People say that romance is difficult after kids. I would actually argue that due to a significant drop in both standards and expectations, romance after the children come along, is actually easier.
Romance Before Kids - The pressure was on to be spontaneous. The element of surprise was key. Being whisked away for a surprise romantic weekend was the mother of all romantic gestures to pull off.
Romance After Kids - Life runs on a schedule. If it's not on the calendar, it's not happening. Valentine's Day being pre-printed on the calendar saves me time! Date nights are planned with military precision. The best spontaneous gesture is for my husband to say "shall we get take-out tonight". You mean I don't have to cook, and you are going to go out and get it? That right there is why I married you.
Romance Before Kids - Preparation meant shopping for a new dress and shoes to match. Getting my hair and nails done and generally spending a good few hours getting ready.
Romance After Kids - Preparation is booking the all important babysitters and cracking open the champagne because the grandparents are available, and have insisted on having them over night.
Romance Before Kids - Dinner at a fancy restaurant, where the only table available is at 9:15 and the portion sizes would leave you craving a chipper on the way home.
Romance After Kids - Snuggled on the sofa in your PJ's with pizza and a bottle of wine. That is true love people.
Romance Before Kids - Having a bit of a smooch to a slow song at your cousins wedding.
Romance After Kids - Having a bit of a smooch to a slow song on the radio in the kitchen with a small person attached to each leg.
Romance Before Kids - A romantic bubble bath for two. Only one of you gets the tap end, and its far too hot so you are oozing sweat rather than sex appeal.
Romance After Kids - Who am I kidding I haven't had time for a bath in six years, and being that I would have to share it with 10 plastic boats and a purple octopus, it's kind of lost its attraction.
These days putting the washing away and taking the bins out is way more of a turn on than a night out!
