February 14 is just around the corner. If you’re a planner, you probably already have some ideas about how you want to celebrate your love. For everyone else, I’ve put together some ideas that don’t cost much/if anything, grouped by Love Language categories (you’re welcome). 

But, the first question is, do you know your partner’s love language? No? Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Words of affirmation (appreciation)
2. Quality time
3. Receiving gifts
4. Acts of service
5. Physical touch

So here we go…

Words of affirmation: 

• Write a letter to your love, telling him/her some specific things you appreciate about them. 
• Try your hand at writing a poem, dedicated to your love. Or, copy a classic love poem (thank you google) in your own handwriting. Or print on nice paper and place in a simple frame. 
• Purchase an inexpensive notebook to use as a “gratitude journal” for your marriage. Make the first entry.
• Write a love note on the bathroom or bedroom mirror with lipstick
• Leave sticky notes in places that will surprise them on Valentine’s Day

BONUS: mail something to your sweetie, postmarked in LOVELAND, CO. Yes, it’s a thing! In order to get the special message, Valentine’s or letters should be pre-stamped and pre-addressed and sent together in a larger 1st Class envelope to: Postmaster – Attention Valentines, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538-9998. (Better get cracking on this one if you want it before Valentine’s Day!)

Quality Time:

• What is something your love enjoys but isn’t necessarily your favorite thing? Gift him/her an outing together to do that thing. 
• Put together a picnic (indoors, by a fireplace, if it’s snowy where you live!). Visit a local cheese or gourmet shop to gather some new cheeseboard combinations, a bottle of bubbly, or special sweet treat.
• Have trouble prying the phone out of your hand? Give your spouse an entire evening with the phone turned off or out of sight, with the intention of giving them your full attention for the entire evening.
• Do something together outside—ice skate, take a walk, ride bikes, ski. Plan a special meal afterward.
• Cook a new dish together
• Look through photos of you as a couple, reminiscing the good memories you share.

Receiving gifts:

• This doesn’t have to be expensive, but does require listening for clues to pick up something they mention in passing. What is their hobby? Cooking, gardening, photography, trail running, gaming, woodworking…google some ideas for their hobby if you don’t hear them mention something. Sometimes a little sleuthing on their Amazon wish list may give an idea!
• Unless someone just has their heart set on a dozen roses (a fortune at Valentine’s Day!) fresh flowers, a house plant or succulent are always appreciated. 
• Make a playlist of songs that capture your relationship, serve it up with their favorite coffee/wine/liquor. 
• Sign up to take a class together

Acts of Service:

• What is one chore your partner doesn’t like? Laundry? Um, does anyone LIKE doing laundry? Offer to do it for a week. Or some other chore…take it on as a way of serving them.
• Make their favorite meal for dinner, with candlelight
• Bring breakfast in bed—great way to start the day!
• Give them a block of time to watch a favorite show uninterrupted (this is mainly for couples with kiddos), or take a walk while you watch the kids. 
• Hint: People whose top Love Language is Acts of service are usually people who SHOW their love by serving others and sometimes have trouble giving themselves permission to do for themselves. While this doesn’t sound super romantic, by giving them time for whatever, they are usually refreshed and more engaged in the relationship. Win/win :). 

Physical touch:

• Beyond the obvious, turn up the romance a notch with candles, a new location (I’ll leave that to your imagination), love notes left through the day to increase anticipation. 
• Offer to give a back rub with some aromatherapy oils.
• Offer to give a foot rub.
• Be the first to take their hand, or put your arm around them.
• Go dancing!

I hope this gets your creative juices going. What else would YOU add? I’ll add it to a list for next year!