Let’s face it: most long-term couples find themselves in a romantic rut at one point or another. Between your kids’ busy schedules, your demanding jobs, and that never-ending and totally unsexy daily task list, it’s hard enough just to sit down and have a conversation, let alone make time for romance.

For some women, the problem is bigger than a lack of fun in the bedroom. They wish for a deeper sense of emotional intimacy and connection with their husbands. They think back to the early days of their courtship, to their lost sense of play and spontaneity and wonder if it’s possible to ever get that back.

I’ve got good news for you. It is absolutely possible to rekindle your sense of passion for each other!

All it takes is a willingness to try something new and spice things up! Are you game? Why not try a Romance-Capade? So what’s that you might ask? It’s a themed rendezvous meant to bring connection, fun and intimacy into your relationship.

You can follow any of the 15 presented in my book OR let your imagination go wild and create your own. With a little prep work and a spirit of fun, you’ll have a great time planning your sexy escapade.

One of my clients decided to do the Moroccan themed Romance-Capade for her husband’s birthday. Believe me when I tell you that she’d never imagined herself belly-dancing after 40 years of marriage!

She ended up having so much fun buying props and planning the evening. He loved it and she felt invigorated and empowered by the whole experience.

Here’s the deal: that guy you fell in love with, the one who gave you butterflies simply by looking in your direction, he’s still in there! And he wants to come out and play just as much as you do!

Like my client, mix things up with a little moxy and create a romantic evening that brings you and your partner back to those heady days of dating. Make his favorite dinner and eat it by candlelight. Create a playlist of songs from that time in your life and you’ll be sure to remember why you fell in love in the first place.

Here are some idea’s to get you started….

Fill your bathroom with candles and draw a luxurious bath for the two of you. Or bring the balmy, romantic nights of Hawaii to your home with a sexy hula show.

Feeling extra adventurous? Book yourself a room at a nearby hotel. Have your husband meet you at the bar and send him a drink with a note attached that reads, “I saw you on the subway this morning and I have to have you…meet me in room #…in ten minutes.”

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, empower yourself by doing something different. If you want a little creative step-by-step help you can grab a copy of my book Sexy and Sparkling After 40. In the second section, Passport to Passion, you’ll discover more than a dozen exciting Romance-Capades, themed adventures created for women who want to spice up their love lives and deepen intimacy with their partners.

I first presented Romance-Capades in product form at a romance party years ago. As the women crowded around the table, I could tell that, while intrigued, they were also a bit unsure about how to put these teasing trysts into action. Some of them were downright scared!

You might be feeling a bit insecure or unsure too – that is normal, know that you’re not alone.

But know this, your guy isn’t looking at what you consider to be imperfections. He’s admiring and appreciating you for being adventurous and playful. And he’s feeling hot and bothered knowing that there’s a big time “win” for him at the end of this sexy story.

But, if you think you might be so nervous you won’t be able to go through with it, try one of these tips:

• Ask one of your girlfriends to be on standby for a last-minute supportive phone call or text message.
• Give yourself a heartfelt pep talk.
• Get some exercise.
• Reminisce by going through photo albums and remembering all the happy times.
• Do a meditation/visualization just before he arrives.
• When all else fails breathe and open up to your feminine nature. Getting started is the hardest part. Once you’ve jumped in, you’ll be thrilled to see how much fun you can have creating the experience.

This Valentine’s Day, put your favorite Romance-Capade into action. Don’t wait for your man to make dinner reservations. Take the lead and you will feel enlivened, vibrant and empowered!

xo