As noted in the previous post, the topic of romance consumed most of our conversation at dinner. According to Webster's dictionary, romance is "(1) : a medieval tale based on legend, chivalric love and adventure, or the supernatural (2) : a prose narrative treating imaginary characters involved in events remote in time or place and usually heroic, adventurous, or mysterious (3) : a love story." Most would say romance is "a love story" and I would agree, but I have a different perspective and I don't define it in the classic sense as Webster suggests.

Is romance a setting, an act, a gift, a mood or disposition? Some may strongly argue it's about creating the setting or the mood and therefore romance is the byproduct. Well, remaining true to my 50 First Dates abstract, I think romance is simply about effort. I believe in the cliche that woman do appreciate the thought and effort. If you recall my overanalysis of the movie 50 First Dates, what was so compelling about the movie was Henry Roth's (Adam Sandler) persistence to capture Lucy Whitmore's (Drew Barrymore) heart by making an attempt every day though he understood his efforts may not yield any real long-term relationship. The vast majority of us will not have to deal with a girlfriend or spouse that has extreme memory loss like Lucy, and suffer from the consequences of this ailment. Therefore, we have a great opportunity every day to make romance happen -- it is really about making every effort for the one you love and adore. And quite frankly, I don't think it has to be big everytime like a necklace from Tiffany's or a surprise trip to Paris -- which are all good and are guaranteed to please so if you can do it often then please do. But I think it includes those things as well as many little things, which I believe will keep the romance burning and the relationship healthy. It is simply about effort.