Valentine's Day - Everyday!!!

I firmly believe that love is not meant to be expressed solely on
the prompting of a holiday, such as Valentine's Day. Love is a gift
from your heart that should be shared all throughout the year.
Now this could be my rebellious nature just not wanting to be "Told"
what to do...but I'd much rather think this is the voice of my
heart saying don't ever put off what can be done to say "I Love You"
each opportunity you have.
Last Valentines Day I needed to stop at the store for nothing of great importance,
as a rule I usually try to avoid shopping on holidays. I was struck by the number of men(young and old) wandering aimlessly through the holiday merchandise aisles...holding teddy bears and generic boxes of chocolates, flipping through cards, checking out price tags (to get the most for their $). I,immediately, had an image of deer frozen in the headlights and started chuckling to myself...I wanted to yell out "Its not about chocolate" or a quick fix offering to appease the Love Gods. Women want to hear "I love You"..."You are Special" not only verbally but also in the thought...the heart, you put into the gift. Expense or extravagance is not the issue.
Let me share with you a few ideas that I hope will inspire some creative ways to celebrate love at Valentine's or anytime.

*Delight together in the simple Joy of a walk together (hand in hand)- talk about dreams, reflect on good memories and how you look forward to all the future possibilities...side by side. If the weather is miserable outside, go to the local mall for a stroll.

*Begin and end each day with a hug and kiss..."I Love You!" is a phrase you can never wear out. Throughout the day take time to notice, listen, smile and connect with those you love...value and celebrate each persons unique qualities.

*When a love one is down...silence is ok (except for obvious encouragement)...be near and ready to give a hug or a hand of support. For a woman being enveloped in the arms of our husband/father, helps us feel protected and cared for.

*When was the last time you wrote a "mushy" love letter or note of appreciation... can't remember? If your memory fails you, it's been to long. Take a few moments to write down all the things you love and appreciate about your wife,husband,mother, father,son,daughter...I think you get the point. Cut pictures and words out of magazines that help express your feelings and that focus on what the recipient enjoys (gardening, cooking, traveling, sports, fishing...)

*Guys - Wrap up a special vase* and fill with special chocolates, Individual tea/cocoa/coffee (depending on preference), small notes of encouragement (to open over time), and homemade coupon(s) for picking up flowers from local florist, greenhouse, hand-picked by you wild flower bouquet (in summer of course)...be creative!

*Guys - "Gift of Time" - Clear the schedule, do the cooking, get the family to pitch in and do extra chores and give your wife time to relax; she could go for a walk, take a long bubble bath, sit in a cozy spot with a cup of tea and a good book or have time with a friend.
Remember: A wife "refreshed" is a "delight" to her family.

"Blessings on Love's Journey!!!" ...Eva