The Key to the Best Valentine’s Day Ever
It is almost Valentine's Day! You may or may not have thought about what to do. Today I want to share several thoughts on how to make this year's Valentine's Day extraordinary.
As you know, Valentine’s Day always comes on the heels of two major holidays, and you may have spent a significant amount of money on those two occasions and forgotten about what some call the most important date of the year.
Do not stress! We want to help you connect and reconnect with the ones you love, not just on this day but throughout the year. You will want to lean into this conversation if you really want to learn how to leave an impression that lasts.
What you do on Valentine's Day should carry over into the days, weeks, and months to come. It is not a one-and-done. This is when you get personal. The person you want to show what they mean to you is worthy of your thoughtfulness.
A few weeks ago, I talked about the Top Three Things to Consider When Gift-Giving:
1. Remember the conversation,
2. Have a budget in mind, and
3. Presentation.
It is not just about gift giving, it is the memorable experience you are giving them.
How do we do this?
The key to the best Valentine’s ever, is to know their love language.
There are five ways to understand how your spouse, family, and friends will feel most loved. Remember, it is just as critical to communicate your love language to them.
Acts of Service – These are incredible ways to serve someone else by going out of your way to make their day a little easier. Here is where actions speak louder than words. Consider getting the car washed when they keep putting it off or preparing dinner before they get home.
Gifts – This may sound a little materialistic, but when done with intention, it expresses to the one you love that you are attentive. It’s as simple as seeing something they like, and you cannot wait to surprise them with it; or getting crafty and creating something that has personal meaning to them.
Physical touch – Can often be misunderstood as physical intimacy, but it is much more. It is those small physical connections of holding hands or an unexpected hug. A couple of great ways to establish that emotional connection is to take their hand as they get out of the car or massage their feet after a long day at work. They will really appreciate you for that!
Quality Time – People feel most cherished when they are fully present. This uninterrupted time occurs when cell phones are silenced and put away, the television is off, and there is nothing else competing for your attention. Have a meaningful conversation or schedule a date night and actively listen while looking into their eyes.
Words of Affirmation – Giving verbal acknowledgment through encouraging words, appreciation, or compliments. Say or text I love you, compliment them on their outfit, or write them a letter or note letting them know how much you value them. By reinforcing your words in writing, it gives a deeper connection and meaning to the receiver.
Singles & families who want to do something different
These five keys may have you focusing on just couples. But I want to give a few minutes to singles and families who want to do something different for others as a way to show their love.
Offer to babysit for a couple you know that would appreciate an evening away from the kiddos.
Prepare or order a meal to take to a senior in your neighborhood and ask if they would mind you joining them.
For those who want to be more behind the scenes, prepare a care package or write a kind note to someone in the military, a mentor, or your sanitation engineers. These are just a few options to get you started, but ideas are endless.
Now that you have taken all of this in, it is time to start creating your memorable Valentine’s Day experience.