Time to reconnect with romance?

Have you been neglecting that special someone? That might not have been your intention, but there was Euro 2008. Then, along came Queens. You had to witness Murray's demise at Wimbledon. And, now it's the 137th Open – erm, unmissable TV!

Hmm, it's probably time to reconnect romantically. She may be feeling like a poor third place to Sport on your list of the all-time greatest loves of your life. Don't you think it's about time she was back on the top spot, where she belongs?

But, after all those weeks of waning attention, how can you possibly get back in her good books? How can you make it up to her? With romance, of course. Alright, so you knew that was going to be the answer, but it's true: Our visitor survey in 2006 found that nearly twice as many women want romance than those who prefer flash gifts or passion.

OK, so a quick recap on romance. When it comes to romance, surprise is your greatest ally. Shock her with a grand gesture - like dinner for two at a great restaurant - or delight her with a trickle unexpected events like these:

• Send flowers to her at work
• Give her a special warm welcome home after work with a ready-run romantic bath and ready-made romantic dinner for two
• Leave little token gifts all over the place to be discovered with squeals of delight
• Offer some extra, no-strings attached, personal attention like a massage
• Be especially helpful with the household chores or wash her car as a surprise
• Splash the cash on some expensive jewellery when it's not even her birthday

But whatever else you do, switch the TV off for 5 minutes and stay out of the pub for a while!

You can get more romantic ideas and inspiration like this by subscribing to our email newsletter called Fish's Bicycle. Fish's Bicycle is a once-a-fortnight bulletin containing a romantic suggestions and special offers at here at pressies4princesses.

Take a load off your lover's back and you will likely rediscover your loving (and passionate!) partner underneath. These tips, fresh from our latest fortnightly romantic tips email, Fish's Bicycle, tell you how.

Feeling sexy -- or like being sociable, even -- is a tall order when you're knackered the whole time. A partner weighed down by chores, is more likely to feel like a 'domestic slave' than a 'goddess'. If she never has a moment for you, the best thing you can do is make some for her - by reducing her workload.

1. Step in, so she can chill out. Take-over the washing up, the hovering or supervising the kids. She'll love you for it and will have more time and energy for you later on.

2. Halve the chore. If she's washing, you dry. Apart from saving her time, it's more fun. You can chat while you get the job done.

3. Give yourselves more time. Outsource! Hire a cleaner. Get a child minder for a few hours a week. Rope the in-laws or grandparents in. Yes, it may cost you a few pounds, but what price would you put on the time you could enjoy together in return? 

4. Give her something better to do. Imagine her joy (and adoration) when she arrives home expecting to have to do the cleaning, only to find it's all but done - by you. Better still when you thrust a gin and tonic in her hand and direct her to her candlelit bath!

5. Help her feel like a goddess. You do your best to help out, but still she has a busy time of it. All the same, you can help make her feel less 'slave' and more 'goddess'. Simply indulge her your time and undivided attention. A 'no strings' massage is a great place to start.

Sign-up to our fortnightly romantic tip email (called Fish's Bicycle) to receive these subscriber-only offers

How do you keep the romance alive when lavish gifts, swanky restaurants and exclusive weekend breaks are not within your budget? Well, it’s easier than you think. Because romance isn’t about money, and to prove it here's some inspirational ideas for low-budget romance.

1. Make her a card using a favourite photo. Or, write her a love letter. Pop either in her bag or desk or car for her to discover.

2. Breakfast in bed will make her feel cosseted and loved. Presentation is everything -- a napkin and a spring bloom from the garden will nicely set off a low-budget breakfast of tea, croissants, fruit juice and yoghurt.

3. Take her for a romantic walk in a city park or the area local. Virtually everywhere looks and feels romantic just now. Why not rustle-up a picnic and make a day of it?

4. Rustle up a romantic meal at home. Candles, music and a well-set table will create the desired atmosphere. Sit facing one another so you can give her your undivided attention.

5. Pamper her. Run her a candlelit bath or give her a soothing massage. Leave her to relax in front of the TV and do the clearing up. A gift of a little "me time" is often the best of all.

And when only a gift will do...

Some gifts for under ten pounds for that romantic moment.

Scented Bath Roses - £4.99 These will add the finishing touch to her bath and make her smell fabulous, while providing the perfect substitute for the dozen red roses you would no doubt have bought her if money were no object.

Love Love Tea - £4.95 Love, philosophical thought and a cup of tea. A gift she will love – while showing your true colours as a thoughtful, caring type of guy.

52 Ways to Stay in Love Forever - £4.99 A little book that tells her you’re in love and have every intention of staying that way. What girl wouldn’t be entranced?

I Love You More Than Chocolate Bar - £9.50 A loving declaration – plus chocolate. A surefire winner.