3 Ways to Make Valentine's Day Extra Special - wikiHow (2024)

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1Spending Quality Time Together

2Affirming Your Loved One

3Giving Special Gifts

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Co-authored byMoshe Ratson, MFT, PCC

Last Updated: May 9, 2024References

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Valentine's Day is a special time for celebrating all kinds of loving relationships, but especially your significant other. If you want to make someone feel loved, there are many simple ways to go about it. So if you forgot to order flowers, don't sweat! Just put a little effort into doing something fun and different this year, throw in some smooching, and you're good to go.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Spending Quality Time Together

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  1. 1

    Arrange for dinner. You can book a reservation at your favorite restaurant or you can cook.[1] It doesn't even have to be fine dining. Often just putting something together in advance is a good way to show your valentine that you care and that you're thinking of them. Add some candles, turn down the lights, and it's a perfect romantic evening.

  2. 2

    Plan a day out. If you're like most people, there are probably so many things to do in your area that you've just never gotten around to. Spend an entire day exploring with your significant other, and make a point of going places neither of you have ever been before. Go to a new museum, go paintballing together, or hike a long trail that you've both been interested in, but never had the time for. You never know--you might even get to see a fun new side of the person you love.[2]

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  3. 3

    Take your partner out for coffee. It sounds so cliché, until you realize that it has been forever since you last took an hour or two to simply sit down across from them at a table to talk. Put your phones on silent and out of sight, and just give each other your full attention.

  4. 4

    Go for a long walk together. If you go to a nature preserve or big park, bring a field guide to birds or wild flowers and have fun working together to identify what you see. If you're in the city, do a self-guided walking tour together, wander down adorable side streets you've never noticed before, and make lots of stops to smell the roses.

  5. 5

    Surprise your significant other with a weekend away.[3] Book a few nights at a cosy bed and breakfast, or visit a nearby city for a few days. You might have to tell them to set aside the weekend for something special, but they don't have to know where you're going. Go all out, and make it a weekend to remember.[4]

  6. 6

    Take your partner out dancing. Swing dances often include a brief lesson beforehand for beginners and people who want to brush up on rusty skills, and they can be a lot of fun. Or get up close and personal with a tango class. Nothing says romantic like a jazzy number and a beckoning dance floor.[5]

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Method 2

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Affirming Your Loved One

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  1. 1

    Write your Valentine a note. Tell them how much you love them, and include specific things that you love about them, whether it's how passionate they are about the things they love or their strong sense of justice or just the way they smile when they're a little embarrassed.[6]

    • Usually the first attempt at writing a note is awkward and disjointed and you run out of space before you've said what you want to. Don't stress: jot down a few ideas on a separate sheet of paper or write an entire first draft before you set anything down in your card.
  2. 2

    Volunteer with your partner for a cause they care about. If they love dogs, offer to spend a day cleaning kennels and walking dogs at the local SPCA. If they lost a loved one to cancer, then assist with a Relay for Life event in your area. By investing time in something near to their heart, you are affirming that what matters to them matters to you.[7]

  3. 3

    Tell them how grateful you are. For a day or a week, take a moment every time they do something you appreciate to tell them that you're grateful for them and what they do.[8]

    • Especially try to note things you might normally take for granted. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a simple, "Thanks for letting me borrow your coat," or "Thank you for cancelling your plans to be with me when I was sick."
    • Try to work in appreciation for general qualities, like, "You're so thoughtful. I appreciate that you always open the door for me when we go out." Or, "That was so kind of you to give them a ride home. You're a really good friend."
  4. 4

    Sit down together and tell your partner face-to-face what you love about them. Notes are nice and can be saved for another day, but few things are as thoughtful and affirming as having someone look directly into your eyes to tell you how much they love you and why.

    • Try to make it about them. Say things like, "You're such a compassionate person, and it really comes through in your interactions with people. They can tell how warm and kind you are within minutes of meeting you." It's okay to talk about how they make you feel, since you're telling them why you love them, but try not to make it too self-centered. For example, "You're such an open person that I've always felt like I could tell you anything," is great, because it emphasizes a particular quality they possess and it tells them that you trust them.
    • If you compliment them on physical features, be specific. Don't just say, "You're sexy," or "You're beautiful." Say, "You have gorgeous eyes," or "You walk so confidently, and it's really attractive."
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Method 3

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Giving Special Gifts

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  1. 1

    Order their favorite takeout just the way they like it. When you know someone well, you learn their quirks: how well they like their burgers cooked, what they're allergic to, that they can't stand the texture of artichokes or hearts of palm. When you can actually order for someone, you show your love by actively paying attention to their likes and dislikes and communicating that you want to treat them well.

  2. 2

    Bring your Valentine's pet a new toy or treat. For a lot of animal lovers, the best way to show your love for them is to acknowledge their pet. By bringing something for Fido, you let them know that you can see how important he is to them and for that reason, he's important enough to you to include on your gift list.

  3. 3

    Make them a music mix. Maybe it's old school to give CDs or mixtapes in the age of internet streaming services, but that just makes it more fun. Make a list of songs that are special to the two of you or that make you think of them.[9] Go the extra mile: take a Sharpie and decorate the cd with fun and quirky art.[10]

  4. 4

    Pamper them. Schedule a couples' massage. Relax in a sauna. Spend a day at the spa with your Valentine, and they're sure to come away feeling seriously loved.

  5. 5

    Send your partner flowers.[11] This gesture is classic, but that just makes it a clearer statement. If you know what their favorite flowers are, that's great, but for many people, the gesture alone says it all.

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  • Question

    How can I make my Valentine's Day more romantic?

    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
    Marriage & Family Therapist

    Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. Moshe is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).

    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC

    Marriage & Family Therapist

    Expert Answer

    Show your partner that you care by creating a playlist of songs that mean a lot to both of you.

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  • Question

    How can I surprise my girlfriend on Valentine's Day?

    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
    Marriage & Family Therapist

    Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. Moshe is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).

    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC

    Marriage & Family Therapist

    Expert Answer

    It can be really fun to plan a night where you cook her favorite meal with her.

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      • Don't think you have to spend a lot of money to make a day special. In fact, if you're planning a day out together, it can be fun to challenge yourselves to only do free or inexpensive things. The limit encourages creativity and you may end up making some interesting memories.[12]

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      • Think about what makes them feel loved, rather than what you're most comfortable doing. Maybe it's easy for you to buy flowers, but they would appreciate a nice night out together. Listen to them—was it the movie they enjoyed or the fact that you spent time together for the first time in a while?

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      • Usually, the biggest thing is just showing someone that you put some thought into pleasing them. It doesn't even have to go smoothly. If dessert burns or you forgot to put butter in the white wine sauce for the mussels, you'll still have taken the time to put together a nice evening.

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      References

      1. Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 7 August 2019.
      2. https://www.tripadvisor.com/
      3. Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 7 August 2019.
      4. http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2015/05/18/10-best-cities-for-weekend-vacations/
      5. https://takelessons.com/performing-arts/dance-lessons
      6. Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 7 August 2019.
      7. https://www.volunteermatch.org/
      8. Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 7 August 2019.
      9. Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 7 August 2019.

      More References (3)

      1. https://hellogiggles.com/ways-make-someone-feel-really-special/
      2. Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 7 August 2019.
      3. http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/sex-and-love/40-free-date-ideas-youll-both-love

      About This Article

      3 Ways to Make Valentine's Day Extra Special - wikiHow (38)

      Co-authored by:

      Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC

      Marriage & Family Therapist

      This article was co-authored by Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC. Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. Moshe is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). This article has been viewed 244,092 times.

      6 votes - 80%

      Co-authors: 48

      Updated: May 9, 2024

      Views:244,092

      Categories: Featured Articles | Valentine's Day

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      Reader Success Stories

      • 3 Ways to Make Valentine's Day Extra Special - wikiHow (39)

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        Feb 13, 2017

        "Just spending time and thought on the person you love is usually enough. As for what my gift to my wife, I'm..." more

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      3 Ways to Make Valentine's Day Extra Special - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      3 Ways to Make Valentine's Day Extra Special - wikiHow? ›

      A candlelit dinner at home

      Whether you order or cook something, don't forget to light some candles and enjoy the meal with the family. This could also be an excellent time for everyone to talk about what they admire about each other during the family Valentine's Day celebrations.

      How do people celebrate Valentine's Day differently? ›

      A candlelit dinner at home

      Whether you order or cook something, don't forget to light some candles and enjoy the meal with the family. This could also be an excellent time for everyone to talk about what they admire about each other during the family Valentine's Day celebrations.

      How to make a man feel special on Valentine's Day? ›

      Give your husband a gift he'll find meaningful.

      Whatever it is, let him know you're paying attention by surprising him with it on Valentine's Day. If you can't think of anything, you can never go wrong with the Valentine's Day standbys, like chocolate, flowers, or red wine. Or, maybe he's more the craft beer type!

      How is Valentine's Day special? ›

      It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine, and through later folk traditions it has also become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

      How to make Valentine's romantic? ›

      Here are 15 creative and unique ways to enjoy an unforgettable Valentine's Day with your other half this year:
      1. Enjoy an Outdoor Movie Night. ...
      2. Arrange a Romantic Dinner. ...
      3. Go on a Picnic. ...
      4. Try Wine Tasting. ...
      5. Take a Cooking Class Together. ...
      6. Plan an Art Night. ...
      7. Go Stargazing. ...
      8. Set up a Romantic Spa Night.
      Dec 27, 2023

      How to plan the perfect Valentine's day? ›

      A Comprehensive Checklist for the Perfect Valentine's Day...
      1. Plan Ahead‍ Start by setting a budget and deciding on the type of celebration you both would enjoy. ...
      2. Gifts‍ ...
      3. Personal Touches‍ ...
      4. Dinner Reservations. ...
      5. Cooking at Home‍ ...
      6. Sweet Treats‍ ...
      7. Quality Time‍ ...
      8. Surprises‍
      Feb 13, 2024

      How to spice up Valentine's day? ›

      Taking a bubble bath together is the perfect way to relax and connect on valentine's day. Add some aromatherapy candles, bath salts, and a glass of champagne, and you'll have an extra special evening. Don't forget to set the mood with the perfect music you'll both love too.

      Is Valentines day more for the girl or guy? ›

      A new survey by One Poll showed that half of men questioned expected their partner to put in max effort for Valentine's Day. Only 36% of women felt the same. In Today's Talker — it seems men care more about Valentine's Day than women do.

      How to make him feel special? ›

      18 ways to show your partner you love him
      1. Be spontaneous. ...
      2. Express love daily. ...
      3. Be open and honest. ...
      4. Have open communication. ...
      5. Make compromises. ...
      6. Cultivate positive qualities. ...
      7. Take care of yourself. ...
      8. Accept his friends and family.
      May 1, 2024

      How do I spoil him on Valentine's Day? ›

      We got a few ideas on how to spoil your partner this year:
      1. We got a few ideas on how to spoil your partner this year:
      2. Breakfast in bed. ...
      3. Spa Day. ...
      4. Let them sleep! ...
      5. Dinner by candlelight. ...
      6. You can never be wrong with a few Pinterest ideas! ...
      7. Be conservatively romantic. ...
      8. Romantic dinner.

      What a man wants for Valentine's Day? ›

      Some guys may be yearning for a high-quality turntable; others may want nothing more than a reliable chef's knife. Some want a trip to the spa and fancy skin care. (And, of course, there are the guys who truly just want a nice dinner and chocolate.)

      What is the real meaning of Valentines Day? ›

      While the date is meant to honor Saint Valentine's death and burial, which supposedly occurred in mid-February around 270 AD, some historians believe the date could reflect the Catholic Church's attempt to replace the ancient Pagan celebration of Lupercalia — a fertility festival for the pagan agricultural god Faunus — ...

      Why does Valentines Day matter? ›

      Many people enjoy celebrating this holiday because it makes them feel good. They may like showing affection and making their significant other feel loved. Likewise, lots of people enjoy being reminded of how special they are to another person.

      How do you plan a special Valentine's Day? ›

      Fun Valentine's Day Activities for Adults
      1. Date Night Cooking Classes. A fun and romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day together is with cooking classes near you. ...
      2. Attend a Paint and Sip Event. ...
      3. Enjoy a Luxurious Couples Massage. ...
      4. Go Ice Skating. ...
      5. Get Coffee Together. ...
      6. Plan a Staycation. ...
      7. Dinner and a Movie. ...
      8. Enjoy a Fondue Dinner.
      Apr 22, 2024

      How to spice up Valentine's Day? ›

      Taking a bubble bath together is the perfect way to relax and connect on valentine's day. Add some aromatherapy candles, bath salts, and a glass of champagne, and you'll have an extra special evening. Don't forget to set the mood with the perfect music you'll both love too.

      How to make a girl feel special on Valentine's Day? ›

      Never mind, there are ways you can adopt to make sure she doesn't miss out on this special day.
      1. Plan a date. ...
      2. Shop for her. ...
      3. Buy her a pet. ...
      4. Go adventurous. ...
      5. Learn a skill together. ...
      6. Go to a concert. ...
      7. Revisit the first date. ...
      8. Write a letter.
      Jan 22, 2024

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