"ro - mance noun.
That which has a mysterious quality about it, usually characterized by sometimes short-lived emotional fascination and attachment."

That's how we've come to define romance. And I don't think there's quite a word which better sums up the feel and experience of Romance for Men. Its a mysterious cologne yes, in its little clear bottle, the silver cap adding a sense of class. The smell is very sweet when you first smell it- and you'll love it. But the strangest thing happens upon repeat wearing. That smell slowly fades, and it becomes harder and harder for one to smell it. I'm not sure why. Perhaps its like the smell of new paint in my house that I've become so used to that I can't smell it, but visitors always have to comment on it. But its worth the while, if you wear it on occasion.

Step One: Be Available
I had never heard of Ralph Lauren's Romance until one day I was sitting in a restaurant with an old friend, who had a gift to give me. Three guesses what the gift was. She knew me all too well, and got me cologne, since I collect many varieties. I immediately put it on, and it caught the attention of our waitress, who commented it smelled very good. I thanked my friend as she left on some errands and went to pick up the check. On it was written the number of the waitress who'd caught the scent of Romance. So maybe it wasn't the cologne, but I'll go ahead and let you think it was.

There's something about Romance that sticks out a little more than most colognes. This is one hard to describe smell- its more of a light airy type scent. The three and a half ounce bottle I received seemed it would be enough to last me a long, long time, but I was quickly proven wrong when I applied the cologne. The spray bottle has a very strong jet it sprays, which sends a very large amount of the liquid to a very small area. This isn't very good for the average person. So I found if you only push the sprayer down half way, it produces a quick spritz, which is nice, but requires 3-5 in order to properly cover the wearer.

Step Two: Make Your Move
I had that number in my pocket for several days. I went to the mall to buy a few things- and to do my monthly round-up of cologne samples, and was once again wearing my Ralph Lauren Romance. I'd nearly forgotten the girl, when I heard a voice say, "Well don't you always smell nice." No, I'm not exaggerating, that's what she said. Yes, it was my waitress, with one of her friends. By now Romance was shaping up to be quite the powerful love potion.

I'd later buy another three and a half ounce bottle of this cologne, as a present for my roommate. He loved it just as much as me, and wore it for quite a while. Being around the smell, both on me, and on him, quickly made us immune to its great smell. When I sprayed the cologne on to me, I could no longer get that initial reaction. Yet I knew others could still smell the cologne strong as ever, for people comment, asking what cologne I was wearing.

Step Three: Sweep Her Off Her Feet
So, the three of us- that's Prince Charming, his waitress, and her friend for those who aren't paying attention- all headed for the food court. The usual back and forth flirting that occurs so often. Her friend steps in and asks what cologne I'm wearing. See, they really do notice. So she asks why I haven't called, and I admit that I hadn't given it thought. Wrong move.

I'd recommend Romance for anyone who can appreciate a classy cologne. It isn't for everyone, like some more casual colognes. Romance can be overpowering, but most likely won't unless you empty the bottle onto you. Its not a girl-magnet exactly, but its closer than any other cologne I can think of. There's something deep and rich about the smell which both men and women can appreciate. That's a rare quality in a cologne, really. The price is decent, I got a bottle for fifty-five bucks, which is pretty standard for cologne.

Step Four: Be Available
So there I was, smelling good alone in the food court. Sure, there are plenty of other women out there who'd love the fragrance I was wearing. And I'd be sure to call them before seeing them out in public.