Valentines Day: How to Say I Love You without Breaking the Bank

By Brenda Schaeffer

Many people grumble that Valentine’s Day forces them to do something special for a

loved one, find the right card or buy a unique gift, and resent it. Others, if they are not in

a romantic relationship, in a bad relationship, or recently lost a loved one, often feel alone

or blue. We need to take a broader view of this day.

Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year dedicated to love. Personally, I believe it is a

good thing that we are asked to stop for a day and reflect on love. We don’t do it enough.

One 5 year old child was quoted as saying: “Love is that thing in the room at Christmas if

you stop opening presents and just listen”. Another child said: “Love is when you get

tired of kissing, you still want to be together and talk more”. Yes, love is bigger than

presents or a romantic relationship. It is that “big something” we should be giving to

loved ones all year long and get too busy or distracted to do so.

So how can we acknowledge those we love on this special day? Here are a few ideas.

1. Think of people in your life that you love.

2. In your mind, list what about each person you are grateful for.

3. Feel that gratitude.

4. From that feeling of gratitude, call, email, or send a note to thank them for being

in your life.

5. For those loved ones in your immediate life, make a special meal they would like,

set the table, light the candles, put on the music, give them a hand-made card.

6. Or, put distractions aside and offer your precious time doing something of their

choice.

Giving from the heart is good for our health. Research shows expressing love improves

the immune system, conquers depression, increases life expectancy, and just plain feels

good. It is a natural dopamine high. True love has no expectations or giving to get. The

gift is in the giving itself. And it is free.