The "wow" factor...

Should we blame it on Hollywood?  Should we ban romance novels?  Why does romance seem like such a fairy tale lately?  

 Is there such thing as the "wow" factor anymore?


It seems as though our concept of what is romantic has been tainted and skewed.  Media paints a picture of grandiose gestures that are simply unattainable yet many men (and women) feel pressured to live up to these expectations.  Thanks to shows like The Bachelor, first dates must include renting out the nearest pro stadium, catering a gourmet meal and launching fireworks while dressed in designer clothing and decorated with priceless jewels.  However, is this what women and men really want?  Don't we know that reality TV isn't really reality?


I'll let you in on a little hint...Most women don't want or need these over-the-top gestures to feel romanced.  Most of the time it really is the 'little' things that make the difference and most of the time they don't have to cost you a dime!


Think about it, guys, how good does it feel when your boss comes in, slaps you on the back and says, "You rocked that presentation?"  How manly do you feel when you help a damsel in distress jump her car on a cold winter evening?  How sexy do you feel when you see girls' turn and smile as you walk through the bar?  You're wowed, aren't you?  Yet, not a penny was spent.  Imagine doing that for a woman.  Imagine that it's that easy, because it is!

Making a woman feel secure, desired, and attractive are some key elements to having a happy love life.  While there are many other complicated factors to actually maintain the secure, desired and attractive feeling, we definitely appreciate your attempts and it makes a significant impact on us.  Imagine doing this for a woman without the ball park and jewelry.

I've been told I'm not like other women...whether that's good or bad, well...

Anyway, I'm not a materialistic gal.  I still have my childhood dresser in my bedroom (in desperate need of a face lift but I like to call it 'shabby chic')!  So, I'm not wowed by a man who picks the fanciest restaurants or plans extravagant dates trying to impress me with his money.  Money can't buy happiness and it certainly isn't placing a cool cloth on my forehead when I'm sick.  

I'm also not wowed by your prowess.  You work out?  Great.  So do I.  You can make 99% of the free throws you shoot?  Whoo...Practice makes perfect.  What I really want to know is, can you write me a poem?  Can you express yourself to me without using words like 'yo', 'dude', and 'homegirl'?  That's what matters.  It's your brain, your heart and your morals that are going to have me swooning.

The reason I say all of this is because I want you all to understand that most women just want a man to CARE for us.  This is easily done at little to no cost.  See my examples below.
Free ideas:
- write a little love note or poem for her.  Send it via email, leave it on her nightstand or car door (the internet makes this even easier than ever before - Sweet notes and texts for your girlfriend
- open doors for her...even if she's used to doing it on her own and does it more out of habit than fierce independence.  
- TALK to her.  Tell her she looks beautiful, tell her her smile lights up the room...Compliments go further than any amount of cash.
- send her 'hello' messages throughout the day.  These will do wonders for even the most insecure gal!
-   reach for and hold her hand when out in public
- lead the way when weaving through crowded places 
- rub her feet while she's cuddled on the couch with you 

Low cost ideas:
- buy her chocolate, dark chocolate.  Unless she's allergic...if so, move on.  However, this is a guaranteed smile producer.
-  buy something that shows you've paid attention to the little details (if she likes dragonflies, find little trinkets with dragonflies)
- cook a meal from her favorite cuisine (or just any meal, really)
- figure out what toiletries she uses, buy travel versions and let her keep them at your place (or, offer to let her keep them)

There are so many more things you can do to wow a lady that don't involve breaking the bank or reinacting scenes from the latest RomCom.

However, what it really comes down to is this, when you let us see how much you like us, when you tell us how amazing you think we are, we will open our hearts and return the favor to you 10 fold.  Take it from a girl who is experiencing all of this and more, and considers herself the luckiest gal in the world!