“I love you’s” are rare to hear and even harder to say to those closest to you, especially for young adults who are trying to figure out who we want to share our love with this Valentine’s Day. Then there’s the obstacle if you are loving the “right way”, but we forget there are infinite ways to love. This Valentine’s Day, we will show love to our close friends, new friends, ourselves, significant others, and even the situationships. The easiest way to narrow down on the best ways to say ‘I love you” is speaking in their love language. Below I have written some great ways to show love depending on someone’s love language.
Words of Affirmation
This language seems simple right? You could just say “I love you” or “I genuinely enjoy spending my time with you” more often to a person whose love language is words of affirmation. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you can take it to another level. Remember getting creative is key, so get a pen and grab a pad and get ready to write your heart out.
I recommend some cute paper, cardstock, or sticky notes that help set the valentine vibes. Next find out what truly makes the person who is receiving this gift special. Dig deep into all the old conversations, long talks, and side-hurting laughs you have had together and channel it into art. You can come up with a heartfelt poem, a letter that reminisces on the fun times, buy a necklace with the spotify code to “your song” together, you can write an essay on your dreams and how they fit into your life. Whatever you create, make sure it is full of genuine love and words that float off the paper and right into their heart.
Acts of Service
I don’t know about you but when it comes to performing acts of service for someone I love, I instantly think of a chores coupon book. But no! We are grown and Valentine’s Day is coming up, so we are stepping our game up.
The acts of service from you to the one you love starts with you remembering all things that bothered your loved one and making an active change. On V-Day you can buy them their favorite foods and candies, set up that elaborate Valentine’s Day Picnic idea they sent you on tiktok, or even reach out to one of their frequent spots they volunteer or work at and help out. Those who appreciate acts of service, genuinely value the time and effort that their loved ones put into them so any of these “I love you’s” will work in your favor.
Quality Time
Who doesn’t love spending time with those they love? Most people do and some people absolutely cherish every second with their loved ones. There are several ways that you can make those seconds worth it.
A gift of adventure is always fun, you can create a time block where you two just plan out your next trip expenses, excursions, and everything which allows for you to spend time together planning a time when yall can spend more time together. Gifting a time-consuming card or board game that allows you to spend hours together having laughs or just getting to know each other. Another gift to give is a simple date night basket that can be gifted to a significant other or a friend. The basket could have gift cards for a spa day, restaurant, a local event or even just making a picnic basket. At the end of the V-Day celebration spending time is what is important.
Receiving Gifts
Valentines Day doesn’t always seem like a gift-giving holiday unless you are in a relationship getting teddy bears or chocolate candies. The question is what to give someone that you are in a platonic relationship with or your close friends. Well the reality is regardless of your relationship the gift needs to have intentional thought and care behind it because that is what will matter most to the recipient.
Gifts that incorporate the love you share are some of the best gifts. You could give a picture or painting of a specific spot that you share if nature or outdoors is a part of your love. Gifting an item that they absolutely adore but have never bought is a great gift idea.
Physical Touch+
This love language screams intimacy and for those who like to receive physical touch it simultaneously screams “I love you”. So how can you make them feel your love on this Valentine’s Day in a creative way?
A gift of matching fuzzy pjs, a fuzzy blanket, and blocked out time for a cuddle session and movie is an ideal gift to give. A deep massage where you do all the extra stuff like the kneading, the use of body oil or lotion and yes this is great for friends too. Buying a love themed blanket with pink and red hearts or a heated and weighted blanket. When gifting it establish the blanket as the official cuddle blanket and fold up inside of it a note saying “I am always here to cuddle:)”. Any of these gifts will help create a deeper connection with your friends or partner and show them the true levels of your love.