I am writing this because I know that there are people who need ideas on this subject, but I have to be honest. You need to know your audience. You know better than I do what would make your significant other, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc. happy. Still, I have gathered a list of ideas that may help, just in case you are suffering from a lack of inspiration. In honor of Valentine’s Day…
- Tell someone you love them – it is just that simple.
- Prepare a romantic meal – or prepare their favorite meal
- Bake heart-shaped cookies- or a heart-shaped cake.
- Take over their household responsibilities for a week or a month.
- Make reservations in a bed and breakfast.
- Give a living gift: a blooming plant, bush, or tree.
- Name a star for them.
- Adopt an animal at a zoo, if they love animals.
- Take time to learn about one of their hobbies or interests.
- List the top 10 romantic memories that you share with them.
- Buy flowers for your partner’s mother to thank her for bringing such a special person into the world.
- Write a “101 Reasons I Love You” list.
- Go back to the place you had your first date with your partner.
- Make a Valentine’s card by hand
- Mail a card full of love and loving thoughts even if you live together.
- Tell your partner how proud you are of them.
- Support your partner through thick and thin.
- Wrap your arms around your partner and hug them enthusiastically.
- Learn to say “I love you” in different languages to surprise your partner.
- Read a romantic poem to your partner over drinks – and in candlelight or romantic lighting.
- Make homemade candy for your partner.
- Do a chore that they really hate so that they don’t have to worry about it.
- Talk to their family about things you might do that would make them happy.
- Call your partner or email them over the course of the day to let them know you are thinking of them.
- Go to see a movie that you wouldn’t normally go see, in order to make your partner happy.
- Develop a ritual with your partner: give each other a warm hug every night as soon as you are both home, sit and have a cup of coffee together first thing in the morning, cuddle on the couch and watch a tv show together before bed, etc.
- Surprise your significant other with a nice meal, with candles and music.
- Write a love letter and mail it to them.
- Write a number of small love notes and place them in places that your significant other will look.
- Put a love note in their lunch!
- Send them a love note (a mild one, mind!) to their email each morning.
- Send them a love text message!
- Cross stitch a simple, romantic mug
- Give your partner a little quiet time at the end of the day so that they can unwind, if that is what they need – even if you are eager to talk about the day.
- Look for little things that you can do to help your partner unwind at the end of the day: rub feet, make dinner (ok, not such a little thing), straighten, run a warm bath, make a cup of tea, turn on soft music, dim the lights, keep the kids distracted…
- Take the kids out for a meal and let your partner have a quiet meal in peace or even a hot bath in peace. The two of you could have a nice meal together after the kids are in bed.
- Arrange for a weekend together at a bed and breakfast.
- Give him a back rub.
- Watch his favorite sport with him – and try to learn something about it.
- Tell him how much you appreciate his help.
- Tell him how much you appreciate him participating in your family events.
- Make his favorite meal, with his favorite dessert.
- Take time to really listen.
- Make a list of your 10 favorite romantic memories with your partner, then give it to them.
- Write a “101 Reasons I Love You” list.
- Write an original love poem for your partner.
- Make homemade candy for your partner instead of giving him or her store-bought candy.
- Arrange to have your anniversary off every year and spend the entire day together.
- Cook a nice meal together.
- Do one task each day that they really dread – and do it for them with a smile on your face.
- Look for ways to lessen their stress: do something around the house that makes things easier, buy them a stress-relief product for work, get a stress-relief CD, etc.
- Cuddle with your partner. Give them a hug before they leave, whenever that might be. See them off, wave to them.
Musings 