Valentines from the heart, not the store

Recently, I passed a billboard that caught my eye. It stated, “romancing a stone? Send him flowers.”

This clever floral shop advertisement seems especially timely for Valentine’s Day.

What special message will you send to your Valentine?

A card, flowers, or candy are traditional gifts of love on Valentine’s Day. Or, perhaps, you will opt for some non-materialistic expression of your love?

Many children exchange paper valentines at school or with others in their neighborhood at this time of year.

I love to read the Valentine’s Day messages placed in many newspapers. I find these expressions of affections for someone special interesting.

Another avenue of expression with a unique twist are call-in messages to local radio stations. These messages are often meant to surprise that special friend.

Following are some other “gifts” that I have seen or heard about:


A telegram, fax, or overnight delivery of a valentine message.

A special meal featuring your loved one’s favorite foods prepared and delivered by a restaurant or yourself.

A video or audiotape prepared by you and delivered by you conveying a special message to your loved one.

A relaxing back rub for your spouse.

A surprise “kidnapping,” in which you whisk your spouse off for a weekend away from home to some romantic getaway.

A love letter containing recollections of early dating years.

A serenade.

A picnic or walk in the woods.

An evening by the fireplace, alone, talking.

A hot air balloon ride, complete with champagne.

A camping trip together.

Seeing a romantic movie, either at a movie theater or renting one on video to watch at home.

A “coupon book” of jobs you will perform- jobs normally done by your spouse.

Shoe shines.

Taking over carpool duty.

Breakfast in bed for your valentine.

A gift certificate for a facial or manicure, or a private lesson for your loved one’s favorite sport.

A poem written by you.

An enthusiastic attitude the next time you accompany your valentine to his or her favorite sporting or cultural event.

Some of these “gifts” may not be appropriate for you, or they may not appeal to you. But you may want to use them as a catalyst to help you create your own special list.

Don’t be overly bound to past gifts, customs, or traditions.

Instead, look for things that help prevent boredom, monotony and routine from creeping into the relationship.

More importantly, stretch the spirit of Valentine’s Day into a year round attitude of making your special person truly feel special.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright © 1993