In a world filled with war, economic crises and high divorce rates, does romance even exist anymore?

By KATIE SEMINARA

In a world filled with war, economic crises and high divorce rates, does romance even exist anymore?

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the Valley answered “Yes.”

“We definitely do not think that romance is dead,” said Jan Ravotti, 70, of Canfield.

“It’s alive and well, especially with people our age,” she said, discussing her relationship with her sweetheart Larry Smith, 69, of Canfield.

While sitting next to the fireplace at Panera Bread in Canfield, the two playfully bantered back and forth about life, love and romance.

“I’m always courteous,” said Smith. “She likes that I open doors for her.”

Smith said he uses classic, yet simple, romantic ways.

“He pays for my lunch; I like that a lot,” Ravotti said, nodding to the empty plates on their table.

It’s the small gestures, but ultimately giving of yourself that keeps romance going in a relationship, Smith said.

“If you’re going to give someone a Valentine’s Day card, you should make it — it has to have your own personalization,” he said.

“Now tell us how many you’ve made,” Ravotti laughingly asked.

“Quite a few,” Smith replied with a smile.

Alan Williams, 28, of Youngstown hasn’t had as many years to experience romance, but he agrees that it hasn’t fallen by the wayside.

“It seems like a magical thing that people are drawn to because it’s not easy to find,” he said.

There was a point when Williams lost hope in romance. But then he met his wife of two years, 23-year-old Elizabeth Williams.

“Romance is what makes a guy want to be a good guy,” said Alan, who believes it’s the husband’s job to create romance.

For Valentine’s Day, he has some plans for Elizabeth, including a song he wrote and a possible trip down memory lane.

“The more valuable gifts are the ones you don’t buy — they come from the heart,” he said.

Even though Tim Smith, president of Smith & Co. Jewelers, would love for people to buy gifts for their Valentines, he agrees with Williams.

Whether the gift is a $5 rose or an expensive piece of jewelry, “it’s not about what you’re giving, it’s why,” Smith said.

Romance will always be one reason people buy gifts for their truelove even if the economy is stressed, Smith said.

“In times of turmoil people tend to celebrate relationships, [those] things they can reach out and grab,” he said.

Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular times to pop the question, and Smith has helped many smitten gentlemen make their proposals special.

Delivering rings to restaurants is not uncommon, but Smith said he once shipped an engagement ring to a rangers station for a couple that was going on a backpacking trip.

That delivery was intercepted by a bear.

The hungry interloper broke into the couple’s camp and ran off with a bag of food. That bag also contained the ring, which was later recovered by the groom-to-be who trailed the bear and found remnants of the ill-gotten gain.

The man presented his would-be fianc e with a box covered with bear slobber and bite marks, Smith recalled.

“The ring was OK; she said ‘Yes’ and all was right with the world,” he said.

Others are looking forward to Valentine’s Day for reasons that have nothing to do with romance.

Coby Brown, 24, of Columbiana, is not expecting an engagement ring Saturday.

She just gave one back.

Brown was in a relationship for eight years, and her significant other recently broke off the couple’s two year engagement.

“At the moment, romance is dead,” she said.

But that’s not stopping Brown from celebrating the holiday designated for Romeos and Juliets.

“I’m honestly looking forward to Valentine’s Day,” said Brown.

“For the first time in eight years, I’m single and my girlfriends are my date.”

Brown still believes that the right person is out there, but she said it’s important not to force romance.

“When you stop looking, you’ll find it,” she said.