As a male, I grew up with the concept that romance simply means a nice suit, an expensive dinner and roses or chocolates. I spend some money taking my date out for a nice dinner and she says "wow" with a twinkle in her eye, thinking I am the best man for her world. This I have found, like most preconceived notions relating to love, is a fallacy.

Once, many many moons ago, one man was the first to use the "romantic formula" described above. It worked so well for him that he told all his friends. Due to the time in history and newness of the nice dinner and flowers concept, this concept of romance was brilliant for them too. All their dates were so impressed they fell in love, the couples got married had children and developed the whole valentine's day and romantic products industry.

Its funny that after so many generations, the concept of dinner and flowers is still the standard when it comes to romance. Which is quite strange when you think about it. I mean, in an age of abundance, dinner out just isn't special anymore. Its just what we do. We eat out with friends, with business associates, its a part of everyday living. And flowers are the gift to suit all occasions. We give them to say sorry, at funerals, at weddings, at births, to say goodbye, to say welcome home. They are just common. Its little wonder I had such little dating success when employing the "dinner and flowers" strategies of romance.

So what is romance then in today's age of abundance. To be honest, I'd argue it never has changed, to get it right, all we need to do is drop our pre-conceived ideas about it.

Romance is thought. It is as simple as that. Real romance is getting into the head of your partner, working out the thing or things that will really appeal to them and then organising for them to have it. It does not need to be expensive, or classy, or spic, or trendy, they are all preconceived ideas. All it has to be, is desirable for your date.

For example, a drive to the beach for fish and chips with a candle and a picnic rug could make your date way happier than a gourmet feast at an expensive restaurant. This assumes of course you have done your work and know she likes fish, driving and sand between her toes. So next time you want to do something special for your partner, at Dating Down Under, we recommend you talk to her (subtley often works better) about the things she likes. Then spend the time thinking and actioning the best way to give her the experiences she told you she'd enjoy. This approach is guaranteed to make her much happier than any formularised approach to romance.