Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, ladies, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. I know lots of folks out there have a chip on their shoulder about V-Day, but really, what has February 14 ever done to you? I get that there are lots of expectations that are often unmet when it comes to Valentine’s Day, but I say if you go in with the right attitude of just celebrating love, you can’t go wrong. And if you put in a little extra effort improving your relationship each day leading up to Valentine’s Day, you’ll have all the more love to celebrate. So here are some fun things you can do from now until the big heart day!
1. Surprise
Figure out some way to surprise your man. This doesn’t have to be something massive like hiring a sky writer to send him a romantic message. Why not pick up his favorite dessert on the way home from work tomorrow? Or iron his shirt for him without making a stink about it? Just a little surprise that says, “Hey, I was thinking about you,” will let him know how much you care.
2. Sex
Honestly, are you surprised sex made the list? If you are, you haven’t been reading PattiKnows for very long. Regular sex is crucial to keeping a relationship ticking. If it’s been a while since you two have done the deed, be sure to initiate it in the few days before V-Day. Hopefully, you’ll do this more than just once.
3. I love you because
This one borders on cheesy, but it’s so meaningful and sweet, just hear me out. Get two sheets of paper and write “I love you because” 20 times down the side of each. Then, each of you gets a sheet and you fill in the blanks, writing down 20 reasons why you love the other. When you exchange and read over the reasons your man loves you, be prepared for some tears. It’s just really sweet to read.
4. Cook
An oldie, but a goodie. A guy will always appreciate a home-cooked meal. So instead of take-out, cook him one of his favorites. A little time over the stove will go miles with a man.
5. A cell phone-free day
It’s tough to feel connected to each other when your cell phone is constantly beeping and interrupting your alone time. Plus, how focused on your relationship are you when one eye is on your inbox, waiting for that 20-percent-off J. Crew code? Not very. Spend a full day together, and both commit to leaving your phones at home. It will be uncomfortable at first, but it will be really liberating by the end of the day.
6. Communicate
If you have expectations for what you two are going to do on Valentine’s Day, communicate them to your guy. There’s no other way he’s going to know. And expecting a big, fancy surprise is, in all likelihood, going to leave you really bummed. So take some time to tell him exactly what you want for Valentine’s Day.
7. Flirt
If you’ve been with your man for a while, this one’s a biggie. It’s easy to get so comfortable with your guy that you forget to flirt. Make an effort to bat your eyes at him, rub his back and twirl your hair. Little physical cues like this will go a long way to keeping your relationship feeling fresh.
8. Sweet nothings
Do sweet things for your guy that don’t cost much cash or effort — things like spraying his pillow with a scent he likes or giving him control of the remote, even when The Bachelor is on. Sweet nothings really are sweet somethings.
9. Love notes
Write your guy love notes. These don’t have to be Shakespearean sonnets or anything too involved. A folded piece of paper with “Can’t wait to see you tonight!” scrawled on it definitely counts.
10. Dress up for him
Put on that red dress and those sky-high heels that your man loves. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have anywhere to go. Opening the door wearing something super sexy will be a total turn on. And even if you did have plans to go somewhere nice, the only place he’ll be thinking of taking you is the bedroom.
