On this Valentine’s Eve, my fellow Good Girls and I have agreed to share some of our thoughts on romance, how to capture our hearts, and what we wish the opposite sex knew. Each of our answers are in our own words, with occasional parenthetical commentary from me (some were just too hard to let go).

Q: What makes you swoon?

Sara: Well, I don’t think there’s anything quite as sexy as a man washing dishes, unless it’s a man folding laundry. Doesn’t take much for me, does it? Seriously, I go all swoony when I know my husband is doing something he’d rather not do–like waiting around the dressing room while I try on jeans or going to a chick flick with me–just because he wants to be with me.

Diana: You know what really melts me—when he (he, being Mr. Thrilling, of course) comes up with something that I mentioned in passing a while back. The fact that he was really listening, and that he remembered…that gets me every time.

Heidi: What would I swoon over? An unexpected weekend trip away—somewhere warm, where I didn’t have to do anything to prepare. No packing, no arranging for the kids or the dogs, nothing.

Tasha: Someone reading to me.

Me: I’ve got two. The first is true love—the kind that makes your stomach flutter and your heart rate accelerate. The second is little “just because” surprises…not the kind that cost money, but the kind that show you’re thought of and missed, or loved and cherished (stuff like notes, cards, letters). Simple, yet meaningful.

Q: What do you think is a romantic Valentine’s Day?

Sara: A few years ago my answer would have been roses—cream-colored or pink, not blood red (leave it to a mystery writer to call it “blood red”), chocolate and dinner out, but now… well, let’s just say I’d love time together more than anything else. So I’d go for Chinese take-out and a good movie at home. Of course you can’t go wrong with something chocolate for dessert.

Diana: My favorite Valentine’s Day is an early dinner at our favorite little French restaurant La Chene and then home to watch a favorite shared movie like THE BIG SLEEP or ANOTHER THIN MAN. And if roses and chocolate are involved—and they usually are because we haven’t been married that long—so much the better (you GO, Mr. Thrilling!). Lately I like to celebrate Valentine’s Day either before or after the official day so that it’s less crowded at the restaurant and so much more romantic (I know, I must be getting old).

(Ahem, just so we’re clear, the “getting old” comment was actually Diana’s commentary, NOT mine).

Heidi: A fire in the fireplace and some prolonged cuddling and whispering. There’s too little time for that. Every once in a while, it would be nice just to have that old feeling back from the beginning of a relationship—the one where neither of you was really SURE where a bit of necking would lead to, so it went on for a lot longer than it does these days—not that I’m complaining, but hey…

**A side note: Heidi is asking for a really powerful cordless drill with multiple battery pack back-ups and a new bulb auger.

Tasha: I want to sleep late and be woken in a pleasant manner. That might involve breakfast, it might not. After that, hours spent basking in each other’s presence. Don’t need fancy gifts, flowers, stuff. Just a pair of eyes to lose myself in, without distraction or interruption. Not, mind you, that’d I’d object to gifts too!

Me: Valentine cards selected with thought and read at the same time. Spending time together—whether that’s in person or on the phone. And, when possible, a roaring fire with a blanket nearby…for kissing, cuddling, and everything nice—the kind of night (whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not) that is absolutely magical.

Q: What do you wish guys knew?

Sara: I wish guys knew that we don’t always have to have an answer or a problem solved. Sometimes we just want someone to listen. Of course, we want them to listen to every, little detail…

Diana: That it’s all about quality, not quantity. And details matter (well said, Diana).

Heidi: Guys should know the general idea that every relationship has annoyances and that will be the case no matter who you’re with, so, as long as there aren’t major issues in a relationship, deal with it and stay where you are, because the grass is never greener. Oh, and I also wish guys in general knew that it was okay to tell their dreams and fantasies—both for life and the bedroom.

Tasha: That if they can see and adore us for who we really are, they’re going to be in for a really, really good ride (Amen, sister!).

Me: I wish that guys understood the value of a sweet woman. The reason you don’t find that genuine sweetness in bars on a regular basis is simple—they are hard to find. Most of ‘em have been snatched up by guys who get this. The few who haven’t been snatched up (or were stupidly let go/driven away) are the ones you shouldn’t let slip through your fingers. Oh, and one more thing. There’s a reason true love makes you feel alive… It’s because it’s special, and, like everything truly good in life, it’s worth the fight. Always.

Q: What is the one physical attribute that makes a man irresistible?

Sara: It’s something to do with the eyes. An intense gaze is, well, I guess that’s another one to add to my swoon list…

Diana: Eyes. They’ve got to have that directness and intelligence, but they’ve also got to have warmth and a lurking smile. Oh, and I’m very partial to long legs.

Heidi: Mainly dark hair and great eyes that smile (Mmmmm….) when he does.

Tasha: There’s a certain look that comes into a man’s eyes that can make him instantly irresistible. Sexy lips are good, and I’ve always had a thing for the right sort of hair, but eyes with that look…well, that’s the only physical attribute that can really get me going.

Me: A face-lighting smile and strong arms capable of providing the perfect hug. Unforgettable…

Well, that’s it from the Good Girls on Valentine’s Eve. How about you? Any thoughts to share, comments to make, or sweet little messages coded just right?

Finally, if you’re lucky enough to have that special someone… cherish them always.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

~Laura