In my last column, I dove into my life as a chronically single vegan and the frustrations of the dating world.

Since that article posted, the themes from it seem to have come alive more than ever in my own world; I went on another awkward, fumbly and overly unpleasant blind date. Had a cute guy at the gym ask me if I’m “one of those crazy people” when he saw me on the treadmill in a PETA shirt. And for good measure, I also had a creepy, greasy, middle-aged man corner me in Blockbuster trying to convince me why I should go out with him. (I’m surprised a windowless van didn’t pull up to block my exit on my way out.)

However, one reason I so loved pouring my heart out about the struggles of dating is because I received a lot of encouraging comments from people who are vegetarian or vegan and have found their perfect mate. Many sweet stories and kind words came my way, reminding me that there are true successes for many people in my same situation and–no matter how much I just want to–I really shouldn’t sneer in jealousy when I see cute vegan couples splitting a Tofutti sundae.

So for all of you starry-eyed, veggie-loving romantics out there who identify with my struggles but have luckily found your perfect partner, I’d like to provide you with a few resources you can thank me later for. Being in a healthy relationship and being vegan are two separate but very similar ways of life in that both take a lot of commitment, dedication, selflessness, and compassion, and both overwhelmingly come from a foundation of l-o-v-e.

Here is my list o’ love tricks for animal-friendly couples (note: even if you’re not veg but your partner is, surprising them with one or more of these ideas might just make them love you forever):

• While Hampton Roads is chock full of fancy veg-friendly restaurants, dinner time can be even sweeter when you cook at home. And forget the oysters–these natural and animal-friendly aphrodisiacs have been proven to get the blood flowing and the heart racing: Asparagus, Bananas, Berries, Carrots, Chili Peppers, Chocolate, Ginger, Licorice (did you know the smell of licorice mixed with cucumber is proven to be the most sexually stimulating scent for women?), Pumpkin, and Soy. To read about why these foods have the magic touch, click here.

• Purchase your massage oils, body products and other sensual lotions from one of the following companies that don’t test on animals: Aveda, Arbonne, Jason Natural, LUSH, GLYDE, and The Body Shop.

• Always fake it…for the animals, that is. Faux fur, pleather, and silk alternative lingerie are available at local shops like Charlotte Russe, Dillards, Fredericks of Hollywood, Victoria’s Secret, and even Target, to name a few.

I hope someone out there can appreciate these suggestions since I’ll just be eating cereal for dinner tonight and watching Law and Order reruns. But hey, that’s just kinda how I roll…jealous?!