I was a drama queen! My thoughts on romance and a comment about Her McRaidy Chieftain

Romance writers write about one common thing regardless of their subgenre...romance. But what is romance really? Are couples that have been together for years and years still romantic? Absolutely! It's just different. The thrill of new love is exciting. All the fun things such as anticipation, unexpected compliments, special touches are addictive but is that what describes romance in long term relationships? Maybe a little but more so it is the unspoken compliments that are replaced with "that look". You know the one I mean. When your man throws a little wink at you, cups your butt with a squeeze...just the way you like it or flashes an intimate smile with a little nod.
Now let me regale you with my drama queen moment that relates to this very topic...It's the Saturday before Valentines day, I'm tired and feeling defeated that I gained a few pounds over winter and it was still too cold to do much outside. Envision I'm plopped in the middle of the couch focused on playing battleship on the Xbox whining about us eating too much red meat, I want to become a vegetarian and if I had a bicycle all my problems would be solved.
My man teases me a little, kept giving me a kiss or squeeze and patiently tolerated my snippy comments, crappy attitude and general bad behavior. Then he grabs the keys and mentions he's going for a haircut.
Now keep in mind he goes every week to the same barber and gets a haircut. He is picky about his hair and always has been. One of my favorite things about him. A haircut should not have come as any surprise to me but at that moment the fact that he was spending 20 bucks on a haircut and I was moody without a bicycle sent me over the top and into self pity. (I really should have slept in that morning, it had been a long week with a ton of overtime) I got teary eyed, left him in the living room and sniffled my way to the bathroom to sulk.
Finished with my pout about a minute later I decide I really needed a nap and slinked out of the bathroom and then I see the front door wide open and no one in sight. I stomped to the door and shoved it shut. Stomped to the couch and plopped myself down again all the while loudly giving my opinion of my mans manners since he left the door open.
Not a minute later, Woosh the door opens and in a loud racket my gorgeous loving man sets my brand new bicycle down and smiles and announces "Happy Valentines Day Baby!"
I sobbed and hugged him while I apologized for being such a bitch. He explained he knew I wanted a bike and bought it the night before. He hid it at the neighbors to wait for Valentines day but decided I needed it today. I adore him for that and I took a ride then a nap and was much more pleasant for the rest of the weekend.
The moral to my little recitation is this...even though it isn't brand new love, romance comes in all sorts of ways. To some a bicycle for Valentines day may not be the perfect romantic gift but my man knew it was for me. That is what romance is all about, knowing what makes your partner tingle. The important thing for we ladies is to remember it goes both ways. I think our partners like a little attention too.

Update on my writing block...some days go better than others but I have several books that are at the closing stage. I am still waiting to see if my submission is accepted by the publisher but these things take time.
This week I received a lovely comment on my book Her McRaidy Chieftain from Eternal Press that I want to share
"Just wanted to let you know I read your book. I love it! I'm not a romance fan and it was great! You are truly talented!:)"
It meant so much to read that. I keep these types of comments close so when I feel a little unsure, I can be reminded somebody really did like what I wrote
My every day career is getting better every day so I think my writing pace will continue to pick up! Thank goodness the upheaval of the last year is behind me:) Have a happy day!!
Lots of Love Em