Last week I wrote about the great ideas that I received after asking subscribers to Marriage Memo to tell me about creative romantic getaways they have planned with their spouses. In the process we also received some e-mails sharing other special romantic ideas—everything from “mystery dates” to “month-a-versaries.”

Three readers—Mandy Ebel, Lynn Buchmiller, and Michele Silberfine—told how much they enjoy the regular surprise dates they plan with their husbands. As Mandy wrote, “They are not necessarily overnight trips—but sometimes include simple dates to the park, golf, or a special restaurant. Recently, I took my husband to Nashville to see his favorite hockey team. The mystery dates make even the most ordinary date seem extra special!”

Joy Rose wrote to tell about the time she and her husband, Steve, felt the need for counseling. After a few months of seeing a counselor every other week, she told Steve, “You know, I really just like being with you. We could take this money and go to a nice restaurant.” That began their tradition of “date night,” which they have kept up for over 13 years. She wrote that “mostly we have just enjoyed each other … even in the rough times, keeping that commitment has reminded us that we are committed to one another.”

Angel Newton said she plans a “Celebrate My Husband Week” every few months for her spouse. She says he never knows when one of these celebrations will start. “I buy cards for each day and write him love letters, create poems, or simply affirm him and encourage him to be the best man he can be. I also buy his favorite foods/snacks and prepare things the way he likes them. I have taken days off of work during this week and we spend time alone while our daughters are in school. I have rented some of his favorite movies and we watch a marathon with popcorn and treats. I try to make his week all about the things he enjoys.”

Cathy Carson described the fun she and her husband have looking for a new house. Cachet Johnson once turned her living room into a beach. Juli Thomspon said that she and her husband have always celebrated their “Month-a-versary”—for over 450 months! “We strive to be the first one to say ‘Happy Month-a-versary!’” she wrote. “This has been a fun and tender way to say, ‘I am so very happy for the decision made many years ago to be with you forever!’”

One thing that is evident from reading these e-mails is that it pays big dividends when you invest time and creativity in your marriage relationship. Michele Silberfine wrote, “We have both come to love the planning part more than anything … This has really helped to keep the spark alive. During your week or two of planning you're totally focused on your spouse and what would be a nice day or night for them.”

You can read all the responses with creative romantic ideas, and I want to invite you again to send me more ideas. It’s evident to me that the best ideas I can share in this column are the ones you send me. So write me at your feedback@familylife.com and let me know about creative things you’ve done to keep your relationship and your romance strong with your spouse.

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