Celebrate Valentine’s Day Well

So it’s not gonna be easy, it’s gonna be really hard. And we’re gonna have to work at this everyday, but I wanna do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever. You and me. Everyday.” - Nicholas Sparks

Oh how I love that line from The Notebook, and not because it’s romantic. I love it because it’s real. 

True intimacy is like that. It stays. It fights for love and connection and it works hard. My parents showed me this with their Notebook-like love story until their dying breaths. Love has a passionate element that cannot be forsaken. 

This week as we focus on romance, we invite a taste of that passion. Yes, I don’t want to have you forget this deeper journey even as you get some extra tips here for loving your sweetheart the very best this Valentine’s week!

But, it’s going to take some thoughtful prepping. It won’t just happen spontaneously in most moments but with intentional clearing of space and some sacrifice of time. For this week’s date (even if it’s a time at home), make sure you take time to plan something special.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

- Have music ready to shift the mood. Music has the power to do what we cannot in terms of stress release. Play your wedding song or another favorite I recommend Sade’s “By Your Side” as an instant mood shifter.

- Hold hands on the car and/or offer one another massages. Touch truly goes beyond words.

- Wear scent that will awaken love in your mate. There is nothing more arousing to 81 percent of couples (check first since it’s not all) than a favorite scent but make sure it’s not too overpowering if you’re a male as it may literally send too strong of a signal.

- Don’t worry so much about having a perfect four-course meal but make at least one part of the meal special and romantic this week, even if it’s not on Valentine’s Day itself.

- Show your partner you are taking this task of setting the romantic tone seriously. Don’t rush love. Get ready for one another even if it’s a home date. 

- Lastly, ask yourself spouse what they find romantic or at least get a few hints before you plunge right in. We change in little ways across time and it’s important we stay in touch with that change together.

Find more ways to connect with your spouse in our 5 week relationship course or in our book, “Enneagram in Marriage.”