50 Ways to Love Your Loved One

Ummm . . . NO.

I'm not into re-inventing the wheel.  Here's some links to lots of good lists OTHER people have made up about small, inexpensive, thoughtful things to do for your valentine.

Smart Marriages: 50 ways to love your lover.  I like #1 and #24 best

Ways to be Romantic on the cheap #44 made me laugh!

The Reader's Digest Version: 40 Creative Romantic Ideas Sigh.  These were great.  And educational!  Whew knew the second week in August has meteor showers every year? 



YES!!!

 Here's my own list: 

• DO SOMETHING. (And not just on Valentine's day. In fact, bonus points for recognizing your partner just becuase it's Tuesday) Not the structured type? Pick 3-5 days random days during the month and put reminders on your calendar or smart phone. My next million-dollar idea is an app that reminds the user to perform random acts of romance or thoughtfulness. Anyone know how to create an app????  



Now THAT is one happy guy!
Image courtesy of imagemagestic

•  Remember: Valentine's day is about the OTHER person. (Bonus points if you HATE all things fuzzy and you go all out for your partner because you know they like it.) Gals, there might be a few men out there who would enjoy teddy bears and roses, but I don't know any. This is a great day to give him what HE wants. Guys? Go overboard. Valentine's Day is about hearts and flowers and lots of girly things. Indulge us. Bet you won't regret it.
• Be appreciative. No matter what he/she does, appreciate the effort. Next year, have a conversation in January about your expectations if they are specific.
• The flip side of that is don't get your feelings hurt if it doesn't go the way it did in your head.

Now those last 2 are different if this is your fourteenth disappointing Valentine's day. Look for future blogs entitled "Your relationship is what it is. Take it or leave it, but stop pouting."



"Love" by Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot

 What are your favorite ways to show someone you love them?  Valentine's Day aside, it's important every day, and with partners, kids, friends, and other miscellaneous personnel, to make an EFFORT to show what people mean to us.  It connects us.  And the more connected we are, the better. 

Tis the Month Before Christmas

Lovingly Lifted from the "Appleseeds" website.  CLICK HERE for lots more fun versions of Clement C. Moore's Famous Poem!

Tis the month before Christmas, we're all going nuts;
With so much to do, there's no ifs, ands or buts.
Buy presents, hang tree lights, pop cards in the mail,
Send gift packs, thread popcorn, find turkeys on sale.

Decorations need stringing up all through the house.
And you haven't a clue what to buy for your spouse.
School concerts, receptions, open houses with friends,
Long lineups, short tempers, tying up the loose ends.

With all our mad dashing, we're reeling from shock;
Let's stop for a minute and really take stock.
It's crassly commercial, the cynical say;
If that's true, that our fault-it's us and not they.

Take time for yourself-though hard as that seems
Enjoy your kids' laughter, excitement and dreams.
Take a moment out now, don't get overly riled,
Instead make an angel in snow with your child.

The shortbread can wait, and so can the tree;
What's important to feel is a child's sense of glee.
The holidays aren't about push, rush and shove;
They're for friendship and sharing and family love.

Hear the bells, feel the warmth, light up with the glow
Of a message first sent to us so long ago:
Peace, love and goodwill, and hope burning bright.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!