Everyday Romance

Romance doesn't have to mean sweeping declarations of love and expensive gifts... it can be an unexpected and loving gesture, or a delightful little gift that brings back wonderful memories.

Every month we'll choose one story from our visitors to share with our romance community. Do you have a story of your own to share? Please write to us!

 
MIRACLE BY CHANCE - © Jeannette Gardner (December, 2007)

This is a “true story” about how I met my boyfriend on a dating site on the Internet.

15 Years Ago: I used to hang out at a country bar called the “Club Palomino”. I used to drag my friend out to see my favourite band playing called “Cheyenne”, who were amazing and always packed the place. I was interested in the rhythm guitar player in the band, to me, he was the best looking one, and I loved his voice along with his rhythm guitar sound. Yes, I had the “hots” for him and would goggle eye him playing his guitar/singing while I was on the dance floor, or just standing at the bar listening and staring.

After seeing them playing there for a long time, the “Club Palomino” closed down. When I first found out about the club closing down, I wanted to approach “Cheyenne”, particularly the rhythm guitar player and ask where they would be playing in the future. But I didn’t have enough courage to do that. I guess things happen for a reason.

15 Years Later: As time went on I met someone and got married. Eventually we got a divorce. I started going out to bars again, got tired of it and not meeting anyone decent. A friend told me to join a dating site on the Internet, which I thought I would never do. But, I thought I would check it out for fun as I heard so much about it through people even meeting their soul mates from that site.

Surprisingly, I had a few dates, meeting in public places, but just didn’t find the right one and thought I never would from a dating site. I sort of gave up on it until one night. After getting home from a bar, which I hated, I went on my computer. I logged in that site again and found an interesting email from a guy and liked his picture. We started emailing each other and eventually got on MSN. We discovered that we had so much in common. We chatted every night as often as we could.

And then, a miracle happened! We started chatting about music. Wow… we also liked all the same music and we both wrote songs. I told him I liked country music and used to frequent a particular bar about 15 years ago, which had closed down. Of course he asked me the name of the bar back then. I told him the “Club Palomino”. He was really surprised and told me he used to play there. I wasn’t sure whether to believe him or not! He said he would send me a picture of his band that played there. I thought, “yeah right” to myself as I waited patiently in front of my computer for the picture.

Low and behold, a huge picture came up on my screen, “CHEYENNE” “CLUB PALOMINO”. I couldn’t believe it! It was him in the picture with “Cheyenne”. The guy I was interested in who was the rhythm guitar player in my favourite band. I was so shocked that I went crazy seeing this picture! He gave me his phone number and after a few weeks we decided to meet.

He took me to the local Canadian Legion where we talked, had a drink together and got more acquainted. After a while, he asked me if I didn’t mind if he got up on stage to do a solo. He got up on stage and started playing his guitar and singing. That did it for me. I was hooked! And the guy I admired 15 years ago was performing in front of my eyes, and was my date! I was in heaven!

We dated for about 2 years and it was absolutely wonderful. Eventually we bought a condo and have been living together for 2 ½ years now. In March of 2008, it will be 5 years being together, playing music, and still laughing! We are just two peas in a pod!

It’s funny how life is ­ it just wasn’t meant to be back then. Fate brought us together. We met our “soul mates”, thanks to that dating site!

- Jeannette and Rick

 
February 2008:
Sandra S. from North Carolina writes:

"When we were young, my husband and I used to go to great lengths to create an elaborate Valentine's Day celebration. I remember rushing around, struggling to get last minute details taken care of, and usually panicked, stressed out, and exhausted by the time Valentine's Day arrived! We had some great times but then it occurred to us:

-- Why be loving and nice for just one day a year?

We always heard the hoopla from detractors of Valentine's Day (we thought they were just scrooges), but it turns out they're right. Now my husband and I have TWO "Valentine's Day" celebrations every WEEK! It's not nearly so elaborate of course. I am retired so some day mid-week I make or buy something special for my husband. He does the same for me sometime on the weekend. It's often something small but meaningful to the other person (he picked me a bouquet of bright spring daffodils one time, I made him a pair of "World's Proudest Grandpa" socks another time).

It is so much more fun now and so much less stressful. We have had some very interesting nights! I think these little gestures have helped us to remain loving to each other all these years."

 
January 2008:
Julianne S. from Calgary, Alberta writes:

"We just had the most romantic holidays ever! Usually I am so stressed out and busy trying to get all the food and decorating done in time for everyone to arrive. I have been doing this for over 20 years and it never gets easier!

This year, a few days before Christmas my husband picked me up after a day of shopping. After driving for a while I realized we weren't heading home. My husband had already packed a suitcase for me and whisked me away for 3 nights in the mountains! He had it planned for months. It was perfect, peaceful, we had INCREDIBLE food at all the local mountain restaurants, and a room with the best views.

While we were there my hubby mentioned that he had 'put his foot down' and told everyone we were going potluck for this Christmas. It was wonderful. I was so relaxed when we got home, and our kids surprised us by decorating our house! Picture-perfect. We all had a wonderful stress -free Christmas since no one was stuck with all the work! I couldn't have asked for more."

 
December, 2007:
Torry S. from Vancouver, British Columbia writes:

"My family means everything to me. My family also includes my lovely 14-year-old dog, Jocko, who has been a great friend to me. When I met the man who is now my husband, I introduced him to my dog and they immediately became fast friends.

My husband and I got married one year ago. When we were making preparations for the wedding I insisted that we find a pet-friendly venue for the wedding since Jocko has been there for most of the major events in my life and he should be part of this one too!

I was busy trying to look perfect for the wedding and my husband offered to look after Jocko since, as he put it, it would only take him 5 minutes to get dressed.

During the ceremony, I was surprised and delighted to see Jocko trot out in his very own doggy tux and take his place next to my husband. Then it came time for the exchange of rings. My husband quietly said something to Jocko, who turned and retrieved a small pillow with the ring and held it up for my husband so that he could put the ring on my finger. I cried and cried! My husband put so much effort into showing Jocko what to do and of course, Jocko (who is a dog genius) had no trouble at all. It was perfect. ALL of my friends and family, including my long-time dog friend, were a part of our wedding. It was the most romantic thing."

 
November, 2007:
Manfred S. from Vancouver, BC writes:

"After twenty-five years of raising children, one day my wife and I finally became empty-nesters. We hardly knew what to say to each other because the previous two and a half decades were so children-focused. We remembered how much fun we had together as a couple before we had kids (although the kids were fun too, just not in a husband- wife way). We jointly decided we had to do something to spark our marriage.

We designated Saturday nights as 'our' night: no friends, no family, nobody but us. My wife has a passion for cooking and is great at it, so the deal is that she prepares us a delicious meal (the whole nine yards, with appetizers, main course, salad, dessert), and I'm responsible for the setting: I create the ambiance and pick up flowers or candles or whatever else I need, as well as a movie we can watch after dinner (the understanding is that I'll probably stop in at Canadian Tire or Home Depot to look around, but I'm always back on time!).

We have a lot of fun working together to create our romantic evening plus it's always interesting to see what the other person will come up with!"

 
October, 2007:
Jacquie B. from Quebec City, Quebec wrote:

"The most romantic trip my boyfriend and I ever took was a canoe trip! We both love nature but due to our busy jobs we don't get out as much as we like. We planned the perfect canoe route through Algonquin Park in Ontario and had the best time.

Before we started we had a great picnic lunch of fresh French bread, cheese, wine, and fresh fruit, and sat by the lake, looking at the beautiful fall colours. We had to enjoy the food before the trip because once we were in the backcountry everything we ate was freeze-dried!

It was so perfect. Canoeing is quiet and romantic for us anyways but this time we would pull into our campsite and watch the sunsets in the perfect quiet of nature. Then at night it would often rain, and we snuggled together, just the two of us in our little tent, listening to the sounds. It was perfect, I wouldn't have changed a thing and we hope to go again some day soon."

 
September, 2007:
Joan S. from Winnipeg, Manitoba writes:

"Hi, I wanted to share a romantic story with your readers. Like some of the other stories I read I also have one of those 'strong silent types' for a husband. He also doesn't do 'romance' very well although I know he loves me.

One day I came home to find that my husband had made ME dinner! This probably doesn't sound like a big deal but it really was. My husband does many things around the house but cooking is definitely not one of them. He is a terrible cook. The pasta was overcooked (or stuck together in clumps), the meat nearly inedible (it was so tough), the garlic toast was burnt and the salad was drenched (soggy!) in dressing.

Doesn't sound very romantic? It really was. The BEST thing was how bashful he looked. He was embarassed and proud and shy all at the same time. We had a great time. We couldn't stop laughing. We mushed up the pasta (the parts that weren't a hardened lump) and pretended it was baby food. We tried to saw through the meat and had such trouble it squirted off the plate and onto the floor (where the dog had a feast). It was so fun. Even if it wasn't edible! We went out to McDonald's afterwards."

 
August, 2007:
Peter H. from Toronto, Ontario writes:

"My wife has been bugging me to take ballroom dancing lessons (for much longer than those reality dance shows have been airing!). I don't like to dance and I have no rhythm. I was afraid I was going to embarass myself (and her) so I refused. Finally my wife talked me into it. Actually, what she said was, 'The only thing I want for our 20th anniversary is to take ballroom dancing lessons together.' This time I couldn't say no.

It's hard to admit that I actually had fun. All of the other couples were nervous like I was, and many, many people were klutzes just like I was (and am). There were a few embarassing moments (for everyone) but also lots of laughs.

After 20 years of marriage, ballroom dancing lessons was a great bonding experience. I think it's because we have to work together as a team (you'd be surprised at how intimate some of that stuff is). It turns out my wife has dancing talent! It also turns out that she's damned sexy, I had no idea she could move like that. Lots of fun."

July, 2007:
Linda W. from Vancouver, BC writes:

"My husband is one of those guys who thinks that physical torture is fun. He's been doing triathlons ever since I met him and a couple of years ago he convinced me to train for one. I reluctantly agreed.

When we left the house on the day of the race he was dressed in his normal race wear. I didn't think much of it since I thought he was doing it to be supportive. Then I found out he really WAS being supportive! He had also signed up for the race without my knowing, and he stayed by my side for the whole race, encouraging me and making jokes to take my mind off the fact that I hate triathlons! This is the best part: as we approached the finish line, he took my hand and we both stepped on the finish line at the same time! It was a lot of fun and very romantic."

June, 2007:
Linda H. from Toronto, Ontario writes:

"My husband is kind of gruff and pretty quiet but he does many little things (usually silently LOL) to show that he loves me.

After we had our last child, I was exhausted. We both get up at the same time. My husband usually leaves very early for work and I care for our children while he's at work. I was on the verge of tears one morning because I was so tired, I was literally on my last reserves of strength (physical and mental). I tried not to show it because I know my husband works really hard too, so I kissed my husband like I always do and went to go take my shower.

When I got out of the shower I saw he had written me a message on the steamed-up mirror. It said, 'You're a great mom. I've taken the day off work. Now it's your turn.'

I feel a little silly writing about something so small but it really did touch my heart."

May, 2007:
Joanna E. from Edmonton, Alberta writes:

"I have a small romantic story to share although it's not as elaborate as some of the stories I've read here. My husband and I were both so busy with work for many many months that we hadn't done anything together in forever. I always came home so crabby! I didn't mean to be, it was just that I was tired (and so was he) and all we ever did was come home and watch TV after I had made us dinner.

One Friday night I came home and the house was all candlelit. My husband had ordered from my favourite restaurant (he is hopeless in the kitchen but I love him anyways). He also went to the grocery store and bought fresh sweet strawberries and a chocolate fountain! It was laid out so beautifully and everything so delicious that my bad mood evaporated. I know my husband appreciates me, but it was nice to see him show it. It was so nice to be pampered."

April, 2007:
Craig D. from Calgary, Alberta writes:

"My wife had lost a friend in a car accident a few months back and had been depressed ever since. I didn't know what to do to cheer her up. I'm not much of a romantic guy but I'm lucky to have a friend who is. My friend suggested something easy that even a clueless guy like me could pull off: I took small pieces of paper and wrote stuff on them like, 'Massage', 'Dinner @ La Caille', 'Breakfast in bed', and other stuff my wife likes. Then I put each piece of paper into a balloon, and filled the balloons with helium.

I left work early that day and put the balloons together into a colourful bouquet and surprised my wife when she came in the door from work. She loved it. Every day she would pop a balloon to get the surprise inside. I forgot that helium doesn't last forever and some of the balloons started looking sort of shrunken after a couple of days but we had a good laugh about it (and she had fun trying to pop the 'shrunken heads', as she called them)."

March, 2007:
Sylvia W. from Vancouver, BC writes:

"My husband and I are both in our mid 30s. Last year we were trying to think of something special to do for our upcoming anniversary (we wanted to do more than our usual dinner at a nice restaurant) and my husband's colleague, who is nearing retirement age, suggested that we go on a cruise. At first we scoffed at the idea. My parents have gone on a cruise before and they said everyone was around their age or older. We didn't really want to spend our anniversary in an environment where there was probably a lot less excitement than we're used to! We put aside the information without a second thought.

Nearly one month later we still hadn't figured out anything to do (we both got so busy with work that we didn't have time to investigate other options). Out of desperation that we NOT spend another anniversary doing the same thing, we decided that we might as well go ahead and book the cruise.

We were expecting the other passengers to be much older than we were, and we weren't surprised. They were all 50 or older. We tried hard to be positive but in truth, we were feeling quite unenthused about the whole thing. ... that is, until later that first night: we found ourselves alone, on deck, with a brilliant canopy of stars above us. What could be more romantic! It turned out that the other passengers had already gone to their rooms for the night! It was completely deserted except for the occasional crew member.

Every night of the cruise everyone except us retired to their rooms by 10:00pm but usually earlier. We spent every night all alone on the deck of the ship, gazing at the stars, with total privacy! The dining room was very accommodating and put together some delicious late-night snacks for us to enjoy all by our lonesome. It was so romantic and so perfect, definitely the most romantic anniversary we've had."

February, 2007:
Susan B. from Vancouver, BC writes:

"I love my husband dearly and three years ago we were celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary and wanted to go somewhere special. We chose a small private cabin on Galiano Island. My husband is more of the 'nature' type and I am more of the 'pampering and spa' type but because I chose our vacation the previous year, he chose this one.

When we arrived no one greeted us, the key was just left inside the cabin. The cabin was very clean but very basic. There were no amenities to speak of, not like a hotel. To tell the truth I was a bit put off at first! But it turned out to be the most romantic vacation we've ever had because of two things: 1) the most incredible sunsets anyone would be lucky to see! (I have a weakness for sunsets) and 2) my thoughtful and adoring husband.

My husband had called ahead to a local cafe and had them prepare a breakfast and lunch basket for each of the three days we were there. Oh, they were so good, with lots of fresh bread and cheese and wine and fruit, and there were homemade brownies to die for. Every morning we would wake up and have breakfast on the outdoor patio in the fresh ocean air. Every lunch we would take a walk along an oceanside path and stop somewhere to have lunch. For dinner, we would take a trip around the island and stop anywhere we felt like. Our bedroom looked out over the ocean and snuggling in bed watching the sunsets was perfect.

I was so surprised to really & truly enjoy myself. I've always stayed in hotels before and didn't know if I would like to stay in the middle of nowhere! It was so romantic, I would do it again anytime."

January, 2007:
Craig T. from Montreal, Quebec writes:

"My wife of 23 years has always wanted to visit the maritimes. She especially loves Anne of Green Gables and has desperately wanted to visit PEI but we were never able to get away since we were raising a son. Last year our son moved away and I decided to surprise my wife.

First I called my wife's boss to make sure she could get the time off (and I swore her to secrecy). I booked a room at a bed & breakfast inn, one with a fireplace and a jacuzzi tub and great food. Then I put together an Anne of Green Gables 'package': I researched all the places, called to get brochures, got tickets to the musical, and put everything into a nice package (okay, my sister-in- law did that part but only because I'm not good at wrapping things).

She loved it! I gave it to her when she wasn't expecting it. We were sitting in front of the TV (watching something intellectual like Survivor or Top Model or something), not really talking. During the commercial I said, "I need you to take care of this" (which is what I say sometimes when I ask her to pay a bill) and she irritably said, "Later". I said, "It can't wait". She snapped, "What is it?" That's when I handed her the package. The look on her face was priceless. She was a mess, crying and hugging, and the trip turned out awesome.

The trip 'broke the ice' between us. We had spent the previous 22 years only talking about child-rearing and our son, and when we were first alone together it was awkward because neither of us knew what to talk about. This one gesture made our marriage more fun and relaxed overall and it's almost like it was when we first met, probably even better."

December, 2006:
Jennifer S. from Kamloops, BC writes:

"My husband has been trying to convince me for years to go to northern BC. I was born and raised in Toronto and I wasn't too interested in visiting the middle of nowhere! After a lot of hounding from my husband (and men say women nag!) I finally agreed to go with him on the condition that he take me for a romantic trip to a nice hotel in Banff later that year.

This is hard to say, my husband was right (gulp, does that mean I was wrong?)! Away from the glow of the city lights we could actually see STARS in the night sky. We had many romantic walks and picnics near beautiful rivers & lakes, saw lots of wildlife, and there was so much privacy. We even braved a horseback ride and I was surprised to find how much fun it was. It was the most time we've had together in YEARS and there was nothing to distract us... just us and nature! I don't remember laughing so much in a long time and it helped both of us remember why we're still together after all this time.

For all the people who are reluctant to try something new... TRY IT! And by the way, I got my trip to Banff too!"

November, 2006:
Jean C. from Manitoba writes:

""When I was in university I had a very good friend named Alex. Although we never dated, we spent all of our free time together. I was heartbroken when we couldn't find jobs in the same city after graduation. We parted, and as life often does, we went in different directions and lost touch.

I eventually met and married my wonderful husband. We spent 37 happy years together before he died after an illness. For 3 years afterwards I was depressed and it was all I could do to put one foot in front of the other. I was struggling but I knew something had to change. I forced myself to join a senior's centre to meet people, and gradually I started to get my life back.

One day a new man joined our social group. He was so handsome and full of life, and he looked naggingly familiar. As he approached me I racked my brain to figure out where I had met him before. Grocery store? Bank? I couldn't place him but I did not want to seem rude because I couldn't remember his name. I knew for sure we had met before.

When he reached me he held out his hand and with a twinkle in his eye, said, 'Hi Jean. I'm Alex. I think we've met before.' It was him! My university friend. He had spotted me when he came in and had thought it might be me, so he asked one of the other ladies my name and where I was from.

Since then we are again great friends and even more. I feel so fortunate to have a second chance at the age of 71!"

October, 2006:
Wendy W. from Toronto, Ontario writes:

"My husband and I have been married for over 25 years. A few years ago I was down in the dumps because I felt we weren't connecting as much anymore. We spent most of our adult lives raising our three beautiful children and when they left home, my husband and I didn't remember how to talk to each other. Thus we spent most of our time together silently watching TV or reading. I cried a lot because I was sad that we weren't enjoying each other's company and because I didn't know how to bring it up.

One day I found an envelope stuck in my door. When I opened it there was an incredibly romantic letter from a 'secret admirer' who lived in the neighbourhood. He wrote that he saw me around all the time and found me very attractive and would like to get to know me better. I was flattered and amazed, but I was still married and I love and respect my husband. So I tucked the letter away and tried not to think about it.

A few days later I got another letter and this time my secret admirer asked me to meet him at a nearby coffee shop the next day. I ignored it again. My husband and I were still having problems but I just couldn't bring myself to secretly meet with another man, even though it was very flattering.

Then a few days after that I got ANOTHER letter! This one said that my admirer would 'drop by to say hello' one day when he saw me outside. I actually stopped gardening for a while so that he wouldn't do it! Finally I couldn't stand to stay cooped up indoors any longer and I started gardening again. While I was outside one day my husband came home early. I was so flustered! When I asked him why he was home, he said that he's 'seen me around' for years and finds me attractive, and he wants to get to know me better. My HUSBAND was my secret admirer! It was so romantic, and it broke the ice between us and now we have a fun & exciting marriage again."

September, 2006:
Tina H. from Toronto, Ontario writes:

"My husband and I moved to Canada six years ago. I don't have a big romantic story to tell, but I think I have the best romantic gift! On our wedding anniversary we were officially sworn in as Canadian citizens, the best gift we could have imagined! We are incredibly proud to be Canadian, this is the most welcoming and beautiful country in the world.!"

Do you have a romantic tip or story to share? Please write to us!

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