Celebrate Romance Awareness Month with a Love Potion

August is Romance Awareness Month. I know – I expected February to hold that pretty hefty title. But alas, it doesn’t, August does. Romance is a very important part of a relationship. Couples without romance in their lives tend to drift apart (I say with no real factual back up, but that’s what happens in the movies!) A study conducted by dating site Zoosk.com in 2012 revealed that, of the 2,300 Americans who participated, 78% consider romance very important in a relationship. In a follow up survey conducted in 2013, Zoosk.com discovered that (contrary to what you may think) more men (80%) than women (73%) are dissatisfied in the romance department.

Romance is Difficult

Really, romance should be a part of your relationships all year long. There shouldn’t HAVE to be a special day in February to tell your significant other how much you love them, nor should there be a whole month dedicated to raising awareness on this very important state. But the fact is, these holidays are important because it is difficult to maintain that romantic connection 24/7. You get comfortable with someone (which is good) and the default setting is comfy companionship, rather than sultry scintillation or romantic romps (which is bad). Those Zoosk.com surveys revealed something else though: 41% of all those surveyed who were in a steady relationship felt that a simple hug and kiss is full of romance. For singles, 44% said a candlelit dinner is their ideal romantic experience. Whether it’s taking your special someone in your arms and holding them tight or treating them to a night of food and candlelit, adding more romance to your relationship is a win-win for both of you.

The Little Things

While, unfortunately, doing chores around the house isn’t exactly romantic (you’d have to do them anyway, right?) it’s the other little things that really count. Here are some ideas to show your wife or husband, girlfriend or boyfriend, how much you care:

• Make them dinner of all their favorite foods
• Treat them to a quiet night of rom-coms and cuddling on the couch
• Draw them a hot bath complete with rose petals and scented candles (then join them in the hot soak)
• Try something new (studies show that couples who try new activities together have closer relationships)
• Check in with him/her randomly during the day, just to see how they’re doing (this is especially nice if you know that he/she has a stressful meeting, appointment or project planned)
• Go for a walk and hold hands – you don’t need to talk if you don’t want to!

Try a Love Potion

This isn’t the “take over the mind and blind them to the truth” sort of love potion – I’m pretty sure those are illegal. What I mean by love potion is a special blend of essential oils and aromas that will get them in the mood. Now, we all know that certain foods are aphrodisiacs, but did you know that certain essential oils are as well? Now you do. Essential oils that are known for being aphrodisiacs or at least helping out in that department are:

• Jasmine
• Neroli
• Rose
• Ylang Ylang
• Sandalwood
• Black Pepper
• Cedarwood
• Clary Sage
• Clove
• Patchouli
• Pine
• Vetiver

Try out these special blends (and check out the source articles for more ideas): Romantic Massage Found on birchhillhappenings.com Ingredients 1 ounce Almond Oil 2 drops Cedarwood 2 drops Clary Sage 1 drop Orange 5 drops Vanilla 10% Directions Mix ingredients together in the appropriate ratios (so if you have 3 ounces of Almond Oil, multiply the number of drops you add by 3). Pour mixture into your hands and massage your partner. Earthy Pleasures Bath Found on motherearthliving.com Ingredients 6 drops sandalwood 2 drops patchouli or vetiver ½ cup Epsom salts 1 cup baking soda Directions Combine essential oils with Epsom salts and baking soda and add to a tubful of warm water. Thoroughly mix the bath salts into the water with your hand. Sweethearts Blend Found on American College of Healthcare Sciences Blog. Ingredients 5 drops Neroli 3 drops Rose 2 drops Jasmine Directions Blend all the oils and add mixture to the water in your diffuser tank. Diffuse for a romantic, floral atmosphere. Have any special romantic gestures or moments that have been incredibly successful? Share them in the comments!