Valentine’s Day. The red hearts make us feel like love and happiness is all around. We see images of couples hugging and gazing into each other’s eyes and we want that. We go shopping at beautifully decorated stores and envision making our loved one feel special and cherished. And, secretly, we hope our partners are thinking and doing the same for us. The spirit behind Valentine’s Day is beautiful. Don’t we all want more of it though?
Wouldn’t it be great if we could make our loved ones feel special most days of the year? Wouldn’t it be fantastic if WE felt that our loved ones cherished and truly appreciated US most days of the year?
How, in this busy world of ours, can we keep the lovely spirit of Valentine’s Day alive? Author CJ Mahaney offers some advice on this to men, but it relates to women as well. He says, “To learn how to touch your wife’s heart and mind, you must study her.” He then goes on to ask a poignant question: “Do you know how to surprise and delight your wife in the following areas?”
- clothing styles and stores?
- jewelry?
- health?
- exercise?
- books and magazines?
- movies?
- the arts?
- sports?
- food and drink?
- music?
- entertainment?
- places to visit?
- intellectual interests?
- hobbies?
- vacations/getaways?
It’s usually the small things that make the biggest difference to us. If someone takes the time to really know you and show you they know and appreciate who you are, then happiness and the feeling that we wish for each and every Valentine’s Day can be felt more often than just February 14th.
Can this philosophy be directed toward our children too? Absolutely! Who doesn’t like to be loved this way? Does your child mention a song or artist they love? Why not find it on iTunes and secretly download it to their iPod. Does your husband love a certain type of food from his heritage? Why not cook that for him as a surprise? Does your wife love romance? Surprise her with a beautiful romance novel and a rose one day.
It doesn’t take much, but the rewards of doing little things for our loved ones — and doing them OFTEN — are immeasurable. Study your wife, husband or child, then use this information to bring happiness into your home on a regular basis, not just on the day when someone tells you to.
This is perfect! I feel that Valentine’s day is overrated in the same way that Christmas is. It’s like we are supposed to condense all of our showing of affection and love into one day. It means so much when you can show that special someone how much you care more consistently.
Thanks for some great ideas.
Rod
Nice post Erin. I agree that it’s often the smallest things that make the biggest difference. If we pay attention to little things of the people who we care about most, they will usually reciprocate this feeling back to us. This helps to make ours relationships stronger and also helps us appreciate each day that we have together.
Thanks, super post!
I agree with this post! I’ve never really warmed up to the idea of celebrating Valentine’s day because of how pretentious it is. I mean, why express your love on just one day out of the whole year? I want Valentine’s everyday if people want to celebrate it. There’s so much love to go around!!!
I don’t think I’d like valentines everyday it devalues it.
CJ Mahaney is an amazing man.
“The main thing, is to make the main thing, the main thing”
Giving gifts to your loved ones is not the only way we can make everyday Valentine’s day. We can actually make it happen everyday by just the simplest, thoughtful action that we can do to them. Like my wife waking up to a sumptuous breakfast for a change. :)
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happy hearts day..
i LOVE YOU