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[personal profile] slyprentice
I've always firmly believed that I am, at heart and by nature, a romantic person. Not show-ily romantic or obviously romantic but I do enjoy romance and all that it entails. Having said that, today on a radio show they were talking about romance and what your romantic ideal is (which lead to many a discussion) and I can only come to one conclusion:

I am not, nor shall I ever be, a traditionally romantic person. At least by feminine standards, which is the only standard which I can judge myself because I am, in fact, a female. Male standards differ greatly...or so I'm lead to believe.

In any case, most of the romantic ideals shared involved, invariable, the following:

1. Silk. Be it silk sheets, silk nightgowns (negligees?), etc.
2. Satin. Much like the silk.
3. Flowers. Invariably red roses. Petals scattered on the bed,etc.
4. Champagne. Usually chilling.

Now, to a normal person, I suppose that must sound heavenly. (That's what all those in the discussion said - "oh, how romantic!") but, really, that sounds like a steaming load of Mills and Boon to me. I'll break it down again, with my own commentary.

1. Silk Sheets/Negligees. While lovely textured, I don't find silk synonymous with romance. Plus, I don't like the idea of slipping and sliding. Personally, give me a lovely set of soft cotton sheets (white, as per my own preference) and I'm happy as a clam. In fact, soft cotton sheets is rather romantic, in my mind, since I attach the experience with comfort and safety.

2. Satin. Lovely textured but not decidedly romantic, honestly; though I admit I find this one kinky, in the right atmosphere, and therefore fun to play with.

3. Flowers. I find the idea of giving flowers, in and of itself, romantic in nature (if given between significant others or those who are dating - don't you wish words like 'courting' were still around?) but I don't find scattered petals on my pillow particularly romantic and mourn the loss of what might have been a lovely flower. Don't get me wrong, if someone were to do that for me, I wouldn't throw up a fuss and I'd think it was sweet but...just give me the flowers. It's romantic, sweet, and simple and doesn't necessitate the massacre of flower buds.

4. Champagne. I'm not a big drinker, by default, and tend to find most alcoholic beverages...gross...for lack of a better term. I'm one of those people who like the flower drinks. You know the ones, that don't actually taste of alcohol and tend to be sweet? Or a nice wine that isn't bitter. So, yeah, I'm more of a Coke-Cola bottle chilling than a champagne person. Or, oh oh, you know what would be good? Cream soda chilling. Same color as champagne, fizzy and sweet. Lovely combo, that.


But, as you see, apparently I'm not traditionally romantic (and therefore somehow less than those who are traditionally romantic...or so I was told). Personally, I find my own quirkiness refreshing. (Is that really egotistical to say?)

I don't know. I like going off the beaten path as far as romance goes. I mean, expensive restaurants and jewelry are nice but doing them as a standard for what is romantic seems fairly...superficial? limited?...to me.

Of course, all that being said, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that in this day and age, romance went the way of chivalry and is fairly dead. Or at least is considered "old school" and so is not "trendy" enough for most of todays generation.

Makes me wonder if I was born out of my time but then I fear any time that doesn't have indoor plumbing and everyone doesn't bathe at least once a week (more I hope!). Oh god, could you imagine being a woman back in the dark ages? *shudder*

You know what, I'm quite happy to be where I'm at. I'll just have to hope another 'old soul' finds me and romances my quirky little pants off.

(no subject)

27/1/09 12:23 (UTC)
Posted by [identity profile] khaleesian.livejournal.com
you know, I think the idea of 'conventional' romance is manufactured by people who want to sell things to lazy people who can't be bothered to actually think and consider the person that they are romancing. I think everyone's ideas of romance should be highly personal and individual and part of the exquisite torture and pleasure of finding out all those little quirks and weaknesses is what makes romance and seduction one of the great games of life.

For example, old boyfriends used to wax lyrical about my eyes, it was my husband who first mentioned my nose and its adorableness. Old boyfriends: candy, flowers, jewelry. Husband: books I wanted, aftermarket parts for my car, the exact shade of lipstick I loved (right before I ran out). Romance is all about the quirks. One size fits all romance? Meh, Hallmark can keep it.

(no subject)

27/1/09 21:29 (UTC)
Posted by [identity profile] slyprentice.livejournal.com
I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who feels that romance and what is considered romantic is unique to each person. The group I was discussing it with (largely female populated; the males stay suspiciously quiet) all seemed to think the silk sheet variety of romance was the creme de la creme of passion. I don't begrudge them their ideas but I felt like an oddity.