For tech-addicts tempted to Tweet their undying love for their
significant other on February 14 in lieu of actual face-time,
romance experts Michael and Barbara Jonas warn: step away from the
computer and turn off the phone.
According to the Jonases, co-authors of The Book of Love, Laughter
& Romance and named as "One of America's Most Romantic Couples"
by People magazine, the dramatic increase in mobile technology and
social networking shows people want to feel more connected, but
it‘s actually keeping couples from connecting on more
intimate levels.
Making the connection
“Texting and tweeting isn't talking and touching," said
Michael.
The couple stresses time and space to be some of the most important
elements to help any relationship thrive.
The Jonases know a lot about playing together. They are also the creators of the romantic board game, "An Enchanting Evening," along with the conversation game, "To Know You ... Better," for dating couples or date night.
The Jonases said keeping relationships passionate and energized is one of the reasons they spent the last 30 years creating "The Time for Two" -- a collection of unique and affordable romantic entertainments including two new downloadable games, all of which they say help couples stay close, have fun and keep the spark glowing in their relationship.
Selective silliness
If playing a board game about your relationship sounds silly,
that’s okay. In fact, the silliness might be helpful.
According to Dr. Lew Richfield, psychotherapist, family counselor,
and co-author of Together Forever, "The 'business' of everyday
living can be serious stuff, and couples need to take a break and
make sure that there's time for fun together. Playing these games
does just that; it's often just the tonic a couple needs."
All of Time for Two's games and products are designed with the idea
that "play" can actually enhance communication and foster greater
intimacy between couples.
Today, couples face lots of challenges. New parents tend to neglect
each other for their kids; couples need to re-connect after periods
of separation; empty nesters and retirees are looking to fan the
flames; and many couples are too busy on their phones, laptops,
iPads and other "hand-helds" to actually hold hands with each
other.
"Add an economy that is forcing couples to stay closer to home, and
it's much easier for couples to fall into a rut when it comes to
spending time with each other, and keeping their relationship fresh
and exciting," said Barbara.
Play dates
If you can’t bring yourself to play relationship board games, the Jonases offer a number of creative, romantic and affordable recommendations for adult playtime:
- Be tourists in your hometown - visit the forgotten historical sites and landmarks, discover a new park or a new neighborhood, and make it "yours."
- Too cold for an outdoor activity, such as ice skating or sledding? Then plan a picnic inside -- go "Island" with coconut-scented candles, Reggae music, tropical drinks with umbrellas, jerk chicken and plantains, and flowered shirts.
- On a crisp, clear night, go stargazing ... many winter nights have brilliant crystal skies.
- Indulge yourself with breakfast in bed. Select the items for your breakfast together: pastries, fresh fruit, flowers for the tray. Turn off the phone and snuggle up until late in the morning.
- Go for a drive in the country and visit a farm, vineyard, or wildlife refuge.
- Be creative together -- painting, writing, singing. Complementing each other's interests, or finding ways to mix personal strengths and skills, can lead to new levels of intimacy.
The Jonases note big, sweeping, expensive gestures aren’t
required to maintain or revive a relationship, so don’t
stress over February 14.
"Couples should remember that romance means different things to
different people and romance isn't just for Valentine's Day. There
are hundreds of little ways we can honor and appreciate our partner
each and every day. Over a lifetime, it's the little things, the
small gestures that are often the most remembered, appreciated and
represent real romance," said Michael.
