Any smoochy, syrupy, sentimental thing you write yourself she will find very romantic, even if it has less literary merit than the directions for the new power tool you just bought.

Picking up on hints. This is a big one for any man seeking romantic brownie points. At least six weeks before a major gift holiday or occasion, start listening very carefully for hints. They will be there. Failure to pick up on hints could result in severe tire damage, if you know what I mean. (Memo to truly clueless guys: when we say hints, we mean verbal hints, not visual hints or signs, like the ones a catcher flashes to a pitcher). This also means that you actually have to "listen" to what she is saying.

Water and moonlight—the Hamburger Helpers of romance. Take any romantic interlude, add water and/or moonlight and you have instant romance! The best water, of course, is the ocean, but a lake will suffice, a river is serene, a steam is bubbly and even a backyard swimming pool will do if nothing else is available.

Whispers. Almost any statement is more romantic if said in a cooing whisper, except statements like "Do you think the lawn needs mowing?" or "Let’s go bowling sweetie!" Compliments about her appearance can be tricky but are ok if you are sincere and she is not having a bad hair day. You could just tell her how much you enjoy being with her every day.

Sweet-nothing notes left on a pillow or the bathroom counter. This is graduate-level stuff for advanced romantics. The average guy is about as likely to leave love notes as he is to put a jar of potpourri on his office desk. Even if you write like a 3^rd grader, the effect and the results can be amazing.