February is always a romantic month � and especially this year. Not just St Valentine's Day � but Leap Year's Day too. You do remember what that means, don't you? The 29th of February is the one day, every four years, when traditionally it is the turn for women to propose to men.
Watch out guys! Scotland actually passed a law in 1288 that not only allowed women to propose marriage on February 29 but laid down that any man who declined must pay a fine to the woman in question...
There has always been something special about Leap Year's Day. On February 29, 1940, the movie Gone with the Wind, the most romantic film ever, won eight Oscar, including Hattie McDaniel's, the first African American to win one.
The Playboy Club opened on the same day in 1980. In 1996 Kenya defeated the West Indies in the Cricket World Cup!
A good number of countries in the West recognise February 29 as the one day when a woman can propose � and woe betide the man who refuses!
Legend has it that it all started in the Fifth Century Ireland when St Bridget complained to St Patrick about women having to wait so long for their men to say the word. So St Patrick said they could propose on this one special day every four years.
But the right of a woman to propose on February 29 goes back hundreds of years. In those times the day was not recognised in English law � it was ignored and 'leapt over', which is why we call it the 'leap year day'.
Aas the day had no legal status, traditions like 'only a man can propose' were suspended and women started to take the initiative... Of course, everything about proposing is romantic and symbolic, no matter who says the word. The engagement ring seals the promise of a future together.
The diamond engagement ring has been around since 1477 and first appeared in Medieval Italy. In the 18th and 19th centuries rings with gemstones were popular � chosen so their first letters spelled out the giver's name or a word such as 'dearest': Diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, epidote, sapphire, turquoise.
Some couples celebrated their engagement with a Gimmal Ring, a three-part ring with two clasped hands on it. One part was worn by the bride-to-be, one by the groom-to-be, and the third by a witness. It was reunited as the bride's wedding ring, on the day of their marriage.
But the diamond became the traditional symbol of betrothal. Its clarity represents innocence and purity, and its strength the hope of enduring love. Wedding and engagement rings are traditionally worn on the third finger, usually on the left hand. The vein in this finger was once believed to go direct to the heart, which is closely associated with love.
But the 'heart shape', seen everywhere in February, looks nothing like the real thing, does it? Do you know what it actually represents? A naked female bottom! Much more deeply symbolic � and a broad hint.
And ladies, that's exactly what the 29th is all about. Not just an opportunity to pop the question. The perfect time to take the initiative in bed. Let's face it, most relationships get a bit stale after a while. Maybe you're disappointed because your marriage isn't what you expected it to be. Perhaps you think other marriages don't experience boredom, loneliness or lack of sex. You find yourself thinking 'Is this all there is?'
Completely normal, believe me. But that doesn't mean you have to put up with it! In a successful relationship you have to forget the myth of 'happily ever after' and work hard. Love even when you don't feel like it. People who tell you they're happy all the time in their marriage are either lying � or they don't see their spouses all that much! Marriage is tough, whatever the adverts say. So accept the daily routine � and that marriages are never perfect.
But if the thrill is gone � or so it seems � Leap Year's Day gives you permission to do something dramatic about it! Men get lazy. So if your man's glued to the TV most nights, or in a bar, or his bump and grind routine leaves much to be desired, don't get mad. Get him going!
Start by treating yourself to some perfume, massage oil, scented candles and sexy lingerie. Believe me, men really do love sexy lingerie. It's the broadest possible hint that tonight's special... So leave off those practical white knickers. And wear nothing but a garter or suspender belt and stockings. That'll do the trick every time. And high heels! It sounds corny, but high heels do something special. They don't just make your legs look longer � they emphasise your bottom and make it look tighter.
Don't worry if you feel silly walking around the house in stilettos. You'll only be on your feet for a couple of minutes. And while you're choosing your romantic treats, remember that the sexiest accessory of all is self-confidence. So wear things that make you feel good. Do your hair the way you want it. Smile a lot to yourself, and imagine how successful you're going to be. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you think your man will appreciate all this attention, he surely will!
But men can be so dim sometimes. So leave him in no doubt. Men don't understand hints, however broad. Tell him what you need. Explicitly! You want him to kiss more gently? Show him, and say: 'I just love it when your lips brush mine.' He'll just make sure he does it in future.
Set the mood. Slip a sexy card into his hand in the morning. Write in it exactly what you want him to do tonight � and I do mean exactly! Send him an SMS in the afternoon to remind him. And don't be coy.
Arrange a sleep-over somewhere for the kids. Unplug the TV. Light a few scented candles. And leave a trail of your sexiest clothes from the front door to your bedroom. Shower together. Have supper in bed. Stuff you can eat with your fingers. Feed each other slices of fruit or ice cream. Kiss him deeply just after a slice of orange...
Show off your charm. Men are very visual creatures, so make sure he has lots of nice things to look at. Flatter him. Squeeze his body and tell him how you like it when his muscles go tight. Nibble his ear. Sigh gently so the warm air caresses the nerve ending inside his ear. I'll bet he's never felt anything like it.
Smile and kiss a lot. Make gentle noises deep in your throat. Put all the cares of the world behind you � until you have to clear up the mess in the morning!
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