What to do when you've already done it all?  Some romance tips:
-glow in the dark stars on the ceiling
-rose petals in the bathtub
-couples massage
-exchange blank books - each of you writes down happy memories and things you love about the other person - and leave them on the bookshelf so you can continue writing the books and the other person can go in and read theirs every once in awhile.  Put in ticket stubs, cut out cartoons from the newspaper to include - anything that will make your partner smile.
-Make a "mix CD" of songs from when you were dating, when you were married, etc.
-picnic dinner in bed - only foods you eat with your fingers
-get the car washed, fill it up with gas, and put a card and flower on the dashboard.  Sometimes the simplest things are the most thoughtful, and mean the most when you're both busy working etc.
-When celebrating with kids: heart shaped pizza, heart shaped pasta, heart shaped cookies or cake
-leave candy kisses or those little valentine heart conversation candies everywhere for little surprises all day - in his pocket, in her purse, in the silverware drawer, taped with a love note to the bathroom mirror, in the car, etc.
-sent romantic text messages!  It's not just for teenagers anymore... adults can learn to text or IM and send sweet signals!  Or send a photo or yourself with an "I love you" sign.
-buy an instructional dance DVD, move the furniture back, and have a dancing date!  Or just crank up your favorite tunes from high school or college days.  Be prepared to laugh!  If you want to go all out, set the mood twinkle lights or a mini mirror ball.
-Get a henna (temporary) tattoo of your spouse's name on your shoulder
-make a personal "I love you" screensaver or wallpaper and have it up on your honey's computer when they turn it on in the morning

]]> What to do when you've already done it all?  Some romance tips:
-glow in the dark stars on the ceiling
-rose petals in the bathtub
-couples massage
-exchange blank books - each of you writes down happy memories and things you love about the other person - and leave them on the bookshelf so you can continue writing the books and the other person can go in and read theirs every once in awhile.  Put in ticket stubs, cut out cartoons from the newspaper to include - anything that will make your partner smile.
-Make a "mix CD" of songs from when you were dating, when you were married, etc.
-picnic dinner in bed - only foods you eat with your fingers
-get the car washed, fill it up with gas, and put a card and flower on the dashboard.  Sometimes the simplest things are the most thoughtful, and mean the most when you're both busy working etc.
-When celebrating with kids: heart shaped pizza, heart shaped pasta, heart shaped cookies or cake
-leave candy kisses or those little valentine heart conversation candies everywhere for little surprises all day - in his pocket, in her purse, in the silverware drawer, taped with a love note to the bathroom mirror, in the car, etc.
-sent romantic text messages!  It's not just for teenagers anymore... adults can learn to text or IM and send sweet signals!  Or send a photo or yourself with an "I love you" sign.
-buy an instructional dance DVD, move the furniture back, and have a dancing date!  Or just crank up your favorite tunes from high school or college days.  Be prepared to laugh!  If you want to go all out, set the mood twinkle lights or a mini mirror ball.
-Get a henna (temporary) tattoo of your spouse's name on your shoulder
-make a personal "I love you" screensaver or wallpaper and have it up on your honey's computer when they turn it on in the morning

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Be kind, and be honest. Don't make up any stories or come up with excuses.  Be direct.  Use "I" words rather than "you" words.  For example: "I think our relationship has run its course and I'm ready to move on," rather than "You are a lazy slob."  No name calling, and no ABCs (assuming, blaming, complaining).

 
Is it best to do it in person? Is it o.k. to write a letter or do it over the phone? What about e-mail?  Is it possible to still stay friends? If we already live together how do we split everything equally and remain civilized.

It's best to break up in person, but you can use as a guideline how long you've been together and how close you've been.  If you've just been dating a few weeks and haven't been intimate, then a phone call is acceptable, but not a voice mail.  Never e-mail!  And be careful what you put in writing, you don't know who will read it.  It is possible to stay friends if that is what you both want.  Sometimes one party is hurt by the break-up, which makes it difficult.  In that case some time apart to heal is best.  If you live together, spend a Saturday figuring out what is "his," "hers," and "ours."  The person who is moving out gets first choice in picking what to take from the "ours" pile.  Remind yourselves that you are both adults and act with rationality rather than emotion.  And remember that time really does heal all wounds, so even if it feels terrible at the moment, it will get better.

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-"Which reality show would you rather be on and why? Survivor, Amazing Race, The Apprentice, The Bachelor?"
-"What is your favorite holiday and why?"
-"If you had $100,000 and you had to spend it in 3 days what would you spend it on?"
-"Which birthday of yours do you remember the most?"
-"Who is your favorite author/actor/humanitarian, etc. and why?"
-"Your first car/kiss/crush/job, etc?"
-"2 weeks off paid and a round trip ticket anywhere in the world - where do you go?"
]]> -Sight: romantic lighting is a must.  Candlelight is always good, or toss a pink scarf over the lampshade, or try the warm glow of a salt crystal lamp.  Stash the clutter away - remember the bedroom is for sleeping, not working - this is not the place for your desk or laptop!
-Sound: Background music, or ocean waves or the sound of the rainforest - something exotic playing that can help you get in the groove.
-Touch: Cozy pillows, soft sheets, a fur throw, and a little box by the bed filled with a silk scarf, a feather, rose petals, or whatever extra little somethings you prefer.
-Taste: For before or after romance, or maybe during romance, have on hand a bottle of champagne, some fresh fruit, dark chocolate, anything you and your partner might crave.
-Smell: Sensual scents include sandalwood, rose, patchouli, and cinnamon!  You can get the aromatherapy with a candle, incense, massage oil, or an essential oil mixed in your bath.]]>