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?

Love-Sharing Scheme

You're invited to participate in the most ambitious Love-Sharing Scheme in Blogosphere: To post one million love messages in a single blog here:

Share love with the world with a message from your heart to your loved ones now! Love begets love - so let us make this world a more loving place for everyone:)

What is Love?

What is Love? Its definition may vary according to one's perspective, eg. that of a lover, parent, sibling, friend. But there's one version which I feel is most universal, complete and grandiose - the one found in the Bible:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
[1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version)]

For a most enlightening yet down-to-earth elaboration of the above definition, check out the book "The Practice of the Love of Jesus Christ" by St Alphonsus Liguori. I've read it many times and every time, it has never failed to touch and inspire me!