By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Valentine’s Day is a time of romantic love. Since the 14th century, hugs and kisses (with the help of the card and candy industry) have grown to include many more people in our lives. But let’s face it. Candy, flowers, exquisite restaurants, getaway weekends, and one-of-a-kind gifts can blow our budget. Showing love and caring don’t mean breaking the bank, but it does mean a heartfelt expression of endearment.
I have your best interests at heart! Here are 14 ways to say, I love you that express a love-filled heart.
- Explore movies: 43 Valentine’s Day Movies You Can Stream! https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g25810122/valentines-day-movies/
- Listen to romantic music. Here are 50 selections of 2023 Valentine’s Day Songs: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/g35016157/valentines-day-songs/
- Have a nostalgic heart? 47 Best Loved Valentine Songs of All Time. https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/music/g14764767/best-valentines-day-songs-of-all-time/
- Send e-cards. Most of us have a subscription to e-cards. Send several: some sweet, some funny. Or send 14 in celebration of the day. American Greetings, Blue Mountain
- Discover your special someone’s love language, then create your celebration around it. Not sure what love languages are? Dr. Gary Chapman lists the five love languages as: Words of affirmation, Quality time, Receiving gifts, Acts of service, and Physical touch.
- Compose a poem or letter for the special person or persons in your life. Declare their importance to you and why. Or create love notes and leave them where your loved one will find them. Here are 23 Timeless Valentine Quotes for 2023: https://www.viraasi.com/blogs/news/23-timeless-quotes-valentines-day
- Give your time. Ask your loved one what he/she would like to do on Valentine’s Day. Don’t cringe—the action shows your love, even if it’s something you might not enjoy.
- Does your caring include a family? Treat them to a heart-shaped pizza.
- Treat your loved one to a singing telegram. Most of us know someone who is a great singer. See if that person will show up at your loved one’s front door and sing one or two love songs. I did this once for my husband, and it was so cool to see his reaction.
- Bake something special. Nothing says love like something made from our own hands—or a boxed mix. Use a heart-shaped pan or sprinkle ready-made candies on a round or rectangular cake. Why not heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast? Or sweet cookies? This link gives you many baked goodie ideas: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/valentines-day-chocolate-desserts
- Take a stroll through Pinterest for the latest ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2023.
- Request a long walk (providing the weather isn’t too cold) and hold your loved one’s hand.
- For that special someone? 30 Valentine’s Day ideas that your loved one will never forget: https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g5119/things-to-do-on-valentines-day/
- Pray for your loved one. This needs to be done every day, not just on Valentine’s Day.
What are more ways we can celebrate Valentine’s Day 2023? Let’s share!
