In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I love this list of 14 ways to say I love you, by Disney’s Family.com.
Too often, we tend to focus on everything else going on in our lives, and we end up neglecting the person that matters the most to us. It's always nice to remind your partner how much you love them and think about them, no matter how busy and chaotic life can get.
Here are Family.com’s 14 ways to remind the special person in your life how much they mean to you.
1. Grocery Goodness
Make a trip to the market to pick up three to five of your partner's favorite foods. Place them prominently in the cabinet, refrigerator, or on the counter so your partner will be sure to notice the yummy surprise.
2. Mix It Up
The actual mixed tape may have gone the way of the eight-track, but good music with a personal touch is timeless. Hit up iTunes and create a thoughtfully crafted mix for your partner. Go the love route and choose your favorite romantic tunes or pick a theme that's special to the two of you (inspired by a shared interest, favorite vacation, or the year you two met). Load the mix onto your partner's iPod or burn a CD and leave it on the seat of his car.
3. Lunch Notes
Spice up lunchtime by dropping a love note into your partner's brown bag. Keep it short but sweet – or silly, or sassy. Write your love greeting on a slip of paper, or just decorate the outside of the lunch bag or napkin with a heartfelt design.
4. Book It and Book It
Schedule an hour or two of kid-free time for your partner – but structure it by booking an activity. For your wife: a manicure, lunch-date with the girls or session with a personal trainer. For your husband: an afternoon watching sports with the guys, a golf lesson or hair-cut. An hour-before the activity is scheduled to start, take the kids out of the house, so your partner can prep for the time off in peace and quiet.
5. Take Stock
Do a little snooping. See what products your partner might be running low on (deodorant, shampoo, razors, etc.) and then head to the store to replenish the dwindling supply. Leave the new products out on the counter with a sweet note attached.
6. Thank You!
Sometimes we forget to express gratitude for the things that we feel are run-of-the-mill household duties (it's your trash, too!). But life is made up of these quotidian tasks and a simple thank you can go a long way -- if only to draw your attention to how much your partner really does for you.
7. There's the Rub
Sure, back rubs are terrific. But foot rubs are doubly satisfying. Not only does sitting at opposite ends of the couch and trading a tootsie-massage feel good, it also creates ten minutes of relaxed face-time for you to talk and really connect (and it's a great excuse to go get a pedicure!).
8. Saw This and Thought of You…
Buy a little something for your partner. Emphasis on "little" - it doesn't have to be any bigger than a new t-shirt, pair of socks, or book, but put some thought into why you think your partner will like it, or why it reminds you of him or her. Don't wait until a big night out to give them their gift; make it an after-work surprise.
9. Just Say "Yes"
Chances are, there's something your partner's been wanting to do for a while -- something you've been kyboshing. What would happen if you just said yes? At worst, it's probably a funny story; at best, a new adventure for the two of you. Go ahead and give in.
10. Have I Ever Told You?...
Just like gratitude is always appreciated (see #6), so too are compliments. Think about the things your partner does that you absolutely love. Here's the trick: think small. It could be the funny voices he uses when he's reading a book to the kids, the way he sips his morning coffee, or folds his undershirts. Make a mental note of what it is that you find irresistible and let him know.
11. Sip On This
Remember that great glass of wine you had on your last vacation? Or the fantastic micro-brew you enjoyed on your latest date night? Think back to the last time your partner commented on a superlative sip. If you can't remember the exact name of the beverage, call the restaurant and get some intel. Ask them where you can buy a bottle locally. You'll not only recreate the delicious drink, you'll also recreate the happy memory.
12. Plan a Surprise Date
Sshh…it's a top secret date! Tell your partner you're going out on Friday night (or Sunday or Wednesday). Reveal next to nothing -- just what to wear and when to be ready. Plot a date night that's a bit out of the ordinary for the two of you -- the more attuned to your partner's interests, the better. Refuse to answer any questions your plans to heighten the sense of mystery and romance.
13. They Said It Best
Is there a song lyric, sonnet, bible verse or slogan that reminds you of your partner? Write down the quotation and leave it on your sweetie's pillow. If you want to get fancy, recreate the quote on a coffee cup (www.cafepress.com) or have it printed out in fancy font on nice paper and frame it for your partner to put on his desk.
14. Pajama Makeover
Buy new pajamas for both you and your partner. Sneak into your bedroom and leave them folded up in little bundles on your respective sides of the bed. Do this on a random weeknight to add a little extra spice to the everyday routine. Having a new set of sleepwear to slip into will help you and your partner to feel extra cozy and connected.
-Posted by Nicole, JMC Social Media Intern
Photo via wondercomments.com
