Something for Everyone
How could us romance writers not talk about love during this particular month? I mean, this is OUR month to shine, right? Valentine’s Day is only 10 days away and the stores are filled with chocolate, flowers, balloons and stuffed animals.
So what should you do for your spouse/loved one? I’m going to pretend most of you are women who are reading this, but regardless of that, these suggestions are pretty much genderless.
Create a scavenger hunt. I did this for my hubby during our second year of marriage. It was a TON of fun. I created poetic riddles and sent him on a wild goose chase all over town…He first got a hint via cell phone to check in the bedroom when he got home and that’s where he found his first riddle. I left a small gift there-Valentine’s Day boxers. The second riddle sent him to his car and I left another small gift. From there he went to several different locations and received a new riddle and gift. At that point in our marriage we had a limited budget and the extravagant hotel room I wanted to get was out of the question, so instead he circled back to our house, where I had decorated our bedroom and myself with his last gift.
Write a poem. I’m all about personalized gifts. How impersonal is a box of chocolates…well, unless you’re like me and REALLY like chocolate. I don’t even care for jewelry all that much, although my husband has gotten me a couple of really good things. Don’t worry, if you’re not the writing type, get a rhyming dictionary. It’s an amazing tool that any author should have in his/her library anyway. ANYONE can be a poet with one those books!
Write a short story about you and your loved one, featuring your husband as the hero. What man doesn’t want to think he’s the knight in shining armor?
Take a weekend retreat. Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so I’m sure hotels and bed and breakfast’s are filling up with reservations already. While you’re away schedule a dual massage at a local spa. And make sure to take a hot bubble bath with some sparkling cider and lots of candles!
Go out to a NICE dinner. I’m not talking Subway or Pizza Hut here, nor am I talking about a trip to Chuck E. Cheese with the kids. So often our lives are filled with chaos due to children, work, or our own lack of prioritizing. I don’t remember the last time I had a nice dinner with my husband ALONE. Any time I could do that would be a happy day indeed. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that fulfill us the most.
Rent a bunch of sappy movies together and end the night with a conversation about what about the other person made you fall in love. Personally, Castaway makes my husband all mushy-gushy. And it doesn’t hurt that I see it on TV at least once every few months. It never fails at the end, he rolls over next to me in bed when it’s over and says, “Why did you make me watch that?” I just grin. Other movies are: The Notebook, P.S. I love you, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, Terminator…yeah, maybe that doesn’t quite fit, but there’s an amazing love story in it, Casablanca, The Princess Bride (one of my favorites), Ghost, and a really cute comedy – What Happens in Vegas.
Hope everyone has a great Valentine’s Day!
I’ve actually done a scavenger hunt around the city before for my then-boyfriend and it was one of the best dates I’ve ever done! That is a great idea!
Stephanie(Quote) (Reply)
Those sound great! I’m hoping for a FAB dinner out!!
Jennifer Shirk(Quote) (Reply)
We don’t usually do much for VD. Maybe dinner out alone. He’s been gone the last couple of years so this post was eye opening for me. Maybe I need to plan a little surprise
Chelle Sandell(Quote) (Reply)
The last couple v-days instead of going out we have cooked a nice dinner where we don’t worry about calorie content or ingredient prices. This year I think we’re gonna make some lobster bisque.
Kate Karyus Quinn(Quote) (Reply)
My hubby told me today that V-day is a farce. I guess I agree–even if I do write romance. Because really–every day should be Valentine’s Day.
Now don’t think we have a perfect marriage. We don’t. We snipe and spar like any other dysfunctional couple. 
But we also make sure that every day has at least several “I love yous”, lots of “I’m sorry for being a jerk”, hugs and other stuff, too. Of course, flowers and chocolate would be nice but–flowers die and chocolate goes right to my thighs. I’d rather just sit with him when he gets home from work and talk–without sniping, griping or sparring–over a glass of wine, just like old friends. Now THAT’S romantic. 
cyn(Quote) (Reply)
I really love the idea of the scavenger hunt.
Ohh…. thank you thank you thank you.
I think I’m gonna do that, just to… oh man.
I’m grinning like a nut now lol.
Silke(Quote) (Reply)
Actually, I got another thingy… inspired by Cyn.
I agree on the V-Day farce. We don’t usually do much on V-Day.
I know he loves me, because I am shown in so many little ways — when it’s *not* V-Day and he “has to”, you know?
Like… he went shopping. He saw a tub of German Meat Salad. When we were in Germany, I really loved this stuff, and I hadn’t had it in years. He remembered I loved it and grabbed a HUGE tub of it, stashed it in the fridge and stuck a little bow on it.
I was in heaven, and he just chuckled, watching me munch on my little treat.
What do I do?
I know certain things he likes, so I make them for him when he doesn’t expect it. I’ll bring something he likes (even if I hate it) and watch him enjoy it.
I think I prefer that to the “Must do flowers” thing. (And I’ve got him flowers before, too lol.)
Silke(Quote) (Reply)
And don’t forget–he bought you socks!
Cyn(Quote) (Reply)
I agree, V-Day isn’t the only time I love you should be said. But it certainly is a great time to have an excuse to do something craaaaazzzzaaaaayyyy.
D
Silke, the Scavenger Hunt thing is soooooooo much fun!
Stephanie(Quote) (Reply)