Everyone knows about February 14 th. It is the time to buy red roses and chocolates, special cards and funny balloons. But what about the rest of the year. What happens then ?
Remembering our loved ones on non-anniversaries is a very special way of demonstrating that a relationship matters and is really important to us. We can communicate this in a myriad of ways and build a strong, intimate bond purely by investing time and consideration into our special partnership.
Showing that a person is loved and cared for does not have to be expensive. In fact, often the best, most appreciated gifts are the ones that required thought and planning, rather than a lot of money being spent. They are valued because they were chosen with that particular person in mind.
Here are a few of my ideas for letting someone know that they are loved. Feel free to add any extras of your own. Note that these are not expensive ideas, but will require some time and effort.
- The best investment in a relationship is in the quality of the communications. Each person being respected, whatever they say, and not judged for it. Communicate openly and say how you feel about things. Do not expect your partner to be psychic.
- Listen to what your partner says, and demonstrate that you have listened by remembering what you have been told and following it up on future occasions by asking questions, checking what happened next.
- Run a scented bath for them. Light candles. Warm the towels.
- Cook their favourite meal, from scratch. And clear up afterwards.
- Give them a massage.
- Make a collage of special pictures, times, events that you have shared.
- Compile a compact disc of ‘our’ songs and tunes.
- Plan a day out, go to the beach with a picnic, or spend time visiting galleries, book shops, markets together.
- Hire some bicycles and go out for a ride.
- Enjoy a country walk. Have a drink or lunch in a quaint pub
- Remember a film, book, show that was mentioned and organise it.
- Telephone or text just to say, ‘Hello, I love you’
- Paint them a picture or frame a special photograph.
- Buy flowers, and not just once a year to say ’sorry’. Remember, men like flowers too.
Susan Leigh, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist
www.lifestyletherapy.net