What do Father’s Day ties, a dozen red roses and store-brand chocolates have in common? You might be surprised.
Years ago, I received an interesting collection of Christmas gifts. As I opened each gift, expecting something special, here’s some of what I found.
- Folding hand fan,
- Package of store brand pens, and
- A Swedish reuseable dish cloth.
Ties, roses, chocolates and my Christmas collection can feel like thoughtless gifts. The giver was walking through a store and grabbed something they saw at the cash register. No forethought. Wasn’t selected specifically for you. It was convenient. And their only thought was they’d better get you something. The gift felt contrived. You were an afterthought.
Ever received a gift that left you feeling like that? Ever been guilty of getting a gift like that for your partner?

Even if your partner’s Romantic Preference Grouping is being romanced with gifts, a “convenience-gift” can be perceived as very unromantic.
To understand why, consider the message a actual romantic gift communicates to your partner.
- I value you.
- I thought of you during my busy day.
- I stopped what I was doing to purchase something for you. And
- I selected this gift because I knew it would bring you happiness.

If your partner’s Romantic Preference Grouping is being romance with gifts from you, be sure the gift sends the right message: “I want you to know you are important and very special to me. And I want to romance you with this gift I selected explicitly for you.”
One last note on the subject of romantic gifts. Size and expense don’t matter. A small gift selected expressly for your partner is the best romantic gift you can give.
Take time. Select thoughtfully. Send the accurate message. And truly romance your partner with your gift. Ever received or been guilty of getting a convenience-gift? Tell me what it felt like to you.


