Tips from history's most romantic men on how to impress your lady love

Some of history's biggest leaders, politicians and authority figures displayed they had a softer side. So if your woman is complaining about how romance in the new age is dead, take a leaf out of these romantic men's books and impress your lady love:

Napoléon

When Napoléon Bonaparte was not busy trying to conquer Europe, he spent his free time penning letters to his wife Josephine. Since he was away a lot, he worried about losing her. To make sure he was never far from her thoughts, he let his heart melt onto paper with romantic lines such as, "Oh, my adorable wife! I don't know what fate has in store for me, but if it keeps me apart from you any longer, it will be unbearable! My courage is not enough for that..."

Love lesson

In this day of email and constantly being in touch, woo her by writing a love letter. And yes, it doesn't hurt to be a bit melodramatic in declarations of love.

Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan's creation, Taj Mahal, is proof of one of the most romantic love stories of all time. Jahan was so in love with his wife Mumtaz Mahal that he wanted her to be everywhere with him, including his political tours. When she died giving birth, he was so overcome with grief that he built the Taj Mahal as her final resting place.

Love lesson

Sure, it's the little things that matter, but once in a while, a grand gesture won't go amiss. And you get extra points for doing it in her lifetime.

Casanova

Giacomo Casanova, an Italian adventurer and author, preferred to use actions over words — unless of course, they were bravely proclaimed. While he had a notorious reputation as a womaniser, there was just something about him that women couldn't resist. For him, it was all about pleasing the woman (women) he was with by being witty, charming and helpful. Casanova was famously inclined towards a woman with intelligence, saying, "A beautiful woman without a mind of her own leaves her lover with no resource after he had physically enjoyed her charms."

Love lesson

It's the little things that matter. Just because you've got your girl, doesn't mean that charm and romance go out the window. Woo her, respect her intelligence, and the biggest lesson of all: sometimes a little less talking and a little more action is in order.

Clyde

Yes, even the name doesn't sound right without his better half, Bonnie. The lovers (and criminals) were thicker than thieves (pun intended) and reportedly fell for each other at first sight. Clyde, who already had a criminal record when they met, and Bonnie, were inseparable and even died together after they were ambushed by the police in 1934 and killed.

Love Lesson

No, do not rob or steal, but live a little — and have her by your side. It helps to remember that you two are a team, till death do you part.

Joe Dimaggio

They may not have had the longest or greatest of romances, but there's no denying the friendship that Marilyn Monroe shared with her second husband. After Monroe's suicide, a halffinished letter addressed to DiMaggio was found in her apartment. It read, "Your happiness means my happiness..." DiMaggio never truly got over her and never remarried. But he continued to have roses sent to her grave twice a week until he died.

Love Lesson

Don't forget that friendship and love go hand-in-hand. Treat her like your best friend. Talk, do things together, and of course, send her flowers. It may be a single one or a bouquet, but it's the thought that counts.