{"id":2210,"date":"2020-01-31T06:50:50","date_gmt":"2020-01-31T11:50:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/?p=2210"},"modified":"2020-01-31T02:20:37","modified_gmt":"2020-01-31T07:20:37","slug":"week-281-valentines-day-is-friday-february-14th-read-this-before-buying-that-expensive-gift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/?p=2210","title":{"rendered":"Week #281 \u2013 Valentine\u2019s Day is Friday, February 14th! (Read this before buying that expensive gift!)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Week #281 \u2013 Valentine\u2019s Day is February 14th!  (Read this before buying that expensive gift!)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We haven’t even flipped the calendar yet — but I want to warn you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Valentine\u2019s Day is two weeks from today!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s two Fridays from now! And Yes, this year Valentine’s Day is on a Friday. (Go ahead, check your calendar…I’ll wait.) Alright…good. Now that we’re on the same page…let’s continue. Because you really want to get out ahead of this one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So I wanted to take a moment to repeat<\/a> my little public service announcement to remind those of you who will celebrate this year:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLAN AHEAD!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(And for those of you who aren\u2019t planning to celebrate\u2026check out the PS: below just for you!)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve got a good two weeks to pull together something — and if you make a call today, you may just get ahead of anyone who doesn’t realize that February starts tomorrow! But before you pull out your credit card to buy that expensive gift \u2014 or pick up the phone to find a dinner reservation for 7:30p (and yes, at this point, the good slots will be taken) \u2014 take a moment to think about what the Valentine in your life REALLY wants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back at Week #125,<\/a> I took an informal poll back at \u2014 and asked people:
<\/strong>\u201cWhat is it that you REALLY want for Valentine\u2019s Day \u2014 but are afraid to ask for?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, once again, are the answers!  (And one thing is for sure: most of them are not purchased at a mall or served in an overbooked restaurant.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take heart \u2014 and listen to what REAL PEOPLE told me they REALLY wanted for Valentine\u2019s Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Starters
\u2013 Words of Affirmation: <\/strong>the reality is, most people I asked did NOT respond with a request for a gift or money spent.  They wanted to hear good words from their partners.  You can start the day with a note, a card, or even a text (but PLEASE\u2026don\u2019t follow it up with a request!).
\u2013 Affection: <\/strong>from young to old, many people (women particularly), want some physical reassurance that you are their one-and-only.  Hold a hand, give a hug, plant a kiss (but again, don\u2019t follow it up with a request or expectation for more!).
\u2013 Surprise at Work: <\/strong>one woman I spoke with initially told me she wanted dinner and dancing \u2014 but then confided that she and her husband always do that.  What she really wanted was for him to send flowers to her workplace.  In her words, \u201cwe know we exist when someone else thinks of us.\u201d This could take the form of candy, flowers, fruit, or even donut bouquets! (Bonus points for sending them on Monday so he\/she can have them all week!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Main Course
\u2013 Dinner\/Movie: <\/strong>Dinner is a go-to part of Valentine\u2019s Day \u2014 but most everyone I talked to didn\u2019t want the hassle of going out.  Much of this depends on where you are in your relationship \u2014 but preparing a special meal at home (one young millennial mentioned grilling steaks for his girl) and settling on the couch to watch a movie (he lets her pick) was his plan for February 14th.
\u2013 Dinner\/Dancing: <\/strong>Still, there are those who look forward to getting gussied up and going out on the town!  As mentioned, if this is you \u2014 make your plans early, leave plenty of time, and go all-out!  (And pay cash\u2026you\u2019ll both feel better about it the next day!)
\u2013 Gifts: <\/strong>Surprisingly, more men mentioned to me the desire for a gift!  A nice watch, electronics, or sports gear seemed to top the list.  However, more than one woman mentioned cash or a gift certificate to her favorite store or service.  (As far as gifts go, permission to splurge on oneself should not be overlooked!)
\u2013 Nature: <\/strong>Whether it\u2019s a long walk, a beach day, a ski-day, or a lazy drive \u2014 the quiet of nature is a great place to get out and get connected to one another.
\u2013 Get-a-way: <\/strong>If it\u2019s in the budget and wouldn\u2019t cause additional stress \u2014 make plans to slip away for a weekend or even just an overnight for a little one-on-one time.  A snowy lodge, a flashy casino, or a quaint B&B might be just what you need to remember what brought you together in the first place!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sweet Stuff
\u2013 Conversation: <\/strong>Both men and women reported wanting to \u201creally talk\u201d with their significant others.  And as one young man said to me: \u201cif I could have anything, I\u2019d just want him listen to me.\u201d
\u2013 Cuddling: <\/strong>Sorry guys\u2026but top \u2018o the ladies\u2019 lists is a good cuddle!  I know you may not be able to understand it\u2026but the ability of a man to selflessly provide affection can be very erotic!
\u2013 Sex: <\/strong>Sorry ladies\u2026but the one thing your guy is really hoping for is that you still dig him.  If you really want to surprise your guy, let him know it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus
\u2013 Couple\u2019s Challenge: <\/strong>One young man I asked told me that he would love for his partner to commit to a challenge with him!  Whether it\u2019s to get in shape, quit a bad habit, build a new one, redecorate that spare office or basement, or plan for a vacation \u2014 some couples thrive on encouragement and teamwork!  Working together to achieve a goal can be a great way demonstrate your love and commitment throughout the year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Happyness Challenge for the week ahead: Valentine\u2019s Day is Friday, February 14th!  Do you know what the love in your life REALLY wants?<\/strong>  Use this list to jump start the conversation!  Present him\/her with a menu of options and have them circle their favorites.  You might even be able to team up to make sure you BOTH get a little of everything you want throughout the day.  The most important thing is to PLAN AHEAD!  Whatever your love wants \u2014 don\u2019t leave it until the last minute.  And if it is reservations \u2014 please make them now, preferably for BEFORE or AFTER the 7:30p rush!  (And be sure to take care of your servers and bartenders, chances are it\u2019s their Valentine\u2019s Day too.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Above all: Remember that Valentine\u2019s Day is available every day \u2014 not just once a year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[A big THANK YOU to all the brave souls who let me put them on the spot \u2014 and whose honest sharing made this post possible!]<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spread Happyness \u2014 PLAN AHEAD!  And share your Valentine\u2019s Day ideas in the comments!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PS: I realize that for some, Valentine\u2019s Day may not be the happiest of holidays this year or ever.  Death, divorce, disagreements, or decline can bring about mixed emotions \u2014 or maybe you are just flying solo this year and aren\u2019t happy about it.  If this is you, you are not alone.  Many people report similar feelings.  Their advice?  Seek refuge in the comfort of safe friends, the company of like-minded people, or in the things that you really want for yourself!  Or\u2026throw a Quirky Alone Day<\/a><\/strong> or Galentine\u2019s Day<\/strong><\/a> party for you and anyone else who wants to celebrate \u201cromance, friendship, and the independent spirit\u201d by putting a heart on all kinds of love: romantic, platonic, familial, and the best love of all\u2026loving yourself! (And don’t forget the pets!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1\/31\/20 by Grace Church
\u00a9 Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Week #281 \u2013 Valentine\u2019s Day is February 14th!  (Read this before buying that expensive gift!) We haven’t even flipped the calendar yet — but I want to warn you: Valentine\u2019s Day is two weeks from today! That’s two Fridays from now! And Yes, this year Valentine’s Day is on a Friday. (Go ahead, check your […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2210","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2210","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2210"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2210\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2214,"href":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2210\/revisions\/2214"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2210"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2210"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spreadhappyness.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2210"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}