No matter what stage of love your relationship may be in,
Valentine’s Day is a chance to slow down and appreciate each other.
a life of beauty and grace tumblr
The gift of your own words
A year ago I stumbled on a blogger who actually pens love notes to her future husband and I found this idea intriguing. There’s a certain naked vulnerability about writing to an imaginary man and then posting all your dreamy hopes for the world to see.
I admire that kind of openness.
I also think there’s something inherently romantic about using using one’s own words to express your love. In fact, I just finished reading Jane Austen’s Persuasion and once again, there was another amazing love letter at the end of the book.
Every time I read Jane Austen I’m left wondering, “who was this woman who could write such gorgeous love letters?”
“You piece my soul.” Those are some pretty powerful and graphic words. And I admit it, I’m captivated by great writers. People who can create breathless emotion with mere words.
But at the same time, I don’t think the quality of writing matters when you’re putting your sincere feelings on paper for someone you love. In fact, I think it’s these little, meaningful gifts that are more touching than those with expensive price tags.
I believe that effort matters more than money. And leaving a handwritten note someplace surprising is sweeter than a box of chocolates.
Do you agree?
Here’s a few ideas from a past post that might inspire you to do something different for this Valentine’s Day. None of these ideas cost any money, they just take time.
A lipstick message on a mirror
A love letter left on the car seat
via Molly Jane
Framing a special quote
http://eaglelfc.deviantart.com/art/You-Had-Me-At-Hello-197440902
Using quotes from a favorite movie or song to describe your feelings
Using rose petals
Making a candlelight message
Decorating his car
Here’s one I’ve done. When I was a newlywed, I went to Mr. Moss’s workplace and covered his car with pink and red balloons and crepe paper while he was inside. Then I waited and watched from a hiding place while he came out. (warning: this is more fun for the giver!)
Add some bling and sparkles to “the key to your heart.”
Delivered with a note.
weheartit.com
A hand-made message left in an unexpected place….
A unique engraved spoon with a message.
loo, boo and shoes blogspot.com
And how about this? Using a book to hide a gift. How very cool.
Whatever you decide to do, I really hope you don’t get too hung up on the gift part.
Keeping expectations down and being grateful is ultimately the key to having a special Valentine’s moment. I just hope you have a chance to laugh and reminisce and have fun together away from the kids and the worries.
And that you remember why you ended up together in the first place. That’s so important.
In fact we’re planning on doing something totally different this year along these lines. Something very sentimental. I’ll have to let you know how it works.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering if men and women have similar views of Valentine’s Day, you can check out this interesting survey. You might be surprised.
Did I forget something on this list?
Tell me about your favorite Valentine’s gift, I’d love to hear!
xoxo
Leslie
linking up to these fun places:
Those are all really cool ideas! Not sure yet what I'm going to do this year. Sometimes it's just a card. What I'd love is for HIM to do something really cool sometime! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI love making gifts that a valuable for their meaning and not their price tag. I have made several different things for my husband over the years - a plate decoupaged with pretty paper and hand written words and phrases that had meaning to us, a shadow box frame containing two overlapping hearts and romantic words, written a poem, added text to a few of our wedding pictures and framed them, left little notes on his books, car seat and done the lipstick note on the mirror thing - anything I can think of is fun flirty and shows him how much I love him, no matter what time of year it is! Thank you for some great ideas! Hugs, Leena
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I think it's key, though, to know how your spouse/significant other receives love - i.e. their love language. Some people give and receive love through presents, others through words, some through quality time, others through physical touch, and some through acts of service. I agree, though, that we should go beyond the typical, and that valentine's day doesn't have to mean extravagant gifts. :)
ReplyDeleteOh dear I used to feel some of these things, and do many. But my last minor love told me I wasn't romantic, and the truth is he never brought it out in me. Italian men think they are the most romantic creatures in the world and it can be off-putting. Not sure where I stand on Valentines Day now but I hope you have a delicious one! Xcat
ReplyDeleteoh these are all so sweet and thank you for throwing a lil ryan gosling in there a few times, made my aloha friday!! :)
ReplyDeleteHey, new follower from the Aloha Friday blog hop. Aw, all so sweet! :)
ReplyDeletexo,
Kristin
aboutagirl.ca
Trev used to travel most weeks with his job so I would tuck little notes inside his luggage so he would be reminded when he was away that I was waiting back at home for him. I usually cook a nice dinner at home for Valentines day ~ something special and then his favourite ~ chocolate something or other for dessert. We are not big on gifts but I usually get a little bouquet of flowers that always make me smile.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sweet post and I can't agree more. A heartfelt note would make my day (over a gift) anyday. I love the ideas in your post and the importance of taking the time to do simple acts of love.
ReplyDeleteThis is just the cutest post and nothing says I love you more than the movie the Notebook. It really is a favorite ... though Safe Haven may be giving it a run for the money :)
ReplyDeleteI am following you from the hop and would love for you to follow along.
Jillian
http://puzzlemecomplete.blogspot.com/2013/02/this-was-my-carnival.html