Movie Night for Two - Laughter is the Best Romantic Remedy

Serious romance is hard work and just so, well, serious. Does it have to be? How do you and your husband relax? My guess is you need a few laughs to enjoy each other.

Which do you think your husband would choose if put to the test: a) Watch the beautifully romantic tear-jerker movie, The Notebook or b) do anything that doesn't involve watching The Notebook.

Of course, my husband would rather watch paint dry than sit through a seriously romantic movie like The Notebook or Somersby. He's romantic, but none of that "mushy" and "bittersweet" stuff for him. A few belly laughs mixed in with some tender lovey-dovey moments is what he's all about.

Our date nights usually involve Ben Stiller, Bill Murray, Adam Sandler, Owen Wilson, Matt Dillon, or Jim Carrey. Those men don't know this, but they're a huge part of what makes our marriage such a joy. The fact that our date nights consist of a fun movie instead of a forced moment means that my husband is happy and relaxed; two very good things for romance.

Have you seen any good, romantic comedies lately? My husband's favorite funny movies are now some of my favorites, too! Take a look at just a few picks for our favorite date night movies.

The Princess Bride (1987): At the start of the movie, Grandpa is reading the story of The Princess Bride to his grandson, who is appalled when he thinks the book is all about kissing, since that's how the story starts. If your husband is also appalled to watch a romantic movie all about kissing, he's in for a pleasant surprise; just like the grandson. We're talking Pirates, sword fighting, battles, castles, an evil Prince, and a beautiful Princess, all wrapped up in a very funny story, full of grown up humor, which will have you hooked on this romantic comedy forever more.

Groundhog Day (1993): After reluctantly going to cover Punksatawney Phil for Groundhog Day, a cynical weatherman gets stuck living the same day over repeatedly, until he gets it right. This is a Bill Murray classic. The love story is woven throughout the repeated day as he tries to figure out how to win the woman's heart, and learns about living life in the process. You'll want to watch this movie again and again to pick up on subtle things that you'll miss the first time. Great fun!

Wedding Crashers (2005): When two divorce mediators decide to crash weddings to meet women, they don't know exactly how far they can go with it. They learn from an expert (Will Ferrell) and off they go. Crashing weddings takes some suave technique and lots of guts. They don't just skulk around, eating up the food. They join right in, dancing, cutting the cake, getting in all the pictures, and introducing themselves in such a way that everyone thinks they were invited. The love story happens as all love stories do... when you least expect it. Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn are the perfect pair to pull this off.

The Wedding Singer (1998): Robbie, the wedding singer and Julia, the waitress, are both engaged to be married, but to the wrong people. Anyone who remembers the 80s will thoroughly enjoy the setting, styles, and music. And, every woman will be teary-eyed when Robbie sings 'Grow Old With You' at the end... and watch your husband sneak a hanky, too. Adam Sandler is at his funny and romantic best. Cuddle up for some good laughs, and kisses!

Fun With Dick and Jane (2005): Dick and Jane are living a very good life, until Dick is set up as the fall guy for the company when its stock tanks. Now they have no jobs, no savings, no pension, and are living in disgrace in their community. The bottom really falls out when they receive their foreclosure notice. It's off on a crazy funny blue-collar crime spree, but, wait... life takes a very different turn and this couple is not going down gently. The humor and retribution make this Jim Carrey movie funny and wild, but with a heart.

Love Actually (2003): These are eight short stories of love and life, with a good spattering of laughs and light moments woven all through the movie. You'll see some romance, as well as love between a father and his son, siblings, and warm friendships. These are beautifully written stories that illustrate that there are many forms of love and that Love Actually is all around us. You'll laugh, yes, but be prepared to have your heart touched a little, too.

Romance doesn't need to be serious. It can, and should, be fun! Just relax a little and enjoy each other. Go grab a funny, romantic movie, snuggle up with your hubby and enjoy yourselves.

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