Most of us complain that we are overwhelmed with crazy busy lives and don’t have time for such silly things as romantic surprises. It is a shame because our workaholic mentality makes us concentrate on work more than on our loved ones; and then we can’t stop wondering why divorce rates are so incredibly high and happily married couples are so rare.

If you want your marriage or your relationship to be strong, you can’t neglect romance. Incorporating romantic surprises into your marriage will not only make your partner feel loved and special, but it will help both of you to keep or refresh the passion you have for each other.

If you have time and money you can plan exotic romantic surprises, such as a trip to Paris or a week getaway somewhere in the Pacific. But if you are reading this, I bet you are short on either time or money (or most likely, both), so here are some easy, cheap but fun ideas for romantic surprises.

Romantic surprise #1 Write him/her a poem. OK, you don’t actually have to write it (unless you have a talent of course). Just find an appropriate poem online, preferable written by a famous author (Shakespeare’s sonnet, for example), copy it on a piece of paper and put it into your loved one’s pocket, purse, wallet, under their pillow or wherever you can think of.

Since we live in the age of technology, you may send one via email when she/he is at work. It will make your partner’s day, especially if the day is not going so smooth.

Romantic surprise #2. Burn a CD of your lover’s favorite songs, or songs that remind them of something good and special (like you, for example). If they have an ipod, upload the songs to it when he/she doesn’t see.

Romantic surprise #3. Arrange a photo shoot for the two of you, then go shop for photo frames together. You may top it off with a nice dinner out or a drink.

Romantic surprise #4. Bring home a bottle of champagne and have it with dinner. When he/she asks, what’s the occasion, say that you are just celebrating your love.

Romantic surprise #5. Put a love note on his/her windshield.

Romantic surprise #6. If you are living together, run her/him a bath. Put a love not in a plastic bottle and float it in the bath under the bubbles.

Romantic surprise #7. Cook him/her a meal or come home with their favorite take-out food. Light some candles, turn romantic music on and consider it a date.