Well, it's the 14th of February again. 'So what' you ask. It's Valentines Day! 'So what' you say again! For those of you who think Valentine's day is a gross, over the top, crass example of commercialisation, you're probably right. But the fact remains that it is firmly entrenched in our society now and if you are in a relationship and choose to ignore it, you may be facing the cold shoulder treatment.
And of course there'll be those who say 'I don't need to be told when to show I love you - I'll do it when I want to' etc. Which is fine if you do.
The sad truth is that most of us are too busy to make special efforts throughout the year to show someone else we love them or are thinking about them - so maybe it's a good idea to have a formal reminder.
Each year my mother sends me a Valentine's day card. And I send her one! No, it's not sick - she just loves me and likes to take the opportunity to be thoughtful! And vice versa. What about sending your parents a card telling them how much they mean to you. Or to your children - I love reading and re reading my cards from Mum. They will be even more precious when she is no longer here.
In the past , other people have sent me cards - even anonymous ones! It's very annoying if you receive cards and have no idea who sent them - interesting but ultimately annoying! If you are scheming to send a secret card make sure the recipient has some way of working out who sent it - otherwise you waste your money! And drive them nuts. Or maybe that's what you want!
I think Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to remind yourself and your beloved that you do love each other. Think of some creative way to demonstrate it.
Don't just do flowers and chocolates. Hide a piece of jewellry or a little present in the chocolate or in the flowers. I remember a friend of mine proposed to his fiance by hiding the engagement ring in an easter egg!
Plan a surprise romantic weekend away - organize baby sitters and animal sitters and collect your beloved at work. Have their bags already packed and blindfold them as you near your mystery destination.
Or plan a special dinner - dinner under the stars or in a forest. A formal picnic perhaps? Create an invitation that you can give them as the present on the day with the promise of more to come.
Or go back to the place you first met or re enact your first dinner, engagement or marriage. It's corny but it might just be fun!
Or dress up, go to a bar and pretend you don't know each other and 'make eyes' at each other across a crowded room. Gradually work your way across to 'pick each other up'! (I know I'm sick! But it does remind you of what you might have been taking for granted lately)
It doesn't have to be an expensive exercise. Cut up 50 little pieces of paper and write something that you love about your partner on each one and put them into a decorated jar or bottle.
Or fill a bottle with 'love potion number nine' (just some aromatherapy oil) and write out the scene that goes with the love potion! It could include a romantic hot tub together with the oils in the water.
Make a booklet of vouchers that entitle the holder to one massage ; or a cooked meal; or two hours of baby sitting; or a picnic ; or for a movie of their choice; or the have a dream of theirs fulfilled (within reason of course!); or vouchers that say you will be the dishwasher for the year; or do all the ironing; or that you will hire an ironing lady for a month, or a cleaner, or a gardener or handyman.
Write a poem;
promise to be home before 7pm every night or by 6 o'clock on Fridays;
make him or her tea in bed every morning for the year.
Think of something that your partner has been wanting you to do for ages and do it - just to see the joy (or amazement) on their face!
Valentine's Day may not be your favorite concept but make the most of it - use it as a trigger for romance. Let it remind you that relationships need nurturing and fertilising and watering - just like an exotic plant. Go on - be adventurous and playful. You never know, the results might be so good that you decide to have a Valentine's Day every week.
PS If you're single , send yourself a V. day card just to remind yourself that you love you!
