10 Ways to make Valentine’s Day Special
Valentine’s day has been celebrated since the 18th Century in various ways around the world however, over time many people feel that it has become too commercialized, losing the romantic notion of this special occasion.
2019 is the year of “ME”, it’s about taking charge of your life, your future, your purpose and your passion.
So if you want to make your Valentine’s Day special this year, here are 10 ways you can do just this.
- Handwritten Note or Handmade Valentine’s Card
In the olden days, admirers would write secret love notes to their hearts desire and sign it “Your Valentine”. There is nothing more heartwarming than getting a handmade card or handwritten letter telling your partner what you love and appreciate about them. It shows that you took the time and went to great effort for your loved one. You can even go one step further and fill an empty box or container with a number of love notes which your partner can keep as a momento and refer to from time to time.
- Uber your partner to home/work
Treat your partner to a relaxed trip to/from work by sending an Uber for them. This way they can relax and enjoy the ride or they could choose to use the time to catch up on work or phone calls with family and friends. It sure beats getting hot and bothered in peak hour traffic and ruining a romantic evening together.
- Childhood Memories
Find something symbolic and special from your partner’s childhood and present it to them as a keepsake e.g. collage of childhood pictures, favourite toy, school art project.
- Valentine Month
Who said Valentine’s day only had to be celebrated on the 14th? Many people say you should show your partner every day how much you love an appreciate them. For the month of February make it a point to find one thing every day to appreciate about your partner, or present them with special item/gift each day, go one step further and make it a treasure hunt.
- Flowers
Instead of giving your partner a bunch of their favourite flowers, instead get the whole plant and plant it for them so they can enjoy it all year round.
- Relive Your First Date
Re-enact your first date, go back to where you had your first date and recapture the memories and your relationship journey together.
- Pamper Session
Nothing beats a good, relaxing massage and what better way to have some ‘me or us’ time together than at your local spa. Take it one step further and book a whole pamper weekend away.
- Make Something Special
Your partners favourite meal, cake/dessert, a DIY project, decorate a room together, gardening etc
- Photo Shoot
Arrange a surprise Valentines photo shoot together, you can even go one step further and dress up in various outfits/themes e.g. vintage, school uniforms, matric dance etc
- Quality Time Together
The most sought after commodity these days is distraction free time. Many couples don’t get to spend a lot of quality time together with the busy lifestyles we lead today so nothing beats spending time together without distractions (e.g. no kids, phones, laptops, work, tv etc). Take it one step further and cook a romantic meal together at home or have picnic on the lounge floor or garden with candles, music and anything else your heart desires.
Paula Quinsee: Relationship Expert, Tedx speaker and author of Embracing Conflict and Embracing No. Paula teaches individuals and companies tools and skills to immediately and positively enhance the quality of their personal and organisational relationships. She is a consultant to SA TV show “Married at first Sight”, conducts regular monthly workshops, writes articles for a number of platforms and hosted podcasts for Niche Radio and UK Health Radio.