Reclaiming Love Day
I am going to admit something to you right now: I am not a fan of Valentine’s Day. And I’m not saying this because I’m not in a relationship — in fact, I’m in a great marriage of coming on 11 years. I’ve just always been very skeptical of the day. There’s just something about a day set aside forcing people to be romantic that leaves me somewhat cold. It seems like a recipe for disappointment, is what I’m saying. So on Valentine’s Day, my husband and I tend to go out for a meal — usually lunch, because there’s less of an issue in getting a reservation or a babysitter — and that’s it. It’s lovely, it’s intimate, and it’s low-pressure. My kind of day.
However, all that said: I’m a big fan of love. Big. Fan.
I’m also a big believer that kindness always wins, that there are ways to show love to people with whom you’re not romantically involved, or who are unrelated to you, or even who are total strangers to you. So for the past few years, I’ve made a point of celebrating Valentine’s Day in a different way-honoring it as “Love Day” or “Random Acts of Kindness Day.” I make sure at some point during the day to do something nice for someone, someone for whom I might not otherwise have celebrated the day with.
So…are you with me?
If so, Valentine’s Love Day is only about a week away, so here are my top 7 ideas for how you can show love on that day, and you’ll hardly put yourself out while doing it:
1. Coffee, coffee, coffee
During the day, when you get up to make yourself a cup of joe, make one for a coworker, partner, or friend. Or pay for the coffee of the person behind you at Starbucks (or other coffeehouse of choice). Easy-peasy.
2. Send an unexpected note
Open up your email and type the following:
You’re in my thoughts. I hope you’re well.
Then simply sign your first name. In the “To” line, put the email address of the first person who comes to mind. Click “Send.”
3. Tell someone s/he’s beautiful (or a related feel-good sentiment)
Take the nearest scrap of paper or Post-It note, and write something kind on it. Then leave it somewhere unexpected — under a windshield wiper, in a public bathroom, under a stack of bank deposit slips. Write “You are beautiful” using sidewalk chalk somewhere in your neighborhood. Get inspired by the site You Are Beautiful, and even get yourself a few “You Are Beautiful” stickers.
4. Buy flowers
While getting groceries, grab a bunch of inexpensive flowers (carnations are usually cheap, and they’ll totally do the trick). Spontaneously give them to someone — the guy at check-out, the receptionist at work, or maybe leave them at your neighbor’s front door. I guarantee it will make their day.
5. Rush to open the door for someone
Just because.
6. Talk to the manager
When you receive good service, ask to speak to the manager, and let her know about your awesome experience. You’ll make the person’s day (and the manager’s too — imagine how many complaints they probably deal with!).
7. Let someone go ahead of you in line.
Just because.
– By Karen Walrond
