The Best Valentine’s Day Gift Ever

Don’t over-emphasize the importance of giving THINGS. In the end, the greatest Valentine’s gift of all to the one you love is the gift of your time. Our love and marriage research on all seven continents of the world and in 47 countries over more than 30 years completely supports this concept.

We subscribe to the old adage that the best things in life are free. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a dime of your hard-earned money during these trying economic times. Valentine’s Day, in the end, is all about love. It is about serving breakfast in bed to the one you love. It is about giving the gift of time instead of lavish or expensive gifts.

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People propose marriage, get engaged, express love, and give lots of flowers to the one they love on Valentine’s Day. What they are really saying is, “You are my Valentine and I love you!” And the truth is, Valentine’s Day is romantic and sexual in its orientation for many. It is the ultimate "day of love!"

In so many ways, giving roses to the one you love is an expression of love for someone that really matters to you. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to express your love. But there maybe better, less expensive and longer lasting ways to tell someone you love that they are the center of your universe.

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So, who is the love of your life on this Valentine’s Day? What do you plan to do to express your love to the one you love? Will it be an expensive affirmation of love? Or, will you give the gift of time? Will it be candy and roses or will it be a hand made card with sentiments all your own? Will it be dinner out or will it be a romantic dinner that you prepare together? The choice is yours.

Here are ten ideas to get you thinking about how you can give a Valentine's gift of your time to the one you love:

1. Start Valentine's Day by taking a shower together. Enjoy the warm pulsating water.  What happens after that . . .
2. Turn on beautiful music and go dancing in your kitchen.
3. Take the time to write a love letter or poem to the one you love.
4. Take a long walk together holding hands and talk about what makes your lives together so special.
5. Turn off all electronics – yes, even the cell phone.  Spend an evening together without interruptions.
6. Take the time to prepare your Valentine's Dinner together.  Plan something extrodinary and make it a very special evening.
7. Write on a Post-It Note the talent you admire the most about the one you love.   Start Valentine's Day off by placing the note on the bathroom mirror, his wallet, her purse, or the car window where it will be seen first thing.
8. Use a photo of the one you love to make a card or centerpiece.  Write several inviting comments that could lead to a lovely Valentine's evening.
9. Spend an hour on Valentine's Day intently listening to whatever your lover wants to talk about.
10. On Valentine's night, rent a romance movie, go to bed early and share an adult beverage.