10 WAYS TO SHOW LOVE THIS VALENTINE

This Valentine's Day, don't limit your love to roses and candy alone Many fixate on Valentine’s Day as the holiday of love, a day set apart for grand gestures, romance and celebratory levels of affection. But why does such attention and kindness have to be reserved for a day, or even for one person? Friendly, familiar and romantic love are each distinct and central elements of the human experience. Anyone who has ever been truly loved well will tell you that it’s the constancy of patient, kind and selfless friendship that keeps love exciting and meaningful. Whether it’s the small notes dads put into lunch boxes, the carefully completed “honey do” list or the quiet whisper of “I love you” before drifting into sleep, our love for one another is built of a million imperfect but intentionally placed stones. Still, we often forget to show the ones we love how important they are to us. So here are ways to say “I love you” to those special someones in your life—one per day for the month of February. Some are serious; others, not so much. But perhaps these tips could get you thinking about 365 ways—or more—to be an ambassador of appreciation. Our love for one another is built of a million imperfect but intentionally placed stones. 1. Share five minutes of uninterrupted eye contact. Creepy ... but definitely a memory. 2. Watch a sunset or sunrise together with your favorite indie-rock anthem playing in the background and pretend you’re in a slightly obvious hipster film. 3. Call your parents and thank them for specific things they’ve done for you. 4. Pick out a book and read aloud together. Quality time together and the expansion of your individual/collective knowledge bases. 5. Set up a “media free” day/evening so you can fully focus attention on a loved one. 6. Get fancy. It’s a classic, but dressing up and splurging on a friend or loved one is a timeless way to tell someone you care. 7. "Family Love Michael." Throw a surprise “We appreciate you!” party with close friends where everyone gives a short speech about why someone is loved. 8. Plan “the perfect date.” Do exactly what he or she loves to do, with no strings attached. 9. Rent an ice-skating rink. Play “Endless Love” over the PA, and have dinner at center ice. 10. Revisit a first date or first meeting place and reminisce about what brought you together, what you’ve learned since and what you’re looking forward to together. AUTHORS: KOLADE KADESHPRINCE : DOLAPO OKERAYI