Keep romance alive even after Valentines’ day
It can be stressful preparing for Valentine’s Day with the one you loved. Choosing chocolates, picking flowers, getting restaurant reservations, and deciding on activities for the most romantic night of the year can take a lot out of any man or woman. One way to relieve a lot of that stress is by making sure your spouse or significant other feels the same kind of love all year long, then on Valentine’s Day all you have to do is amp it up a little to make the day special.
Plan regular, romantic outings with the one you love. This can be done weekly, monthly, or even just sporadically as a surprise. Take your significant other to the place you first met as a surprise, and re-create your first date together for a super-romantic option. Or, plan something simple. Just go to a movie together, followed by drinks or dessert. Everyday activities are fine, such as dancing, enjoying a concert, or even window shopping on an afternoon out, as long as you two are together, and alone, regularly.
Another way to show your undying affection throughout the year is with little surprises. Send flowers to your wife’s or girlfriend’s workplace, “just because.” Make sure there’s no special occasion tied to the flowers being sent so she never expects it. She will be the talk of the office, and so will you as a wonderful other half. Women can surprise their men as well – just not with flowers. Send a box of nice cigars, balloons, a present (maybe relevant to work or hobby), or even a box of cookies, fruit or snacks that he could share with others in his workplace, if he chooses. Either of you can just make your other half a special lunch full of extra things with a sweet romantic love note just to brighten their day.
If your budget is tight, you can still show your love. Surprise your significant other with a home-made dinner at your place, complete with table settings and candle light. Greet your mate at the door with his or her favourite drink, then enjoy a meal together complete with soft music in the background and warm conversation, call it a date night and make an effort.
Even everyday activities can be made romantic. Instead of popping a movie into the DVD player and settling in for the night in two different chairs, playing on mobile phones or tablets, focus on one another. Make a weekly, electronics-free date night where you choose music to listen to or even playing scrabble or a board game to do something a little bit different together. It is important to share experiences with each other alone to rekindle the spark your relationship had in the beginning.
Trying something new can be a great way to spend some time together and share fun experiences. If it is something you are both novices at then this is better you will be learning from each other and your experience at something new together will help you bond. Try attending a new class together like golf for beginners, car engine workshops, art, music or drama. Just for fun and the thrill of finding new things to talk about, try and possible enjoy together.
Finally, there are the “big ticket” items – the things you can do if you have a little money to spare. Lavishing your loved one with gifts constantly will take away some of the surprise effect, but it’s something you should do occasionally, if you can afford it. Surprise your wife with a necklace she has been eyeing in the store, just because it’s Wednesday. Give your husband a nice wallet, watch or cuff links. Experiences are also good. Whisk your lover away to see his all-time favourite sports team play and stay in a hotel, or take her to the spa for a weekend getaway.
With some planning and a little bit of effort, your loved one will know he or she is loved all year. Valentine’s Day will then just be the icing on the cake, and a lot of the pressure involved in that special day will be removed once and for all.
Author bio:
Rebecca is a fashion student who has aspirations to design her own wedding gown collection and run her own specialist wedding boutique. To look perfect on Valentine’s Day, consider hiring a Fashion Consultant or to help you create the perfect proposal consider one of these exquisite diamond rings from Samara James Jewellers to pop the question with.