Today is Valentine’s Day. That day when flowers, chocolates and steak dinners cost a whole lot more than they do most any other day of the year! It’s the day we set aside to commemorate love and romance in our lives. The day we hope that someone will show us a little love or attention! I’m all for a day dedicated to love and romance and sweet things, but if you’re in a romantic relationship, I do think there needs to be more consistent effort than a big show just once a year!

My husband and I try to make every day special for each other. We are almost always quite kind and we rarely take our grumpiness out on one another (that would be me if that should even happen, as he is the most even-tempered individual I have ever met!) That means considering the other’s preferences, and being willing to serve one another. We try to split the workload at home, although he admits that I probably do more than he does. But he makes our breakfast and all our coffee that we have together, so I’m kind of spoiled that way. In the summer, he cooks on the bbq almost nightly, while in the cold seasons, I do most of the cooking. On weekends, we often work alongside one another in the kitchen for meal prep, or go our separate ways in the house for an hour on a Sunday to tackle the housework. We are best friends, have similar senses of humour and we actually like to spend time together. Most days with us feel a lot like Valentine’s Day, because we try to make the other feel special on a daily basis. We show appreciation for what the other one does. We hold hands all the time, whether out in public or sitting side by side on the couch watching tv. He runs outside and starts my car on chilly mornings so it’s warm when I leave for work. I make sure he’s always got clean clothes for work, and try to keep him laughing with my unorthodox blend of adorable horrible humour! We encourage each other in the hobbies and activities we enjoy, even if it’s something the other one doesn’t participate in, recognizing that people need their own time to unwind, be creative. and feed their soul. For me, it’s artsy things and for him, he lives for tech! I do think the secret to a great relationship is not taking it for granted, and making just a little extra effort to let the other feel special every day. That, and showing appreciation for the fact that someone was very thoughtful towards you.

It’s really the little things that mean a lot, more so than the grandiose gestures that the media urges us to carry out on this special day. So if your sweetie is spoiling you rotten today, enjoy! But do remember, you can make every day with your love special with just a little consideration and creativity on your part!

Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥