A Different Valentine’s Day
By Joan B. Reid
What is it about Valentine’s Day that fuels eternal romance? In 2022, spending on declarations of affection including gifts, candy, cards and flowers exceeded $23 billion in US sales and is predicted to surpass that in 2023!
Sure, love is universal. Who doesn’t need to feel wanted, appreciated or thought of? But how did it balloon into a retail bonanza? I’m here to share with you how Cupid’s arrow can be more inclusive, more personal and less expensive; alternative ways to show love that will touch the recipient’s heart and give you a warm glow.
- Send cards or letters to friends. Perhaps a lost art, but expressing deep appreciation is never out-of-date, and will make you feel good, too.
- Send cards to veterans or active military thanking them for their service.
- Donate to a favorite charity in memory of a loved one.
- Have a tree planted in honor of someone through the Arbor Foundation; you’ll be loving the earth too.
- Stretch your love by volunteering or supporting an event benefitting the community.
- Take food to a family or homeless shelter.
- Do a video with someone far away.
- Share plant cuttings with neighbors — watch your love multiply and grow!
- Take cookies and a caring note to an elderly neighbor or nursing home.
Aaah, Valentine’s Day. While it may conjure images of kisses, hugs or dinner for two, why not make this year special. Skip the candy hearts and balloons. Think unique!
Ready? Take aim! This Valentine’s Day, target others who long to be included.
Joan B. Reid, writer of plays, poetry, cozy mysteries and essays. Most recently, Joyful Passage: A Woman’s Path to Retirement.