Keeping Your Online Romance Alive
by J. Good

How many times have you wondered how to keep the romance alive and maintain the closeness of a real life relationship with your online or long distance love? Well, we've turned the classic "romantic" favorites into online versions to help you find the answers! Below are five of our favorite romantic gestures, turned online. If you have any you'd like to share let us know! Remember just like in real life, the more effort and time you put into planning your romantic date the better the results are for each of you!

Real Life Surprise romantic evening at home.
Cyber Version Create a web page that is decorated with roses, poetry, I love you's, etc. Make room in the center to install a free java chat program you both can chat in. Make sure the chat is working properly. Create a web page invitation, complete with graphics, telling them you will be taking them on a "cyber date" at such time and date. Tell them to bring: wine, champagne or sparkling cider; a wine or champagne class; cheese, fruit or any other romantic food you wish; candlelight; and let them know how you'd like them to dress. When it's time to meet for your date, give them the address of your "cyber room," and share a wonderful night together talking and doing the same things.

Real Life Watch a movie.
Cyber Version Rent the same movie and chat together while watching it. It can be very close to being together in real life. :) If you can handle the phone bill another alternative is to be on the phone together while watching it.

Real Life A romantic dinner.
Cyber Version Much like the surprise evening at home idea minus the special chat room. Set a specific meal to make or enjoy at the same time. Either join each other in a chat or on the phone. For an added effect with your meal, go to a recipe web site and pick out a meal plan you'd like you both to prepare. Keep in mind each other's cooking skills. Then, as part of your "date" start making the meal together at the same time while keeping in touch through chatting or on the phone. It can be quite fun, for you never know what might happen, including a few cooking mistakes. :) If you don't want to bother with cooking, order the dinner through a meal delivery service on the web. Greatfood.com is a wonderful place to start looking!

Real Life A romantic bath for two.
Cyber Version This idea can really only be done while you're talking on the phone together. :) Set a day and a time to share a wonderful bath together. Choose which bubble bath you want to use, the music you'd like to play, scent of your candles and anything else you'd like to add. This can be a fun gift idea as well. Create a romantic bath gift basket that will include everything you want your partner to use. Include a love note and an invitation to romance to complete the gift!

Real Life Tender romantic moments
Cyber Version In a recent poll taken on Lovingyou.com we asked members when they felt the closest to their partners. Surprisingly many people said laying in bed at night and talking to their partners. Recreate a cyber version of this either by treating yourselves to long distance phone call or set a date and time to talk with each other just before you both (or at least one of you) will fall asleep. When you make talking with your love be the very last thing you do before going to bed at night, it can end up being one of the most romantic and cherished moments in your relationship.