What makes a person romantic? It's not flowers, silk sheets, or expensive proposals with the entire Disney cast in attendance.

The real romantic idea is one that comes from noticing and appreciating your partner. That means knowing that she hates roses and would rather have daffodils, or that his idea of a dream date is metal-detecting on the beach, not touring art galleries.

Lots of companies are in the business of peddling romance. They want you to believe that romance will come alive if you just buy this romantic getaway, that dinner, those candles, this CD. Those things can be nice, but only if they are given with a real understanding of your partner's tastes and desires.