7 tips for making a romantic evening

There are ups and downs to every relationship, but one big way to send your relationship up is to have a romantic evening together. So you want a romantic evening that's just right, but you need some ideas. Here are seven tips that can help make that evening the most romantic ever.

1. Make it a date. Do it right, make it official. Ask your loved one out on a date; let them know enough about what's planned to wear the right clothes. It's quite uncomfortable to show up for mini golf in an evening dress and heels, and it doesn't feel quite right to be at a fancy restaurant in jeans. If they feel comfortable in the setting, they'll relax, laugh easier, and be in a better mood for romance.
2. Candlelight. Okay, so it looks like the same old thing, but if it's the same old thing it's because it works. You see candlelight in settings for a romantic evening in movies, on TV, books, you name it. Why does it work? It's because everyone looks better in the reduced and gentle light of a candle. If your wife wants to feel a little prettier, candlelight helps. If you're not as comfortable about being seen without clothing as you used to be, candlelight helps.
3. Dinner. Food helps any situation along. It doesn't have to be an expensive dinner in a top end restaurant, unless that's what you want; it can be a picnic in the park. The point is to try for foods that are easy to eat while talking and for a setting that is comfortable. If it's windy or there's a chance of rain, avoid the outdoors. If you're going to feel unable to relax if a uniformed waiter is hovering over you, avoid the expensive restaurant. Sometimes it's nice to order in and eat at home so that you can concentrate on each other rather than the setting.
4. Chocolate. It may not work for everyone, but overall chocolate gets the endorphins flowing and at the least that helps everyone feel a little happier. If you know what kind of chocolate your loved one prefers, all the better.
5. Setting. Avoid going to a movie or play or any venue that prevents you from having a conversation. A movie at home, a stroll through an art museum, swinging together in the park, something that allows you to talk and laugh will encourage a romantic evening. Another thing to encourage setting is to turn off that darned phone. There's nothing that tells the person that you're with that they're not too important like answering the phone while you're with them.
6. Dancing. This is a great activity that gives you an excuse to be close and touch without worrying about going over the line. Just make sure that you consider where you'll be dancing. If you pick a club that plays all rap, not only won't you be dancing together, you won't be able to hear each other. Look for something that is lower key, more conducive being together.
7. If you feel you've exhausted all other resources, try out a couple of books. You can pick up 101 romantic evenings or 101 great dates and give them a try. They are all listed by price and setting (i.e. you have to drive, you plan overnight, etc.) so you can pick out whatever will work out for your situation.