Can you feel it? That tingle of anticipation. That big puffy hearted day of romance is right around the corner. Valentine’s Day. Break out the champagne and roses, the candy and cake! Oh wait, forget it. This is real life in the Suburbs. Hmm. Get through the work and school day. Slap together some cupcakes with pink icing. Order Chinese food and yes, split a good bottle of wine with dinner. Then pat yourselves on the back for making sure the kids are feeling the love and managing to pick out a fabulous movie on Netflix and truly enjoying your Valentine’s date night. You’ve survvied Valentine’s Day in the Suburbs.
In our house, we don’t make a huge deal about Valentine’s Day, but we do make sure the ones we love the most feel extra loved. We exchange sweet little gifts and make the most of an excuse for one more reason to celebrate being together.
But not everyone has been shot in the heart by Cupid’s arrow, some may be more than a little sad on this Hallmark holiday. It’s normal, and we’ve all been there at one time or another. Life is hard and wouldn’t the world, wouldn’t social media be a more welcoming and friendlier place if we were just a little more honest about that. Sometimes, Valentine’s Day can just suck. So imagine if you will if everyone just took a breath and realized not everyone is feeling the love this week and then they did something about it. Here are a few, simple, caring and thoughtful ways to pay it forward in the world this week:
- Buy coffee for the person behind you in the drive-thru.
- Go have lunch with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.
- Call you Mother and tell her how much you appreciate her.
- Pay a compliment to a random stranger.
- Suprise your favourite neigbour with some fresh baked cookies.
- When you’re out for dinner, leave your server a big fat tip!
- Hold the door open for the person behind you.
- Collect items for your local food shelter and drop them off.
- Grab the kids and shovel your neighbours’ driveway.
- Smile. Smiling is contagious. Pass it on.
- Cook a meal and drop it off for a friend who’s feeling a little down or is simply run off her feet.
- Let that person behind you in the grocery store cut in front of you.
- Send a thank-you card to a Teacher who’s made a difference in your child’s life.
- Leave a comment on your favourite blog!
- Buy a couple extra dozen roses and deliver them to a senior centre near you.
So no matter if that little Cupid fellow hits his mark, or is way off base this year, I hope you find a way to spread some love and feel the joy this Valentine’s Day.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Mwah
I like your idea of “spreading the love.” Thanks for the reminder that there are many people outside our immediate families who would appreciate a treat or kind gesture on Valentine’s Day (and everyday).
So many heartfelt suggestions! I love the one about cooking a meal for a friend who feels run down. That would make a lovely surprise!
I love your list! I was just thinking earlier about how to do an act of kindness. I know how much of a difference it can make to someone.
I’m a firm non believer in Valentine’s Day because it’s nothing but a huge money grab; $120 for 12 roses are you kidding me. But I love your ideas for Valentine’s Day because it’s all about giving back and being kind at heart which is the way it should be.
All great ideas, we don’t do much for Valentine’s Day in this house but always nice to pay it forward. This week we are moving to a temporary house while our new home is being built, so crazy week and no time to celebrate.
Love all the ideas!
what wonderful ideas in here. things like compliments are always appreciated.
Lovely ideas! Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
I love the last suggestion of bringing flowers to the seniors.
We don’t go overboard for Valentine’s Day at our house, but it’s certainly a great reminder to tell those we love how much they mean to us! 🙂
Spending a bit of time to remind people they are important is never wasted.
I like the small thoughtful ideas on celebrating Valentine’s Day. You don’t need to splash out and go big, sometimes small thoughtful gestures mean just as much.
Nice ideas on this list! I like the idea of thinking beyond yourself and your signifigant other on Valentine’s Day!