Country-style Love

A dozen red roses, a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, a candle lit dinner… pffttt. Compared to romance country-style, these clichéd notions of romance and dating seem old and passé.

I am not sure why – but of all of the romantic gestures I have ever heard of, the very best appear to be thought up by country folk. Perhaps it is because they have so much time to think up wonderful ideas while they drive long distances and sit in tractors for 12 hour shifts or perhaps they are inspired by the beautiful countryside that surrounds them.

My friend Dusty once gave his girlfriend a ring. There was no simple jewellery box or handing over of the token. A gorgeous baby lamb delivered the ring tied to its neck on a beautiful ribbon.

My lovely friend Kirstie is married to Josh. Before every party he prepares a 44 gallon fire drum to keep the party guests warm. He adorns the drum with flowers, branches, cuttings of pictures and words to tell everyone how much he loves her. As we sit around the drum we read statements and stories about their life together and it’s obvious to all that Kirstie is the most special person in Josh’s life.

Josh is multitalented too. When Kirstie needed a hat to attend the races but could not buy one in town, Josh made her a hat. When I say ‘made’ I am not suggesting she wore his John Deere cap with a feather in it, but rather Josh created a work of art to make any milliner proud and to this day Kirstie still wears that hat to races.

My good friend Hugh loves to think up wonderful romantic ideas for his wife Mickey. He sets up treasure hunts for her so she can follow the clues to delicious chocolates and plans picnics in the moonlight down beside the lake. He has even been known to invite Mickey to a rodeo only to drive in the opposite direction on the night arriving at a beautiful restaurant with flowers and a prearranged booking.

Living in the country Australia has affected me romantically too. Many years ago I prepared a meal for my boyfriend. I cleaned up the old stables and I lined the walls with candles. With the tall snow gum trees standing guard outside, we sat on the picnic blanket on the timber floors drinking wine and dining on a delectable selection of cheeses and fruit.

Romance should never be about the money spent or the things given. It is about the thought and the effort made to make your special love know they are the centre of your Universe. It can be stopping beside the road to pick wild flowers on the way home, cooking their favourite meal when you know they have had a long day or crafting with your own hands, a special keepsake – that will perhaps become an heirloom – which will always remind them of how much you love them.

People in the country know about romance and they realise that the personal touch is always worth more than the florist’s. Therefore, don’t wait for Valentine’s Day – take a leaf out of country folk’s ways and show your loved one how much you love them in a thoughtful, original way.

This article was written by sought-after Australian public speaker Lara Wilde of Local Intelligence a site about emigrating to Australia that is filled with Australian country news, information and anecdotes.

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Develop A Romance Connection

Romance Bridge

Ever run into a brick wall, as they say, with your mate? Can’t seem to pass go without collecting 200 fresh wounds? Well, it is time to build a bridge and tear down that brick wall. Here are your tools:

ATTITUDE – Get an attitude adjustment initial. Lighten up and do a 180-degree about face. Read the Sunday comics, grab an old comic book, turn on the Comedy channel, watch funny videos or DVDs. Get in a much better mood and pass it along to your mate. Invite your mate to tune in to comedy with you, too.

FRIENDSHIP – Go back to getting friends for starters now that you’re inside a excellent mood. Forget the love stuff, if you would like. And just focus on becoming good friends; share compliments, do things for a single yet another, go out and have fun with each other, enjoy one another’s business.

RELAX – Let your hair down. Trust and relax. Be yourself. Do not let old wounds open or fester. Forget the garbage memories and just be from the present in concert.

TIME OUT – If feasible, spend additional time together for awhile, like during your original courting days. Hire a sitter, order out, eat at fast food places, grab ice cream cones and go for walks in the park. Become familiar with each other once again. That’s the key. Then you will remember why you fell for each other at first and history will hopefully repeat itself.

COMMUNICATION – Take it slow and easy. Keep away from subjects that you do not agree upon. And slowly re-learn to communicate with one another once again. If essential, and it’s not a crime or shame get aid. Seek a trusted friend or adviser, a church clergy member or certified professional counselor. You should not go it alone. Find your weak areas and how to above come them and plan for future communication difficulties.

Objectives – Gradually develop targets collectively so you’ll have a direction to head. Write them down inside a notebook just for the two of you. And above time, develop them, revise them, cross them off your list. The idea is to have targets together and work towards a common goal.

SCRAP BOOK – Produce a memory album together. Add photos, clippings, menus and anything that reminds you of the good times. Then when tough times comes, you will have something to hold on to your bridge to romance.

So don’t just sit back and sulk. Take short steps to enhance your relationships and let life’s difficulties magically pass by while you hold on to your relationship.