5 Strategies for the Best Valentine’s Day Ever

Valentine’s Day is coming up and what is being done to make it unforgettable – the usual combination of flowers-present-restaurant? You follow the routine because it’s become a standard, what others do… You are no longer sure you anticipate this holiday. Choosing a present gives you a headache and you postpone it to the last minute. And as selfish as most of us are, we expect our partners to shower us with their love and adoration on that day, worshiping the mere fact of our existence. But what do YOU do to make it a memorable day for them? What do YOU do to show them your love and appreciation?

It’s not about buying a fancy present, it’s about making them feel special – and you can achieve it using 5 simple strategies:

1.Surprise.
There is a little child living inside of us – and kids love surprises. Do something you never do or something your spouse doesn’t expect: if you’ve never tried serving breakfast in bed – that’s a good start (boy, I wish it was done to be at least once in this life!) Make his omelet into a heart shape. Write little “I Love You” notes and hide them in his pockets, shoes, wallet. Hang on the wall a collage with the best photos of you two and write short funny poems underneath each picture. Write a love song and sing it to his work voicemail, while he is at lunch. The element of surprise will add some novelty to your feelings and your relationship especially on this particular day.

2. Care
If someone loves you they genuinely care about you. Show him you care too and it will make him feel closer to you. Ask him about his work in details, even if before you showed little interest in his achievements. “Fix” his tie (scarf, hat) on the way out. Ask if he wants something special for breakfast. Give him a massage, stroke his hair. Tell him to wear a warm sweater if it’s cold outside. Tell him to be careful on the road. Tell him to take good care of himself because you need him.

3. Compliment
Men and women alike like to hear compliments (whether we admit it or not). Even the lamest of the praises can cherish one’s ego and boost self-confidence. However once the life gets too hectic we forget to notice and acknowledge small things about each other (test: do you remember what your spouse was wearing to work this morning?) Now imagine that you see him for the first time: take a good notice of his hair, hands, smile. Don’t say common things like “You are the best” or “You are so handsome”. Make a personalized well-thought compliments that will give goose pumps: “I love your eyes, they hypnotize me whenever you look at me”; “What would I do without your courage and confidence – you are my rock!”; “No one understands me like you do – I am so glad to have you in my life”.

4. Hug
When he least expects it – just come over and give him a tight long-lasting hug. No words are needed… just hold on to him as if you are unable to let go. Turn it into a moment of intimacy that’s above sexuality: it shows how emotional you are because of him. This hug will symbolize your bond, which includes not just love – but also deep friendship and support for each other.


5. Love (Surprise!)
Say it first thing in the morning, say it last thing before you both fall asleep at night. Say it many times during the day, send a text message, e-mail, e-card; write it on a post-it and stick it to the fridge. There are so many different ways to send the message but putting it into words is the most universal approach, so don’t ignore it!

Happy Valentine’s Day!