Valenduckie: Jaci Burton’s Romance 101 for Men
Monday, February 11, 2008 14:00
Jaci Burton is our next Valenduckie cupid and she shares with us what “romance” means to her. Don’t forget to catch Jaci’s latest release, Riding Wild – a Berkley Trade 5 Feb 08 release - that is getting some tremendous reviews.
So February brings about Valentines Day, which is the month of hearts and flowers, chocolate, diamonds and all things romantic. But really, what is romantic to a woman? Is it being swept off her feet by a tall, dark and handsome man, wined and dined, showered with gifts and flowers and soft music, or is it something else entirely?
I guess to some women those things are important. But I have my own ideas about what romance is, and it’s none of the above. Sure, dinner out and a bouquet of flowers on Valentine’s Day are nice, but to me those are ‘holiday’ things. Those are ‘expected’ things. What I love from a man is the unexpected… the little things that scream ‘love’ and ‘romance.’ I have my own top 10 list of things that make me swoon.
1. A man who does the dishes without being asked to. (This might cause lightheadedness when witnessed by a woman. A romantic man can do the dishes and be prepared to catch the fainting woman in his arms at the same time.)
2. A man who takes over and cooks when he notices you’re too tired, too stressed, or too busy to do it. (Hey, I didn’t say it had to be ‘good’ cooking. We just appreciate the attempt… any attempt at all)
3. A man who brings you flowers out of the blue, and not when it’s Valentine’s Day or your birthday or because he’s pissed you off and this is his way of apologizing.
4. He takes you to dinner at the restaurant of YOUR choice, not his.
5. He’ll sit through your favorite television shows, giving you control of the remote (this is a supreme sacrifice for most men… they earn double points for this)
6. A man who’s spent the day working outside with his hands… mowing, trimming, weedeating, chainsawing, hammering, whatever….and will still give you an hour-long back and shoulder massage that night when you know his hands must be tired and cramping. That’s love, y’all.
7. A man who listens when you talk, who puts the newspaper down, turns away from the television, makes eye contact and really listens. To me, there’s nothing more romantic than a man who takes the time to really hear to what you have to say.
8. A man who’s man enough to be able to say “I’m sorry”. (Some men suffer from an affliction that renders them incapable of saying these two words)
9. A man who deeply loves children and animals. Who doesn’t feel like a wuss when he cuddles both of them. I love a strong, alpha male who can set aside the uber testosterone long enough to pet a dog or cuddle a child.
10. A man capable of saying “I love you”, over and over again, and really meaning it. A woman knows when a man really means it as opposed to just reciting the words.
So tell me, what’s romantic to you?
Jaci Burton
azteclady says:
February 11th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
All of those you mentioned and… when he pays attention to what you like enough to guess what you’d prefer for your birthday. My guy has given me power tools and amazon gift certificates consistently–it truly must be love!
Darla says:
February 11th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Hey Jaci!
Those 10 are my husband to a T! I am soooo luckey and I know it!
Little Lamb Lost says:
February 11th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I know what you mean Jaci. The man who does the things that I need especially when I don’t ask, makes me feel truly loved.
Lone Chatelaine says:
February 11th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
A man who takes care of me when I’m sick, like holding my hair when I’m throwing up kind of sick. Or a man who thinks a nice evening is cuddling in a dark den and watching a movie before going to bed early
Cindi Hoppes says:
February 11th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
A man who takes as much care of the children as you do! How about when he can tell you are physically and mentally exhausted and tell you to go lie down and take a nap?! My guy takes as much care with our pets as I do! He calls me from work at least twice a day!
He cares about my 89 year old dad very much! When I lost my mom and brother four months apart, he took care of our two sons for months while I spent them going back and forth to hospitals. Thanks,Cindi
catslady says:
February 11th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
A man that remembers or better yet pays attention enough to know what the perfect gifts are and doesn’t just go out and buy something because he feels he has to. It can be something very simple too.
kim h says:
February 11th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
a man who is funny and likes my indepndance . who loves pets and kids, also who listens and likes to ask my opinions
Tracy says:
February 11th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Watching my hubby with our sons never fails to make my heart all squishy. He is an incredible dad and that is SO sexy!!
I’ll add a man that will see that the laundry needs to be done and will throw a load in the washer for you!! Double points to my hubby b/c we have a 65 year old house and I hate going in the basement! LOL
Pam P says:
February 12th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Darla, does your hubby have a brother just like him? Send him over, lol. I so agree with you, Jaci.
Christine says:
February 12th, 2008 at 2:28 am
I think its incredibly romantic when my husband figures out exactly what I need (or want) before I even know …. and then takes care of it!
(Although I am still waiting for him to write me a love song……
)
Alicia Thomas says:
February 12th, 2008 at 4:43 am
You know what makes me misty eyed? The phrase “spit, puke and poop”. That’s what Dh says babies all include, and he has helped me clean it all up for 7 of them. C’mon, a guy who changes the dirty diapers? That’s love.
But during the tough times his eyes are on me and how I’m holding up. He’s this tough military/law enforcement type but away from work, with his family, he’s something else completely.
Janet H says:
February 12th, 2008 at 6:30 am
My man does all those things and he can fix, build, and grow anything. I definitely got the best of the best.
katiebabs says:
February 12th, 2008 at 8:27 am
I need a man who cuddles and likes to hold hands. *G*
But a man who can cook, will have my heart forever!
CrystalGB says:
February 12th, 2008 at 9:37 am
What a great list. You really hit the nail on the head. Those are the qualities that I find romantic.
sharmi says:
February 12th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Mine does most of the cooking because I SUCK! The kids actually groan when I say I cooked something.
For me it is how he does things around the house with enthusiasm. When I get a hairbrained idea to gut the kid’s bathroom and re-do it, he all in. He does the tiling, painting, installing, everything. And when people come by and admire it, I’m so proud to say that he did it!
cathy m says:
February 12th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I think the key to a true romance is remembering the little things. Those “just because” moments that proves that, yes, he was listening, lol. Like bringing me home a mocha frapp, remembering that I like carnations and not roses, picking up a music cd that I thought looked good,lowering the shelf in the kitchen that I have to struggle to reach, cooking me a fabulous meal, night after night, and making sure I am warm enough downstairs, before he heads up for tv time.
JSL says:
February 12th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
All those things you said are truly romantic. Something else I find romantic, is when he knows you so well, he knows how you’re feeling from a simple “hello” on the phone.
Allison says:
February 12th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Having Number 5 would make my partner perfect. But hey, practically perfect is pretty good
It IS all the little things that make a big difference. A favorite is when coming home from work with a little surprise (usually edible) – like chocolates, YUM!
Maureen says:
February 15th, 2008 at 10:03 am
The little thoughtful things are romantic to me. Making me a cup of tea and things like that.
acdaisy77 says:
February 16th, 2008 at 2:19 am
I would love to find someone that have the same qualities of the 10 things you listed especially when they do something without being ask or just being there to cook once in a while.
Jaci Burton says:
February 16th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I did forget to mention that my husband does all those things on my list. I’m an extremely lucky woman and I know it!
And hey, I really love the ideas some of you came up with, from changing diapers to all the little things that are so important to us. There’s a lot of romantics out there. (but writing a love song? Christine, do such men exist?
)
Valenduckie: *Winner* Jaci Burton’s Contest : The Good, The Bad and The Unread says:
February 21st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
[...] ever sweet and enlightening Jaci Burton who gave such wonderful tips about the unexpected acts that speak of romance, has graced us with a great contest. And we have a Valenduckie winner [...]