5 Unconventional Ways to Say “I Love You”

Its that time of year again. That is right, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner – a day to show your special person exactly what they mean to you.

To be quite honest, this time of year leaves me rather torn. The liberal hippie deep inside of me hates the fact that it is obviously a corporate driven holiday designed to provoke mindless consumerism. But the romantic little girl even deeper inside of me really likes all the doting and chocolate involved.

Best solution? Heartfelt gestures that go beyond a mindless, last-minute purchase at the local mall. Here are some novel ideas.

Write a poem – Ok so this doesn’t really sound “unconventional” but trust me, it is. How many people in the world would rather buy their significant other a quick and easy gift than sit down for a few hours stringing together words, syllables and ideas? The answer: pretty much everybody. Don’t be like everyone else. Spend your time and energy on creating something unique for the love of your life. I promise it will mean more than any piece of jewelry or confection. Want to up the romance factor? Send it through snail mail. You know, that stuff that collects inside the metal box outside of your door.

Get Technical – Create a private blog, and everyday for a whole year document one thing that your partner did that day to make you adore them even more. It can be as simple as taking out the trash or as complicated as holding your hand and saying the right thing during a time of need.  It will be beneficial to yourself as well as your relationship. When you have a year full of documented love, send him the link and the password.

Join the team – You know that irritating hobby that your lover has? The fascination with baseball or  love affair with grammar and history? Embrace it. Learn all you can about it. Become an expert. Then release all of your new found knowledge upon their unsuspecting little soul. Take your love to a baseball game or arrange a “tutor” session. Whatever their poison is, make it your passion.

Make a mix tape – For full impact this should be an actual tape. None of that fancy schmancy CD or ipod playlist stuff. Fill sides A and B with songs that remind you of your darling, no matter how lame or sappy. Place stickers or draw little doodles on the cover.  Name it something cute and quirky like “The Magical Adventures of Jack and Jill in Song”.

Cook and clean – Yep… it does sound chauvinistic, but lets back up for a second and ask ourselves a question: How amazing does it feel to come home after a long day to a spotlessly clean house, with no chores to do and a nice meal sitting there waiting for you? Um.. hello! Whether you are male or female you know that this feels fantastic!  You get extra points if you do this when you are not the person who typically helps around the house (ahem… you know who you are).

Not sure of the image source but i found it here.