Here's a story that illustrates this point:

Barbara and her husband John often talked about their pasts, including their experiences as young children. In course of one particular conversation, Barbara described a beautiful old-fashioned pencil case her mother gave her when she first started school. She hadn't thought about case in years, but at time it was one of her most treasured possessions.

Six months later, John was browsing in a specialty store when he came across a pencil case that matched Barbara's description. He immediately bought it and presented it to her that night.

Barbara was delighted with his gift and amazed that John had recalled their conversation. To her gift was magical. It felt as if John had restored a little piece of her childhood.

People give you clues about what they want continuously in their daily conversation. It's up to you to pay attention and surprise them later with a well-chosen gift. This type of thoughtfulness works wonders in a relationship.

Most candles are made from beeswax, paraffin, soy, gel and other materials such as resins. You can purchase clean burning soy candles if you or people around you suffer from allergies or hypersensitivity.

Candle Shapes

Candles come in all shapes and sizes:

1. Long thin candles known as pillars and tapers 2. Small candles including votive and tealights 3. Geometric shapes, including balls, pyramids, squares and rectangles 4. Character shapes 5. Candles in decorative containers such as glass, wire or steel vases

All of these, with possible exception of character shapes, make great romantic gifts. And even a character shaped candle can be romantic if it has a special significance. For example, a candle shaped like a snowman can remind her of night you fell in love while building a snowman in her parents' yard.

Most women love candles of any kind, and men who take pride in their surroundings will also appreciate a beautifully crafted candle.

Choosing a Candle Here are some commonsense tips to help you choose a great romantic candle: 1. Keep in mind colors person favors in his or her home. Don't give her a sparkling blue candle if her living room is decorated in shades of peach. Don't give him a red candle if his apartment is painted in olive tones.

2. Go for clean, classical lines when you buy, like elegant tapered candles or classic round candles, either short or tall, in clear, beautiful colors.

You can buy a more extravagantly decorated candle if you know person will absolutely love it. Or you might buy a fun candle for someone with a great sense of humor. If you're absolutely stuck, buy white.

3. If you know person well, you might choose a candle that fits in with his or her interests. A zodiac candle will thrill an astrology buff, while a pyramid candle will please an ancient history enthusiast. You can find a whole range of candle containers that feature dolphins, butterflies and other motifs that make for an excellent personalized gift. Choose a highly scented candle that features one of their favorite scents.

4. Take into account person's allergies or beliefs about using natural products. Look for candles made of environmentally friendly materials like soy.

It's worth taking time to think through other person's preferences before you buy a candle for a romantic gift. People recognize when thought has gone into a gift selection, just as they sense when choice was haphazard. Your thoughtfulness will add immeasurably to their appreciation of your gift.