10 Tips on How to Express Your Love for Your Spouse on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means that you’re probably scrambling around for ideas on how to impress your significant other. Rather than get into the rut of the proverbial roses and chocolates, try any (or all) of these tips on how to show your spouse or loved one how much you adore them.

1.    Take the day off. If Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday, opt to take the day off and spend the whole day with each other—without the kids! It’ll be the perfect excuse to escape on your own with each other. Taking the day off communicates to your spouse that this day is special for the both of you, and that it’s worth the time off from your regular routine.

2.    Drop the diet rules, just for today! “Food is our common ground,” said James Beard. Just for a day, set aside your diet rules and make your spouse something delicious (or, order out for it!). Set the mood early on in the day by making breakfast for each other. Eat your first meal of the day together in your pajamas while cuddled up in the sheets.

3.    Give small, thoughtful gifts throughout the day. Think of ways to surprise your lover with small gifts throughout the day. Enlist the help of your spouse’s office mates to plant gifts in your hubby’s desk at certain times of the day, like a box of chocolates, a DVD of a movie he loves, or funny illustrated cards with humorous love quips; if you’re the hubby have a flower delivered to your wife’s cubicle at the office every hour of the work day with a love note or a card with a love quote.

4.    Be cheesy. This is the perfect day to be all mushy and gooey! Change the screen saver on your loved one’s laptop to scroll a message of love or a slideshow of your favorite photos of your fondest memories. Tuck a perfumed hanky in your hubby’s pants pocket while he’s getting ready for the office—when he reaches in for the car keys, he’ll get a scented surprise!

 

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Read on to see more ways to express your love for your spouse on Valentine's Day.

5.    Be out-of-the-box when it comes to gifts. This is especially fun! Instead of giving just flowers (which are at their most expensive price range this year), give something extra that you wouldn’t normally think of. For example, you could give your hubby a set of gift certificates which he can exchange in return for favors from you, such as a back rub, a romantic night out, or anything you know fits his fancy (wink, wink). If you’re the hubby, then reward your wife with something extra special, such as a pamper package at the spa or a weekend getaway.  

6.    Be as out-of-box when it comes to the Valentine date. Valentine’s Day has some of the worst traffic jams of the year, mostly due to the hordes of couples who are headed out for the proverbial candlelit dinner out. Avoid the hassle of making reservations at some swanky and likely overbooked restaurant: hire a private chef to make dinner for you two! There are personal chefs around town who arrange private dinner parties complete with a tasteful setup and a gourmet meal. Of course, don’t forget the candlelight and good bottle of wine.

7.    Re-write your wedding vows and give them to each other. Much like a love letter, this is a great idea if you never got the chance to say your own vows on during your nuptial rites. Say what’s in your heart! You can go Spartan and just write it down on simple stationary, or you can go big-time and have your composition laid-out and framed. Whichever format you choose, it’s your words that are the real gift!

8.    Forgive and forget. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and nothing builds up love and makes it stronger than forgiveness. You don’t need to talk lengthily about your last fight or disagreement. Instead, resolve to forgive one another for your faults towards each other, and move on in your relationship.

9.    Love your spouse in his or her “love language.” Psychologists and relationship experts have deduced that there are five types of “love languages,” and that each person responds best to gestures of love that he or she understands. Officially, the five languages are: Words, Quality Time, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Touch. Affirm your spouse’s efforts if he’s a “words” person who thrives on encouragement; if she’s a quality time type, then make sure you do take the day off on Valentine’s Day just to be devoted to her. If your spouse understands love as being expressed by receiving a gift, then make sure the gift you get speaks of the love and effort you took in getting it. Some spouses believe love is communicated in acts of service; if your spouse understands love this way, do things for her, like washing the dishes or taking out the trash. Lastly, if your spouse communicates his or her love through touch, then make sure hugs, kisses and strokes are on maximum capacity today!

10.    Make love. Yes, this is about sex, but it’s not just about sex! When you “make love” to your spouse, you give the whole package: sweet words, courtship, foreplay, lovemaking. In short, you do all you can to draw out the love that you have for one another, which is a cumulative act combining the aforementioned tips. When you want to express your love to your spouse this Valentine’s Day, do so with the sole purpose of making your love come alive. This way, it will thrive through your efforts to make this day truly special.

 

Photo from sxc.hu