Valentine’s Day—or at least the expressions of love and caring that comes with it—should take place every day, not just on February 14, and not just because there are pink and red hearts in all the shop windows.
Personally, I think that the idea of having one day to focus on love and friendship is not enough. Yes, it's great to have one day a year set aside to celebrate love, and to do something special for the people we cherish the most, but why should we wait for that one "special" day to give or receive the attention that we deserve? In other words, shouldn't every day be special? Now, obviously, I'm not saying that I expect flowers and candy from my boyfriend every day of the week, but I do expect a general show of appreciation more often than just on February 14.
When it comes to love, I am a hopeless romantic who loves everything from watching cheesy romantic comedies to daydreaming all day about spending the rest of my life with that special someone. I truly embrace and celebrate love. In fact the more love, the better. But one day a year? One day to commemorate and show appreciation for the one you love and adore?
I am not saying you need to do all of the practices every day! These are ideas—Valentine’s Day-style romantic efforts that can be worked into everyday life. Here are eight terrific ways to get started.
1. Leave love notes on sticky notes and leave them around your house in hidden places (not too hidden) such as on a toothbrush, inside of a suitcase before travel or on the dashboard of the car.
2. Take five to 10 minutes out of your day to tell your partner all of the things that you love about him or her, everything from "You have a nice smile" to "I appreciate that you always make the coffee for me in the morning."
3. Leave a sexy or romantic message on the bathroom mirror your partner can find when going to bed at night or getting ready to leave in the morning.
4. Surprise your partner by taking over one of his or her chores for the day. If your partner typically takes out the trash, let him or her be surprised by discovering you have already done it. Tell your partner you were trying to make his or her day a little bit easier.
5. Try to listen to your partner more attentively every day. Most of us are so busy and distracted that we do not always completely listen to what our partners are telling us. Make a concerted effort to focus, listen and respond in an attentive way.
6. Surprise your partner with a favorite treat. Stop by and pick up a doughnut or favorite coffee drink, and bring home, or drop it at the office when your partner doesn’t know that you’re coming.
7. In the middle of a busy day, check in and send a kind and loving email or text to your partner. Let your partner know you have been thinking about him or her, ask how his or her day is going, or just say how grateful you are to have them in your life.
8. Carve out some extra time to be attentive to your partner’s needs. Ask how you can make your partner’s day easier today, and then do your best to accomplish doing just that.
These ideas will not only enhance your relationship, but you will also find that you’ve started a cycle that reverberates and creates more happiness for both of you—with or without the pink and red candy hearts.