What is romantic? Surprisingly dictionaries describe romantic in circular terms such as "a romantic person, trait, or component." What remains constant between sources is that the word romantic comes from Romanticism, the literary, artistic and philosophical movement in the 18th century. The Romantic period heralded the awakening of man's emotional nature through such noted poets as Byron, Keats, Shelley, Wordsworth and Hugo and the great Romantic composers: Beethoven, Schubert, Berloiz and Bizet. In today's vernacular, these heralded artists were perhaps in touch with their "feminine side."

I took this information and ventured off to an extremely popular mall in Atlanta. I sat down with a cup of cappucino and scanned the shoppers for "romantic" couples. What I found was that romance is alive and well with those under 25 and over 65 years of age. Inbetween, couples were separated by their children or didn't shop together. I surmised that during these family-oriented years couples "don't have the time" or are "overcome by other events" (Little League practice, dance lessons, etc.)

I did find that "romance" crossed all socio-economic groups. It wasn't based on nationality, how they dressed or how many packages they carried. Instead, it appeared to be the joy of just spending time together! This joy was conveyed with "a loving glance," hand holding, laughter, giggling and alot of smiling!

My conclusion about "romance" and "romantics" is that someone is romantic when they are perceptive of their significant other's needs and take the time to show it. It may be a simple peck on the check, a well-timed "I Love You" or a helping hand--all signs that you are reading the "needs" of those you care about.

So what is a romantically dysfunctional person? It's someone who is either oblivious to or non-responsive to the needs of those around him or her. Perhaps they spend too much time on the Internet or too much time at the office and have forgotten what is really important in life. They've lost sight of the fact that jobs and Internet sites will come and go, but your family and significant others are the constants in your life.

Regardless of what a romantic is, we know that Valentine's Day celebrates the tradition of Love. Find your own unique way to show it! What works for one my not work for another.

By the way, romantic gestures are not just passionate gestures and are not limited to lovers but anyone who plays a role in your life: parents, children, siblings, friends, neighbors, co-workers and yes, even strangers. Practice what Oprah Winfrey calls a "random act of kindness" today and every day!

Ideas from Readers

Here is an idea sent to me from Galileo Workstation. "Send a Valentine to someone that you know won't be receiving one from anyone else. Inside, write something simple such as "You brighten up the room with your smile." This may be all it takes to make them a different person and be able to attract someone of their own."

For Your Sweetheart

• Breakfast in bed.
• Make your sweetheart's favorite meal or take your sweetheart out for a special dinner.
• Send your valentine (male or female) flowers at work. If you are on a tight budget, give just one single hand-delivered flower. Remember, it's the thought not the quantity.
• Do something unexpected! Drive across town to take your Valentine out for lunch.
• Send a gift basket of indulgent items.
• Embroider "I Love You" on his pillowcase. You could also use a water resistant marker.
• Poetry is traditional for Valentine's Day. Make up your own or buy a book of love poems that you can read together.
• Dedicate a favorite song to your Valentine on a radio show that he or she will be listening to.
• Write "I Love You" in lipstick or shaving cream on the mirror. You could also tape a heart with the words "I Love You" if you prefer an easier clean up.
• If your sweetheart is going to be away from you on Valentine's Day, get several Valentine's Day cards and put them in different places in his or her luggage. You could sequence them with "Open Me on February 14th" or "Open Me on February 15th" to create some suspense. Don't limit this idea to just Valentine's Day!

Family Members

Everyone loves a gift on Valentine's Days: Parents, children, friends and relatives. It doesn't have to be expensive, just show you care!

• Hide a valentine in a lunch box, briefcase or purse. Imagine the smile on their face when they find it during the day.
• Carry a pocketful of chocolate kisses. Pass them out as you let the recipient know that you appreciate them.
• Go to the American Red Cross and give blood or make a donation in honor of those you love.
• Check out your risk for a heart disease. -- Search on the word disease.
• Sign the back of your driver's license to become an organ donor.
• Make your kids valentine-shaped cinnamon toast for breakfast or heart-shaped cookies for a special treat.

General Ideas

• Wear something red.
• Take a special treat into the office to share with your co-workers.
• Show the people you work with that you really rely on just how important they are by buying a small token gift: a mylar balloon that says "You're Special," a coffee cup filled with candy, a single flower, or take them out to lunch!
• Make your own love stamp to personalize your valentines. Carve a heart on a rubber eraser and stamp it with a red ink pad.
• Seal all your messages with initials or drawings that the recipient must figure out the meaning. For example: A.F.F. (A friend forever) or S.W.A.K. (sealed with a kiss.) The guessing game could go on for days.
• Visit someone in a retirement home, nursing home or hospital.

Coupon Ideas

If you are as romantically dysfunctionally as some of us "Netaholics", here are some coupons that you can fill out and give to your Sweetheart! If you remembered to buy your Sweetheart a gift, you may still want to print these out and hide them in various locations where they will be found after Valentine's Day. What a nice surprise!"

• Coupon Sheet 1
• Coupon Sheet 2
• Coupon Sheet 3