I don’t know about you, but once the month of February hits I automatically start thinking in reds and pinks, hearts and roses, chocolates and other sweets. Valentine’s Day has clearly worked its magic by imprinting these symbols in my head, but despite the well-deserved reputation of being overly commercial I do believe there is some good behind the holiday. After all, what’s not to love about…well spreading love?!
That said, I do believe it’s time we all get creative and think beyond your traditional greeting cards and box of chocolates to show love. One of my favorite quotes is by the late Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I could not agree more, and so I’ve put in the work for you and have come up with these four new ways you can show your love – this month and beyond.
Show Love: Take A Trip Down Memory Lane
The impact this simple act will have on rekindling your relationship will amaze you! I’m not suggesting you actually have to take or trip or go anywhere at all. It’s as easy as listening to a song that you two enjoyed and shared when you were first falling in love or noticing the small things (like his or her smile) that attracted you in the first place. The feelings these memories will invoke will not only bring a sense of calm and happiness to your soul, almost instantly, but will also help strengthen your current situation no matter what that may be.
Taking a trip down memory lane recaptures those initial feelings that do still exist but sometimes get buried by our day-to-day activities and responsibilities. So today, find something that you two enjoyed experiencing together in the past and make concrete plans to do this activity next week or next month. Treat it with the same respect as you would any other appointment, and don’t be surprised when you fall in love all over again!
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@MargoAndMe
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Show Love: Plan A Trip Together
The truth of the matter is, sometimes you just have to get away and completely disconnect from your day-to-day routine to experience those feelings of love you both crave. Even if it’s just for a night, you two deserve a night away from work, the kids, the daily chores, or whatever it might be that distracts you from each other.
And for those of you who are driven by data and hard facts, studies actually show that couples who travel together have healthier, happier relationships compared to those who do not. Not only does travel ignite romance and intimacy, but it also helps improve communication which in my opinion is everything in a healthy relationship. So, whether it’s a month-long excursion through Europe, or a weekend getaway hiking in the mountains, set a date now for your next trip together. Your relationship might just depend on it!
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@CMCoving
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Show Love: Go On A First Date
While my husband and I typically go on at least one date per week, I admittedly don’t always treat it as an official “date.” Because our schedules are so demanding, a lot of times our romantic dinners are a last-minute decision where I may or may not change out of my yoga pants and I may or may not throw on some lipstick. And while I truly love and appreciate our time together, what I am implying here is treating your next “date” as an actual first date!
What does that mean exactly? Well quite simply, think back to your actual first date together. My assumption is you had a set date, time and location. You probably dressed up and may have even gone so far as to buy a new outfit or get your hair and make-up done professionally. You let him open doors for you, you held hands and you loved when he gave you compliments. You may have given him a kiss at the end of the evening and thanked him for a beautiful time together.
So, my assignment for you here is to fall in love with each other all over again by making your next date night feel like your first date together.
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@JennaColgrove
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Show Love: Surprise Them!
There is something to be said about sweet surprises and how they can make your significant other truly feel loved and appreciated. The wonderful thing here is that you don’t have to spend tons of money or even a ton of time to show them how much you love and think about them.
Depending on what your partner enjoys, you’ll want to brainstorm some surprises of your own to make it feel that much more personal and thoughtful, but here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
*Before they leave for the office, tuck a love note somewhere you’ll know they’ll find it, or send them an unexpected love text during the day.
* Let them sleep in and bring them breakfast in bed.
* Give an unsolicited, “just because” massage.
* Pick up their favorite sweet treat and have it ready for them after a tough day.
* Sneak in a hug or kiss when they least expect it.
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@LifeToLauren
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So, there you have it my friends: my top suggestions on how to show and spread your love this month and beyond. And really, if you think about it, some of these can apply to any other relationships you have that could use a little extra love. For example, why not surprise your mom this week with an unexpected lunch date ;)
I always love hearing from you so please feel free to leave your comments or feedback below. And, if you have any friends that might find this advice helpful, please be sure to post, tweet or pin using our easy share buttons.
I would love it if you checked back in with me next week. Because I truly believe that self-love and self-confidence are the keys to any healthy relationship, I’ll be offering up some tips on how to love yourself and your personal style. See you then!