Next gift-giving holiday? Valentine’s Day! Even though most holiday lights decorating the outside of homes haven’t been taken down, stores already have shelves full of Valentine’s merchandise – stuffed teddy bears with big red hearts, heart shaped boxes filled with delectable chocolates, and even racy undergarments. Retailers jump on any chance to capitalize on holidays that center around gift giving. They are in business to make money; however, in our own important relationships we need to be less focused on buying love. This means we should not focus so much on particular days of the year (and extravagant gifts) to show love. Instead, we need to strive to show love on a more regular basis – and not necessarily with expensive gifts.
Last night while on my way home from work, I stopped at a local convenience store for bananas and orange juice. I stopped because of love. Although most people might not find any relationship between romance and these items, my husband certainly does. He can’t start his day without taking his many pills with a glass of orange juice, and he most certainly needs his 10:00 AM banana! When I came in the door with a fresh supply, I could see his heart melt with gratitude.
Little things do make a difference. Small gestures can have a huge impact on the love that exists between a couple or between parents and children for that matter. Let me give another example. A few days ago, my youngest daughter woke me in the middle of the night from a deep sleep. She was sobbing, but she managed to choke out that she missed her grandma.
Even though we both had to get up early for work and school, I chose to comfort my child for nearly an hour, holding her close while she cried over the death of my mother. The next day she confided that she had worried I would be mad if she woke me up. I had to set her straight. I want her to know that if she ever needs me to listen or to give her a hug, I will be there, no matter the time of day or night.
These two examples illustrate the basic premise – showing love in simple ways, each and every day, can mean more in the long run than expensive gifts.
It is great to be on the receiving end as well. One of the ways my husband shows me he loves me – taking care of me when I’m ill. In my past relationship, my ex wouldn’t bring me a glass of water with an aspirin when I felt horrible, and he wouldn’t even watch our children. Opposite to that, my husband brings me my favorite drinks, extra blankets…basically anything to help make me more comfortable. In my eyes, his devoted actions mean more to me than any ring or necklace.
Valentine’s Day is a fun holiday, but all relationships can be strengthened if one makes an effort to show love in small ways every day. Why not try giving a daily Valentine?
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I fully agree. The small things really are what a relationship strong. One of my teens saying, “I love you” before they head out; my husband doing an errand for me. They may not hold monetary value, but they mean the world to me.