Make Every Day Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is treated as the special day for love, where we may look forward to receiving flowers, cards and declarations from our special one. Whilst others are cynical of Valentine’s Day, viewing it as a ploy by retailers to sell over-priced cards, chocolates and meals.
Yes, it might be lovely to lavish attention and gifts on our significant other, but why focus on just one day of the year to demonstrate how much you care?
How can we demonstrate our love on Valentine’s Day and every other day of the year?
- Someone I know made a scrapbook of the wonderful times they’d shared so far in their relationship, with photographs, programmes, ticket stubs, fliers, dried flowers from the places they’d visited and enjoyed. Being thoughtful and sensitive, showing how important the relationship is to you, makes for a much valued, unique and treasured gift.
- Utilise your skills. Paint a picture, frame a special photograph, bake a cake, take the children out and give your love a few hours peace, valet their car, clear the garden; do something that would be appreciated by them. Making an effort to do something they’d really value makes your actions all the more relevant and special.
- Plan a day of special treats and pampering. Many people lead busy, stressed lives, so arrange for your love to have a comfortable, relaxing time; breakfast in bed, a lovely bath, time to read, their favourite meal or film, give them a massage.
- Revisit a place of special significance. If there’s somewhere that has special sentimental meaning, why not plan a trip around Valentine’s Day? Perhaps you were at school or university together, enjoyed walks on the beach, took weekends away when you first met. Pack a picnic and go and spend a romantic, nostalgic afternoon there together.
- If you have children why not alternate child care with another couple? That way you both get the opportunity for a break. Even if you simply end up staying at home with a takeaway and the television at least you get lovely time together to relax and enjoy each other's company.
Why focus on just Valentine’s Day for being romantic? A little forward planning could bring some of these suggestions into your lives, enabling every day to become a special day in your relationship. A few simple gestures could enhance the quality of your relationship, without breaking the bank.
Susan Leigh, Altrincham, Cheshire, South Manchester counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.
She's author of 4 books, 'Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact', '101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday', 'Your Divorce Handbook, It's What You Do Next that Counts' and 'Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain', all on Amazon & with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life.