Marriages are sealed with them, they’re a traditional part of a greeting or parting and (according to a popular 1960s song) it’s how to tell if your man “loves you so.”

Kisses have captured the imagination of writers, artists and other romantics for centuries, so it’s no surprise we keep trying to create some memorable ones of our own. If you’re looking for an exotic local to create a memorable moment, Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Places to Steal a Kiss offers some suggestions.

Paris, France
There’s no shortage of scenic places to kiss in the renowned City of Lovers, like on a cruise down the Seine River, on the Eiffel Tower lit up at night or virtually anywhere the city’s famous skyline serves as a backdrop.

However, Lonely Planet recommends an unusual place to stop for a smooch: the Père Lachaise Cemetery. That’s where you find the final resting places of artists, writers and famous lovers like Abelard and Heloise, as well as hundreds of other notable names. Ladies, don’t forget your favourite red lipstick to add your mark on Oscar Wilde’s grave.

If you’re looking for inspiration, head to the Musée Rodin to see Auguste Rodin’s famous work, The Kiss. Love is also a popular theme at the Louvre, where you’ll find romantic works like Antonio Canova’s Psyche Revived by the Kiss of Eros in addition to the scenic Tuileries and Carrousel gardens.

Venice, Italy
Live out the romantic image of two lovers cuddling in a gondola through the canals of Venezia , or tour the city on foot to enjoy the historical architecture and ambiance. It’s also home to legendary seducer and scholar Giacomo Casanova, whose prison room can still be seen in the Doge’s Palace. You can even climb the Golden Staircase mentioned in his memoirs of his escape from prison.

Other must-see sites include St. Mark’s Basilica, the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. Rumour has it that lovers will enjoy life-long happiness together if they share a kiss while passing under the Bridge of Sighs at sunset.

Blarney, Ireland
You’ve heard the legend but have you thought about its practical applications? Kissing the stone to receive “the gift of the gab” might just help you sweet talk your sweet heart.

But the kiss isn’t without its trials because the stone isn’t easy to reach. Those who want to attempt the ritual have to climb up to the castle’s battlements, lie on their back and lean backwards over the edge to kiss the stone — upside-down. Luckily, safe guards have been installed and the practice of hanging people upside down by their ankles has been abandoned altogether.

Sounds like too much trouble? The “biggest little village in Ireland” is still worth a look for its scenery and local history — and it’s just a short trip from nearby Cork City.

Casablanca, Morocco
This largest city in the North African Kingdom of Morocco gets the nod as the place to quote classic film lines and kiss “as if it were the last time”. While you won’t find Bogie’s fictitious café, you will find a rich heritage that blends Arab and European influences. Visit the medina area to see the Hassan II Mosque, and brush up on your hassling skills before you hit the Central Market and the many shops in the city for that unique souvenir.

But kiss with caution: Morocco is a Muslim country and adheres to conservative laws and customs. According to government travel advice, a kiss in public place may give offense in some parts of the country, and heterosexual relations outside of marriage and homosexuality are illegal.

Kissing, Germany
This hamlet has an appropriate (if unusual) name for those couples seeking some relaxation time together. Located in Germany’s Bavaria region, it’s a small town of about 11,500 people that used to be a minor capital back in 1050 under the name of Chissingen . Located just outside of Augsburg, it’s worth the detour for a kiss on the way to or from Munich.

If odd names strike your fancy, there’s also Kissing in Guinea, Love in Saskatchewan, Intercourse, Pennsylvania and Conception Junction, Missouri.

Kissimmee, Florida
The name is asking for it. Bordering on Orlando, this city is a hub of activity and close to all the popular attractions. Nearby Disney World lures romantics of all ages with the promise of charming princes, towering castles and happy endings. Sandy beaches make a relaxing day trip, and it’s a short drive to Port Canaveral where you can hop a cruise to the Bahamas. You can also stick around for local sights and attractions, like the Medieval Life Village and Historic Downtown Kissimmee.

Why go this year? Florida is rolling out the discounts due to economic woes. To get a better deal, postpone that Valentine’s getaway to the spring to take advantage of the Buy-4-Nights-Get-3-Free deal for parts of March and April as well as May and June. You’ll also avoid the spring break madness as well.

New York City, New York
Movies like An Affair to Remember and TV shows like Sex and the City have made this city a media darling, but there’s some historical precedence for special embrace. As Lonely Planet points out, Ellis Island was the entry point for immigrants entering the US and was therefore the site of many happy family reunions. Every year, millions of people gather in Times Square on New Years Eve to watch the ball drop — and start the year with a smooch. And of course, there’s Alfred Eisenstaedt’s famous photograph of a sailor stealing a kiss with a nurse during the VE Day celebrations.

Other kiss-worthy occasions include a trip the observation deck at the Empire State Building and a picnic in Central Park’s Sheep’s Meadow.

Hershey, Pennsylvania
How about a kiss of a different kind? Anyone who loves chocolate will undoubtedly enjoy a trip to the “Sweetest Place on Earth”. There are many things to do in the area besides enjoy the company’s popular chocolate kisses. Take the kids and grandkids to Chocolate World or ZooAmerica, or enjoy a little time to yourself at the Chocolate Spa at the Hershey Resort. Head to the Antique Auto Museum or play a few rounds of golf at one of the Hershey Golf Collection courses.

If you’re looking for a sweet Valentine’s getaway, the town offers month-long chocolate celebrations every year during the month of February. Some of the events include gourmet dinners with chocolate dessert buffets, chocolate tastings and classes on how to make truffles and chocolate cocktails.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sunny beaches, world-famous parties and breathtaking views make this a popular destination for young and young-at-heart lovers. Take a cable car up to Sugar Loaf Mountain, or tour up Corcovado Mountain to see the city at the base of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Head to Samba City for some dancing, or visit the many museums and galleries in the city.

And there’s no shortage of reasons to celebrate. While one of the most famous events is the annual Carnaval, New Year’s celebrations also bring out locals and travellers alike to celebrate at the Copacabana beach, and this year marks the city’s 444th birthday in March. Watch for bonfire festivals on feast days in June, and there are sporting events throughout the year including cycling, boating and the annual marathon.

I was thinking of old friends today
And how many of them have slipped away,
Moved, got married, or stopped calling so much,
Found new friends, got busy, and just lost touch.

It reminded me of falling leaves.

Every autumn the leaves fall from the trees.
Some stay longer than others,
But eventually - Each leaf must fall, I’m told,
Leaving the tree alone to face the cold.

Why is it that in the time of utmost need
The leaves would seek to leave the tree?
And when we need our friends around
We look and they cannot be found?

Of course these friendships come and go

And in the spring new leaves will grow.
But I prefer autumn friends of old
With crackling laughter and colour bold.

It saddens me now I must admit
How somehow, someway,
I did forget Laughing with old friends of mine
During summers when the sun would shine.

Counselor M. Gary Neuman surveyed 200 cheating and noncheating husbands to get at the real reasons behind men’s infidelity.

By Nicole Yorio from Redbook Photo: Forest Woodward/iStock

48% of men rated emotional dissatisfaction as the primary reason they cheated.

66% of cheating men report feeling guilt during the affair.

77% of cheating men have a good friend who cheated.

Hanging around friends who stray makes cheating seem normal and legitimizes it as a possibility.

Hanging around friends who stray makes cheating seem normal and legitimizes it as a possibility. The message he’s subconsciously telling himself: “My friend is a good guy who happens to be cheating on his wife. I guess even the best of us do it.” You can’t simply ban your husband from hanging out with Mr. Wandering Eyes, Neuman says, but you can request that they spend their time together in an environment that offers less temptation, like at a sporting event or a restaurant for lunch rather than at a bar or club. Another strategy: Build your social circle around happily married couples that share your values — it’ll create an environment that supports marriage.

40% of cheating men met the other woman at work.

Only 12% of cheating men said their mistress was more physically attractive than their wife.

In other words, a man doesn’t stray because he thinks he’ll get lucky with a better-looking body. ”

In most cases, he’s cheating to fill an emotional void

In most cases, he’s cheating to fill an emotional void,” Neuman says. “He feels a connection with the other woman, and physical intimacy comes along for the ride.” If you’re worried about infidelity, focus on making your relationship more loving and connected, not on getting your body just right or mastering how to please him physically. (But know that physical intimacy does matter — it’s one of the key ways your guy expresses his love and feels close to you, so be sure to keep it a priority.)

Only 6% of cheating men had physical intimacy with a woman after meeting her that same day or night.

Nitong nagdaang mga araw, nagbabago ako ng anyo. Isa akong yelo, na nakakulong sa bakal na puno ng kalawang. Hindi tumatakbo ang oras. Paano ako makakawala nang hindi natutunaw? Nang hindi nadudumhan?

Kung dumating ang oras na maghahanap ka, puntahan mo ang nagliliparang alikabok. Isa ako sa kanila. At kung sakaling mapuwing ka, isipin mong ako ang pumupuwing sa ‘yo para di ka masaktan. Gusto kong maramdaman mo ang aking presensya nang hindi ako nakikita.

Kung madaan ka sa mga halaman, ‘wag kang kukuha ni isang dahon man lang, baka ako ang iyong mapitas, malulungkot ako.

Pag ninais kong muling magbagong anyo, (ayoko pa) ‘wag kang umasang makita ako, mag-iiba ako ng pormat disenyo.

Kung mapadaan ka sa umaagos na tubig, damhin mo iyon ng iyong mga palad. Wag mong punasan, isipin mo ako, hayaan mong matuyo at saka ako maglalaho.

Isipin mo lang akong tumatawa, tulad ng lagi kong ginagawa. Isipin mo lang akong tinotopak, at tawagin mo akong baliw, hindi pa rin ako masasaktan, tulad ng dati.

Hindi mo man ako makita, hindi ako lalayo. Magbago man ako ng anyo, ako pa rin ako. ‘Wag mo na akong hanapin dahil hindi ako nagtatago, pero hindi ako magpapakita. Hayaan mong lumipas ang panahon…hanggang sa naisin kong ilapit ang langit sa aking puso…doon lang ako magiging malaya.

I’m falling apart, I’m barely breathing
With a broken heart that’s still beating
In the pain there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I’m holdin’ on, I’m holdin’ on, I’m holdin’ on
I’m barely holdin’ on to you

The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded, I’m an open book instead
I still see your reflection inside of my eyes
That are looking for a purpose, they’re still looking for life

I’m falling apart, I’m barely breathing
With a broken heart that’s still beating
In the pain is there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I’m holdin’ on, I’m holdin’ on, I’m holdin’ on
I’m barely holdin’ on to you

I’m hangin’ on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
And I’m hangin’ on to the words you say
You said that I will, will be ok

The broken lights on the freeway left me here alone
I may have lost my way now, having forgot my way home