Valentine’s Day is chock full of flowers, jewelry and candy, but even more special are the simple courtesies that are appreciated and reciprocated any day of the year. I asked a few clients and social media friends how they show love to their Valentine 365 days of the year. Here are a few loving and thoughtful gestures they shared:
- Keeping the coffee warm. Jules: “Before my boyfriend leaves for work he makes another half of a pot, just for me! The burnt liquid syrup at the bottom of the carafe doesn’t count, and he wants to make sure I have a fresh pot of hot coffee when I get out of the shower. I smile every morning when I see it – still 3 years later.”
- Picks up the home phone when it rings in the evening. Lisa says: “There is nothing worse than coming home from work and having to answer the telephone before I am ready to talk to my mother, sister or best friend. I love them, but I’m tired and sometimes I don’t want to talk. My husband answers the telephone and tells them that I am either busy or really tired and will get back with them tomorrow. I really appreciate how he runs interference for me.”
- Rolls in the recycle bin when I get home from work. Karen says: “I could easily do it, but it’s a nice feeling to know my husband and teenage son will be home soon and my husband has taught my son that it is his job to roll in the large recycle bin after football practice each week. It may seem like a small task, but a wonderful opportunity to teach our son to be responsible. We can’t help but laugh when we watch our neighbors drive around the over sized bin for several days before someone finally drags it back to the house.”
- Gets his car washed. Lesley says: “My husband is more than willing to maintain his own car, but on Saturday mornings I like to get up early, grab a cup of coffee and go down to the car wash to have my husband’s car cleaned and detailed, ready to drive clients around the following week. I read the paper, walk next door and get my nails manicured or just close my eyes and relax. When I get home he is just waking up, and we have the rest of the day to run errands and spend some quality time together. I have to admit, that even going together to get our cars washed is quality time for us!”
- Makes sure my girlfriend’s gas tank is full before leaving for work on Monday morning. Jeff: “It’s nothing big, but something special that I have been doing for her since we started dating seriously. We have been together for 2 years, about to be married, and I plan to do this for the rest of our lives. It makes her feel appreciated, and I feel like I am showing her how much I value her safety.”
- Holding her hand when we go to the store. Brian: “When I was single I couldn’t figure out why these guys were holding their girlfriends’ hands while walking through the mall. When I met my girlfriend, I noticed that she would grab my hand at what I considered ‘funny’ times of the day. In line at the grocers, sitting in church and walking to a restaurant. I have to admit, it felt good to have someone show me some attention, and now it has become a habit and something I do on my own without her reaching for my hand first. It tells me that we are connected.”
- Letting my husband take bites out of my dessert. Stacey: “I used to be very guarded about anyone eating off of my plate. Somewhere along the line, my husband started taking a bite of my dessert, and at first, I felt a little violated. It quickly became apparent that he was doing it because of some family tradition, as he would tell me how his father tasted a bite of his mother’s dessert for 35 years and they still share this love ritual to this day.”
- Being respectful of her favorite hard-to-find bottle of wine. Mark: “I made the mistake of serving my wife’s special stash of wine at one of my poker parties. When she came home I noticed she was acting kind of standoffish. I couldn’t understand how she would get so bent out of shape about drinking her wine that could be easily replaced. She later shared with me that it wasn’t drinking the wine that bothered her, but rather about drinking all of ‘our’ special wine without asking if she minded first. I didn’t realize that the wine was something she considered special because we always drank it together. Who knew until she told me!”
- Stocking up her favorite holiday creamer. Matt: “Even though the holidays are over, my girlfriend still has her favorite Pumpkin Spice creamer that she purchased by the box full. It is getting low and when it’s gone, it’s not coming back until next year. She hides it in the back of the fridge, behind all of the yogurt and cottage cheese. I searched my entire town until I found 7 more containers and I plan to give them to her on Valentine’s Day. Right now they are in my office refrigerator with a ‘Don’t Touch’ sign.”
- Leaving post it notes where he can find them. Caroline: “One year for Valentine’s Day I made a big heart out of post it notes and on each sticker, expressed a sentiment of love or appreciation.I have continued the tradition throughout the year, leaving my husband notes in the fridge, on his steering wheel, in the cabinet where I know he’ll reach for his cereal, any place that he will find a little surprise. He appreciates affirmation and I love expressing how much I love him, all year long, not just on Valentine’s Day.”
Special thanks to those that shared your favorite way to say “I love you” 365 days a year. I’d love to hear your favorite daily “I love you gesture”…
Happy Valentines Day!
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram