Valentines Day is regarded as a special day by some people. They look forward to receiving attention and signs that they are loved. Then there are those people who are suspicious of Valentines Day and regard it as a cynical ploy by retailers to intimidate customers into buying over-priced cards, chocolates and flowers. Others may want to treat their love to something special but have no money available to spend on extras. Whilst it can be lovely to lavish attention and gifts onto your special someone the question can be asked, why focus on just one day of the year to demonstrate that you are in love?
Let’s look at positive, inexpensive ways to demonstrate your love on Valentines Day and every other day:
- Someone I know made a scrapbook of the times spent together during their relationship; they assembled photographs, programmes, ticket stubs, fliers, dried flowers from the places they had visited and the things they had done throughout their days and evenings together. The thought, time and effort invested in the project made it a much appreciated, unique and treasured gift.
- Utilise your skills. Paint a picture, frame a special photograph, bake a cake, take the children out to give your love a few hours peace, valet their car, clear the garden; do something that would be valued by them. Demonstrating that you have made the effort to do something they would appreciate 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 day; breakfast in bed, a lovely bath, all the newspapers, their favourite meals, plan their favourite films, give them a massage.
- Revisit a place of special significance. If there is somewhere that has special sentimental meaning, why not plan a trip for Valentines 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 time together to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Why focus on just Valentines Day being romantic? With a little forward planning all these suggestions could be utilised, so enabling everyday to become a special day in your relationship. People respond to being treated with consideration and affection. These simple gestures could enhance the quality of the relationship for both of you, and without breaking the bank.
Susan Leigh is a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist who works with stressed individuals to promote confidence and self belief, with couples in crisis to improve communications and understanding and with business clients to support the health and motivation levels of individuals and teams.
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