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.

Here’s a romance test for you. Would your husband rather cuddle up with you on the couch and watch a) The Notebook; a gorgeously romantic tear-jerker of a movie or b) watch dust settle on the flat screen TV.

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.

If your husband is like mine, he’s feeling the same need for romance with a healthy dose of belly laughs. These are some of our favorite fun movies.

The Princess Bride (1987): Many men may feel the same as the little boy in the beginning of the movie; being read a book by Grandpa that starts out with the kissing part. Yuk! Well, the boy finds out very quickly, and so will your husband, that this love story is a rough and tumble story of a Pirate, evil Prince, and the Princess who is betrothed to the Prince but loves the Pirate. There’s a lot of swashbuckling and ridiculously funny slapstick and innuendo. I dare you to watch this movie and NOT fall in love with it!

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): Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn are at their hilarious best in this movie. They are two divorce mediators all week and ‘wedding crashers’ on the weekend. They don’t just sneak into weddings to meet women, they make themselves part of the party. They dance, get in the pictures, and make up stories about who they know… and everyone believes them. Eventually, you know there has to be a love entanglement or two. There are some love and life lessons to learn. You’ll enjoy this light-hearted pick.

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’s ‘good life’ comes to an abrupt halt when their plans for a comfortable future crumble with the collapse of the company stock, pension fund, and Dick’s job. Dick, as a middle manager, gets hung out to dry and blamed for the stock collapse. Humiliated, Dick and Jane snap and start doing whatever they can to hang on, which includes going on a wildly funny blue-collar crime spree. But, things change and they end up getting retribution for their co-workers and revenge on the person who really caused the collapse. Jim Carrey is hilariously funny, but with a very gentle heart. You’ll be cheering the victors at the end.

Love Actually (2003): This is really eight movies in one. Short stories that tell about love, romantic love, family love between a father and son, siblings, and friends. This is a truly touching movie, but has enough laughs and light moments to keep your husband awake and interested… and laughing. Good laughs and many gentle moments to remember. Cuddle up, grab the tissues, and be ready to learn a thing or two about the meaning of love.

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.

RomanceYourHusband.com is a website dedicated to helping married couples stay friends and to help them remember why they married each other in the first place. Whether you’re looking for words to show love or cheap romantic ideas, we can help.