Authors of The Book of Love, Laughter & Romance, Barbara and Michael Jonas, Suggest Valentine's Day Is the Perfect Time to 'Disconnect' to Re-Connect

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 57% of people talk more online than they do in person, according to a recent survey conducted by Socialhype.com and Onlineschools.org.

Michael and Barbara Jonas, co-authors of The Book of Love, Laughter & Romance (7th printing) and creators of the Time for Two collection, see the dramatic increase in social networking as a strong indicator that people want to feel more connected.  

"Yet, in our hectic and overscheduled lives, technology and social networking platforms, like Twitter, are actually keeping couples from connecting on a more intimate level. Texting and tweeting isn't talking and touching," observed Michael.

"People need to spend more time face-to-face to re-connect with their significant other. Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to start," he added.

This Valentine's Day the Jonases have plenty of affordable and easy ways for couples to romantically re-connect ... and no smartphone or BlackBerry required!

They suggest couples create a romantic evening using their popular romantic board game, An Enchanting Evening®, called "love, laughter and romance...in a box" by ABC News or their award-winning conversation game, To Know You...Better™, for dating couples or date night.

"The games make it easy and affordable to create that 'special' evening. Couples simply 'make a date' to set aside private time and a place to play. The games set the stage - it's the players who share the romance," Barbara said.

Additional suggestions include: turning off the cell phones (of course!), turning on soft lighting and romantic music, putting on attractive and comfortable clothes, and setting out favorite finger foods and beverages.

"Taking time out for fun gives couples an opportunity to nurture their relationship - any couple, any age, at any stage in their relationship can enjoy the benefits of taking time to play," says Barbara.  

According to Dr. Lew Richfield, Psychotherapist, family counselor, and co-author of Together Forever, "The 'business' of everyday living can be serious stuff, and couples need to take a break and make sure that there's time for fun together. Playing these games does just that, it's often just the tonic a couple needs."

Keeping relationships passionate and energized is one of the reasons the Jonases created the Time for Two Collection of unique and affordable romantic entertainments including two new downloadable games, all of which help couples stay close, have fun and keep their relationship vibrant.

Today, couples face lots of challenges. New parents wanting to carve time out for each other; couples needing to re-connect after periods of separation, especially military couples; empty nesters and retirees looking to "fan the flames" - they all need to put down their "hand-helds" and find ways to hold hands.

"It's easy for couples to fall into a rut when it comes to spending time with each other. Add a troubled economy and it can challenge a couple's creativity to keep their relationship fresh and exciting," says Barbara.

"Whether it's romantic suggestions from The Book of Love, Laughter & Romance, playing one of our games, or finding new activities to share with Two to Tango®, there is something every couple can take away that will make their relationship more exciting and fulfilling," Michael noted.

The Jonases offer a number of creative, romantic and affordable recommendations for adult playtime:

• Find a great spot to people watch, share a cup of coffee and make up "vignettes" about the lives of people passing by.  

• Act like kids again and go ice skating or sledding. Be sure to pack a light picnic with warm drinks for afterwards.

• Too cold to go outside? Then plan a picnic inside - go "Island" with coconut-scented candles, Reggae music, tropical drinks with umbrellas, jerk chicken and plantains and flowered shirts.

• Return to "The Great Outdoors" -- take out your binoculars and bird book, and participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb 18 - 21) or just spend some time quietly observing nature.

"Couples should remember that romance means different things to different people and romance isn't just for Valentine's Day. There are hundreds of little ways we can honor and appreciate our partner each and every day. Over a lifetime, it's the little things, the small gestures that are often the most remembered, appreciated and represent real romance," concluded Michael.

Those without Internet access can call (800) 776-7662 for more information and to order Time for Two's products directly.

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SOURCE Time for Two