Hugs, Hearts & Romance – Valentine’s Day a time to recharge your heart
Joan B. Reid
50plus Magazine
“You must remember this; a kiss is still a kiss…”
Since its 1942 debut, “As Time Goes By” has spoken to lovers of every age about the power of romance and love.
The days ahead bring Valentine’s Day and springtime. Love and new life are budding, daylight hours are growing, and romantic feelings are awakening.
Long-term partners may find passion waning, their lives having become routine. But it’s never too late to reignite the spark of initial attraction. This is not a time to be stingy with affection, but let’s begin with what can be given freely.
- A smile and a wink
- Hugs and cuddles given generously throughout the year
- Kisses — from a friendly buss on the cheek to a passionate lip-lock
- Holding hands creates warmth and comfort
- A love poem is a lasting gift
- Dancing to “your song” evokes tender memories and makes new ones
- Saying “I love you”
- Heartfelt compliments
Universal Love
Fortunately, Valentine’s Day is no longer only about romantic love. Equally important is love and kindness to friends, extended family and neighbors. It’s time to start thinking outside the heart-shaped box of chocolates. Valentines needn’t be costly because love is invaluable.
- Everyone wants to be heard
- Cheery cards provide a wonderful surprise and sense of being in someone’s thoughts
- Homemade cookies, brownies, or soup — always a treat!
- Flowers from your garden
- A tree planted in honor of someone
Self-love
Self-love keeps us healthy and attractive to others. When I was single, time with friends always lifted my mood. Also, watching romantic comedies reminded me that love and romance was always possible. There I sat with a little wine and Chinese take-out, laughing or crying, and cheering for a happy ending.
Nurture yourself with a walk, a warm bath, a nap, a prayer or meditation. These
cost-free things are gifts of inner peace and calm.
Online Love
While many over 50 use online dating, no amount of heart emoticons can replace time-honored expressions of romance. A single rose, a kiss, holding hands, or watching the sunset together require only the recharging of your heart.
Joan B. Reid, author, “Joyful Passage: A Woman’s Path to Retirement.”
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