Valentine’s is more than candy
and flowers, it is the thought and cre-ativity that says, “I cared enough
to plan.” Here’s three ideas to consider to get those creative
juices flowing:
Review: For married
couples, go back to some of the same places you first dated. Go back to the
place you first said, “I love you,” the place of your first kiss,
the place you proposed or honeymooned.
According
to a study of couples who had filed for divorce then decided to stay together
and ended up with a stable happy marriage, the turning point was when they
realized how much they had already invested in the relationship. Do something
to remind you why you first fell in love.
For dating couples, use Valentine’s Day to do a
review of the character qualities you most appreciate in the one you are
dating. The heart of romance is kindness.
Redo: Go do all the
free or nearly free things you did when you were young and BROKE! Love
isn’t about money; it is about spending time together. If you are in love
and dating now but find yourself short on cash at Valentine’s Day, try
impressing with creativity instead.
Here
are a few ideas:
1.
Have a candlelight picnic in an unusual location, like your rooftop, a park
bench or over looking the ocean.
2.
Go on a photo date where you snap photos of each other all over the city. If
finances permit it, take them to a one-hour developing location. You may want
to frame your favorite and give it to your spouse with a note. The others can
be sent as postcards to each other all spring.
3.
Walk or bicycle to an inexpensive ice cream shop or a fancy coffeehouse.
4.
Drive in the mountains, arriving in time for a sunset or moonlit stroll.
5.
Go to a park, push one another in the swings and talk. Take turns listing A to
Z the reasons you love your mate.
6.
Walk the mall. The goal is not to buy, but to test perfume and cologne along
the way.
7.
Write clues on dime-store Valentines and place them around town, then take your
love on a car rally or treasure hunt. The date consists of gathering clues and
small romantic treasures like poems, chocolates, and other small treats.
8.
Go to the library and check out a poetry book.
9.
Write a song or a poem and perform it for the one you love. Even an original
version of “Roses are Red . . . “ can be a treasure since
it’s from the heart.
10.
Reenact a portion of great romantic drama. Shakespeare’s Romeo and
Juliet
is a great place to begin.
Renew: If you have been
married more than 10 years or if you have survived a rocky time in marriage,
consider a vow renewal. It can be a private affair with just you two, at the
foot of your bed, or it can be a public gala where you invite friends and
family in a wedding like atmosphere. Some couples, include a meaningful
tradition with their children, exchanging rings with them, too. Others go for a
traditional church wedding because the first time around they eloped! No matter
where you renew, the most important element is what you say to one another.
Take time to create personal vows. Review times your spouse has “been
there” for you. List his or her best traits or use Phil 4:8 as a way to
highlight the best of your love.
Pam and Bill Farrel are international
speakers and best selling authors of Men are like Waffles, Women are like
Spaghetti, and their newest book is Why Men and Women Act The Way They Do!
They can be reached at www.masterfulliving.com.