365 Ways to Say Goodnight

Goodnight is a story about unrequited love between a passionate older man and a much younger woman, and his expression of that love through 365 ways of saying goodnight to her. However, it is not just the story of unrequited love or a broken dream. It's about:- a man not being afraid to express his love using language looked upon today as effeminate, unmanly, and out of touch with the modern world and its values, because he believes it is the most romantic way to communicate the poetry and magic of love. - the author's plea to other men to not be afraid of using that kind of language to "woo" the woman they love and need; and for women to realize that romance is not dead, if they allow it to happen and have enough of the awareness of self to accept and nurture it. - the courage and deliberate will of a man to love someone that he knows will never love him back the same way, but who does so because he believes it's better to experience the pain of love than not being able to love at all. - the ignorance and naivety of a woman who has real love thrown in her lap, and has complete disdain for it because she believes love and romance is just an unattainable fantasy, and is a waste of precious time and energy. - a woman's loss of the possibilities of real happiness because of her own inability to recognize what "it" is all about.....and that by the time she learns....it's too late.The reader will see all of the warning signs the lead character does not see that indicate impending disaster, until the reality of it hits him all at once and drives him to the edge of reason, and forces him too make the determination that he must finally say goodbye.Goodnight is both a story and a guide. Much of the language used in the book can help add color and passion into your own relationship, and gives you the words to show your lover how and what you feel about them, and why…When I first started writing this book, I had this notion that it would have the single purpose of providing 365 individual romantic ways to say goodnight to your special love: One for every night of the year. People I talked to about the concept thought it was a great idea, and that maybe it would help bring romance back…… I hadn’t realized Romance had died! So it became a noble quest….I single handedly was going to bring romance back into all of our lives…..By the time I got to the 20th night, I realized that the concept was OK, but it lacked the spirit of romance…..These goodnights had to have some substance to them…a soul….they had to be directed to somebody by somebody….or there would be no real feeling to them….just a cookbook of goodnight wishes. So, I created an underlying love story about unrequited love ….because all love, at one time or another, is unrequited; and it is during those times in a relationship when the most passion erupts, and the poetry and madness of love prevails….ultimately leading to one of two paths…..a much stronger relationship….or the death of one. I added even more wood to the fire by making it a relationship between an older man and a much younger woman. I have tried to capture that peak passion in each of these goodnights, as well as the unpredictability and volatility of love. The reader will find variations of goodnights throughout the emotional spectrum…profound affection, fear, happiness, sorrow, joy, anger, gentleness, distrust, hopefulness, etc. ….because real love is a bumpy road at best…..but the adventure of love can not be matched by any other….and romance is the vehicle that moves us on that journey and adventure.It is my hope that the reader will feel the emotions of these goodnights, and perhaps use some of them in their own relationships. There are no rules here, when it comes to expressing your love, especially at the end of the day when the opportunity for closeness and affection is a given. Don’t be afraid of love and romance….it is the best part of being human.