Valentine’s Day or Any Day
We all have special people in our lives. The question is, “Do they feel special?” Sadly too often the answer is, “No!” Here are 7 things you can do to make the one you love feel special on Valentine’s Day or any day.
Hand Written Note: Write specific things you love and appreciate about him/her.
Act of Kindness: Do something that you know will say, “I’m doing this because I love you.” Maybe it’s something they don’t like doing or a special help around the house. Vacuuming or mopping the floors is the ticket at our house.
Thoughtful Gift: Emphasis on thoughtful. Ask yourself what is something special that would say, “I know you, and you will like this.” For my wife it would be Blackcurrant Tea and a jar of cashews. Not expensive but has thoughtful written all over it.
Special Dinner: This could be taking your spouse out to a nice restaurant but could also be a candlelight dinner at home. If you don’t usually cook the meals, take over the kitchen, and make dinner. Set the atmosphere with flowers, candles, good dishes or a table cloth.
Time: In the high paced world we live in, time has become a precious gift. Slow down. Linger over the meal and dessert. Sit and relax, talk, reflect on special moments in your relationship. Last week my wife was having a bad day. After dinner she started debriefing from her day. She talked for over an hour. I just sat and listened. Finally she said to me, “Are you okay, you have not gotten up to do anything this whole time.” I have this bad habit of thinking I can do little things while she’s talking to me. Later in the week she commented how much it meant that I just sat and listened.
Words: Think about what you would like to say if you knew it was the last time you were going to see them. If words come hard, great, think how special they will be, and write them out! If you need some help formulating your thoughts, finish the following sentences:
Thank you for being…
I appreciate you/your…
I look forward to growing old with you because…
Intimacy: Make your spouse feel special. Do what you know will satisfy. (If you don’t know, then ask, “How can I express how much I love you tonight?”.) Linger in the embrace of each other’s arms. Go for the best lover of the year award!
Action Point: Don’t feel like you have to do everything on this list. Pick a couple ideas and make the one you love feel special, because they are!
Apostle Paul gives us a standard to follow: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Letter to the Ephesians 4:32
by Mike Woodard
Further Reading:
Love for a Lifetime by Karen Woodard (Mike’s wife)
Valentine’s Day Brings Back that Lovin’ Feeling by Rusty Wright
How Can my Spouse and I get on the Same Page?
Why is my marriage in a state of conflict?
Adhesive Qualities in a Marriage – Glue only comes in one flavor
My Husband isn’t Meeting my Needs