Not all married couples celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you’re in one that does, or if your wife or husband could use a little boost, here are some tips.
Don’t assume your spouse enjoys what anyone else does. Pay attention to what he or she gives you on this love-remembrance day and what melts his or her heart on other days.
Consider Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages.
Touch: a massage by you or a pro, a special oil, a lap blanket that feels wonderful to stroke.
Acts of Service: make a special dinner, bake a special treat, bring breakfast in bed.
Words of Affirmation: write a love letter or put flowers or candy in a mug with a message.
Quality Time: dinner out, a candlelit dinner at home, a scavenger hunt, a movie.
Gifts: candy, flowers, jewelry, anything made by your hands, and beautifully wrapped.
Don’t set yourself up for disappointment if there’s any chance your spouse doesn’t know you want to celebrate this one. Find a “you” want of saying you’re looking forward to this special day: show off what you plan to wear, add the day or even a time slot to your shared calendar, or make sure you’re overheard saying to someone else that you’re not available on the 14th, because it’s a special day for you and your spouse.
Make it easy to make you happy. If your spouse celebrated the day in a great way in the past, take the time to savor it out loud, reminding them how wonderful they are. If not, respond with pleasure to ads for things you’d love as you watch TV or YouTube. No one should lose your respect for an inability to read your mind.