Ten Romantic Dates - For Singles Too!

One of the things I used to hate about being single was the lack of romantic dates. I love to do romantic things, but, let's face it, it can be downright depressing to go somewhere romantic by yourself! And sometimes Laptop Guy just doesn't fit the bill!

I used to read articles like Ten Most Romantic Dates and think... when, when, when will I get to do those things again?

One of the things I learned in my year of looking for love is that you can have a lot of romance in your life even when you're single. Your single friends are often yearning for romance, too! Although it might be a little tricky to do romantic things with your opposite sex platonic friend, if you talk about it ahead of time, it can be really fun. Kind of a little role play game. When I'm in this mode I even like to pretend I'm married and say stuff like, "Honey, let's go see that great new chick flick!" Then later on we can still pretend we're married and be uninterested in sex.

You hear a lot about "Friends with Benefits" -- sexual relationships with no commitment. Why not instead have the "benefit" be the romantic stuff... enjoying a sunset or sharing a bottle of wine or snuggling while watching a DVD together? If it's too awkward to do this with a platonic friend, then skip the snuggling if you want. Act like buddies or siblings or whatever feels comfortable, but don't skip the opportunity to share beautiful experiences. If not with an opposite sex friend, how about a same sex friend or family member? Hikes filled with wildflowers, jumping in the ocean, snowshoeing through a snowstorm -- you can do these romantic things in groups, with kids, or with anyone you love!

If you've been longing to go romantic places and do romantic things, but have been waiting until you're in a relationship -- Stop waiting!

Here's a list of 10 romantic things a single person can do:

- Lose yourself in a book in front of the fire
- Take a hike in the mountains
- Jump in the waves of the ocean
- Lay outside on a sunny day and enjoy the sunshine
- Savor the taste of an ice cream cone on a hot day
- Go on a trip to somewhere new and meet new people; When you get home, add them to your Facebook friends and send them pictures you took with them
- Go through old photos and create a beautiful photo album
- Surprise someone you love with a gift for no reason
- Take a luxurious bubble bath with candles and music
- Snuggle in a goose down comforter

There are thousands more, of course. Do something romantic every day! Do these things with friends, family or on your own. Take pictures and post them online! (Well... maybe not of the bubblebath.) One of the things I love about blogging is it gives us a chance to share our happiness with the world.

I guess Laptop Guy isn't such a bad romantic partner after all.

Single or in a relationship, what kind of romantic dates are your favorite?