I have a great wife and it's very easy to be romantic because it

"I have a great wife and it's very easy to be romantic because it makes her happy and then my life is so much better when she's happy." – Nicholas Sparks. In these words, we find a simple yet profound reflection on the transformative power of romance, not merely as a gesture of love, but as a mutual nourishment of the soul. Sparks reveals the wisdom that to love deeply is to recognize the interconnectedness of happiness between two people. His statement is a reminder that romantic gestures, though often seen as extravagant or fleeting, serve a much greater purpose—they foster joy, connection, and ultimately, peace within the relationship.

The ancients spoke much of love and its power to transcend the self. Plato believed that true love elevates the soul, pulling it closer to the divine. He wrote in the Symposium that love is a force that moves people toward goodness and beauty, not just in the world, but within themselves. Sparks echoes this idea, suggesting that the joy brought to his wife through romantic acts elevates their bond. Her happiness, in turn, becomes the source of his own fulfillment. This is no mere transaction—it is the nurturing of a deep and lasting connection where both individuals find strength and purpose in the other’s well-being.

Consider the story of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince, whose love for his wife, Consuelo, was one of constant admiration and profound connection, albeit sometimes fraught with difficulty. Saint-Exupéry’s devotion to her, despite the complexities of their relationship, was rooted in a deep understanding that his own sense of purpose was tied to her happiness. He understood, as Sparks does, that the harmony in one’s personal relationships forms the foundation for a fulfilled life. Saint-Exupéry’s writing often touched on the themes of sacrifice and love, and it is clear from his own life that his happiness was intertwined with the joy he could offer to his beloved Consuelo.

In fact, it is the sacrifice inherent in true love that Sparks refers to—though not in the traditional sense of sacrifice as loss, but as the choice to give of oneself freely and joyfully. To be romantic, to surprise, to nurture one’s partner, is not an obligation, but a gift that enriches both the giver and the receiver. This is seen in many great relationships throughout history, like that of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Their marriage, founded on mutual respect and a deep affection, exemplifies how the small acts of romance—even in the form of letters, shared moments, and care—cultivate a bond that brings fulfillment to both hearts. Their romance was not a grand gesture but a continual exchange of love that nourished their lives.

The lesson here is simple, yet vital: romance is not a fleeting act or a mere formality; it is an ongoing expression of love that fuels the spirit of both partners. When Sparks says that he finds it “easy to be romantic,” he speaks not of convenience but of a deep commitment to the well-being of his wife. The happiness of one partner should be seen as the happiness of both. True romanticism lies in understanding that in serving the joy of the one we love, we are, in turn, serving our own happiness. This is not a sacrifice, but a partnership in the fullest sense of the word.

In our own lives, we must strive to see the happiness of our loved ones as an integral part of our own well-being. When we give freely of our love, whether in grand gestures or in simple acts of care, we create an environment where both partners can flourish. Romance, as Sparks reminds us, is not just about maintaining passion, but about ensuring the other’s happiness—for in that shared joy, life becomes richer and more meaningful.

Thus, let us approach our relationships with the same generosity of spirit that Sparks reflects in his own life. Whether in our marriages, friendships, or family bonds, let us cultivate an atmosphere of love, where the happiness of those we care for is the source of our own contentment. In so doing, we will find that our own hearts grow fuller, our lives more complete, and the journey of love ever more fulfilling. For true romance, in its deepest sense, is not an act—it is a way of living, a way of being with another, where both hearts thrive in shared happiness.