We say it to our kids as we hustle them onto the bus. We whisper it to our man as we snuggle next to him. And it’s how we end our phone conversations with family and special friends. Although no one ever tires of hearing “I love you,” in this rush-away world sometimes it can seem we’re not being heard or that some of the specialness has gone out of those words. This Valentine’s Day, here are some suggestions for getting their attention and expressing your love in a truly unique way.
Write a letter. Sorry, e-mails don’t count. We’re talking about sitting down with a pen and some quality paper and telling whomever it is why you love him or her. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling. Just be honest. Then, when you’re finished, seal it in a crisp envelope and tuck into a briefcase or carry-on bag, or under a pillow. Decades from now when other gifts have long been eaten or eBayed, we guarantee your loved one will still have this.
Highlight a dictionary. If writing a letter is out of the question because you’re not very good with words, buy a pocket dictionary. (Yes, they still sell them.) Highlight all the words that describe your special someone, then wrap it up and give it to him or her. It’s also a brilliantly sneaky way to build a child’s self-esteem and increase vocabulary at the same time. Better yet, teach another language by buying a French or Spanish dictionary.
Frame a photo. Rifle through all those shots in your desk drawer or computer, and pick one that captures a special trait of the person you love. Maybe it’s the mischievous twinkle in his eyes or the way her cheeks dimple when she smiles. Whatever the shot, put it in a nice frame and be sure to tell the recipient, in detail, why you choose it.
Frame a memento. It could be the movie-ticket stub from your first date, a cocktail napkin from the bar where you met, or the first Valentine’s Day card he ever sent you. (C’mon, we know you saved it.) Use your imagination. This same strategy works for parents, kids, and friends.
Make a mix tape. No, not the cliché musical kind; rather, use your DVR (or closest technological facsimile) to record a selection of his favorite TV shows, movies, sporting events, or cartoons. Then grant him an entirely free afternoon to watch them.
Do what he dreads. Think about what the person you love complains about most. Assuming it’s not you, find a way to either do that nasty job for him or entirely eliminate that hassle from his life. For instance, if he starts work early and dreads getting into a cold car, buy him a remote starter. Then every winter morning, when everyone else is cursing the cold, he’ll be thinking warmly of you.
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
