar followed by Texas BBQ), it's all good. If he's stumped, recommend one these date ideas we know guys love. Just think, you'll finally get him to take you to that cute new café you've been eyeing, and afterward you can curl up and watch season one of True Blood on DVD.


3. Treat Him to a Rubdown

In the middle of the day, shoot your guy the following text: "Hot date tonight. 8 pm sharp." Or try one of these other flirty messages. When he shows up, dim the lights, put on some chill tunes, and ask him to lie facedown on your couch or bed (oh, and the shirt's gotta come off). Once he's in relax mode, give him a nice, long back rub with massage oil. (Tip: Guys tend to prefer earthy scented oils, like pine and eucalyptus, rather than rosy ones). This special treatment will remind him that he's one hell of a lucky guy to have you. These moves will push him over the edge.


4. Play a Passionate Game

Challenge your man to a retro board game - think Life or Trouble - or a round of bowling or minigolf and it'll light a spark between you two. Getting competitive eliminates weekday stress, encourages flirting, and builds sexual fervor. In the mood for something a sexier? Our be-frisky sex tips will launch you and your man on a red-hot adventure. Hint: Make a bet that the loser has to give the winner a full-body massage.


5. Have a Sexy Sleepover

Sometime this week, e-mail your guy, and tell him to reserve Friday night but not to worry about coming up with a date idea - you'll plan everything. Then, before he shows up, turn your place into a low-key bed-and-breakfast with fresh linens on the bed, the ingredients for his drink of choice, and a season of his favorite TV show on DVD. Once he arrives, order delivery for dinner, and get in "do not disturb" mode by turning off your cell phones. We trust you know the rest, but you could start with by trying out these different kinds of kisses.

6. Bond Over Cooking Together

Preparing a meal together can really help you connect. Start by finding an easy but special recipe, and forget the usual routine of who-does-what in the kitchen. All that time spent chopping and simmering is conducive to catching up after a chaotic workweek. You'll totally wow him with these recipes from Katie Lee.


7. Take a Steamy Bath Together

Showering solo is so 9 to 5. When you have a lazy weekend morning, take advantage of it. While he's still in bed, run the water, light a few candles for atmosphere, and cue up a chill playlist from your iPod. Then wake him up with a gentle kiss, lure him into the bathroom, and use a sweet-smelling scrub to rub each other down. These sweet, pampering moves will send Mr. Cranky Pants packing... and earn you major girlfriend brownie points.

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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.