Now that New Years has past, much of our attention has focused on Valentine’s Day- especially if you have a special person in your life. The stores are all decorated with pink and red hearts as a reminder that February 14th is Valentine’s Day will soon be here! This is a day when we have to make sure we show our loved one(s) – newly or long term- that we are thinking of them and how special they are to us.
We show these special people how much we care with flowers, candy, perfume and a meaningful gift (Men that means jewelry!). It is expected that the man plans dinner at a very romantic restaurant with a 3 to 5 course meal, literally spending hundreds of dollars on this one evening, unless he can cook a decent meal. As women we appreciate all this effort. However, what I know from my clients, my friends and myself, my relationship advice to you is that we want romance to be sprinkled consistently throughout the year, not just lumped into this one day a year!
Moreover, what is considered romantic to one person is not romantic to another. My relationship advice is that you have your partner write a list of a dozen romantic items or actions that they consider to be romantic. Then you can plan to act on one of the items on the list every month. Make a year plan for yourself and your partner.
I once heard that romance is like water to a plant – you need to water the plant on a consistent basis for it to flourish. So romance also requires consistent attention. Also, what would make planning your romantic gestures fun and not a chore? How about imagining the look on your partner’s face? Or thinking about what will transpire by your partner feeling special and attended to?)
Yes, plan a special evening for Valentine’s Day, one that will be remembered for years to come. However, my relationship advice is you can plan a special night out on the weekend (and not pay the outrageous, inflated restaurant prices for Tuesday, February 14th) like my husband and I do. We also prefer to have a fun family dinner at home with our son on Valentine’s Day since it’s a school night this year!
Tap into your creativity and have a memorable Valentine’s Day and romantic 2012 – all year long!