Key Romantic Factors

I was at the final phase of Operation Romantic Birthday Surprise after accomplishing the virtually impossible objective of obtaining the McDonald's Shrek figurine (not even eBay had it!).

It was time to pull in a highly unlikely accomplice for the climactic ending: my then 20-month-old son Xavier. I wasn't even sure if he could cooperate but I had to try. I told him as simply as possible the complex plan of surprising my wife Lynn with the figurine in her cupboard - he nodded - and I trusted him.

After Lynn finished cooking, I gave Xavier the cryptic cue and he proceeded to lure her to her cupboard, pointed to it and repeatedly exclaimed "Tek" (he meant "Shrek" but it was awesome considering that he was just a toddler). I remained in the living room, awaiting signs of my triumph. Then I heard a pleasant shriek... Mission accomplished!

Make no mistake: it wasn't easy for me to pull off such a romantic feat after more than 6 years of marriage and 7 years of dating!

My secret - capitalising on the key romantic factors:
1. Thoughtfulness: knowing what was desired most at the moment
2. Challenge: finding an objective that is beyond the reach of mortals
3. Surprise: deploying unlikely elements with immaculate timing

So you see, romance is real hard work - if it were easy, it wouldn't be romantic right, ladies?