It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas, then, before we knew it, the New Year stole that show and, bam, the month of February hurls us into chocolates, flowers and begging Hallmark for unique ways to proclaim our undying love for our significant others. Kind of hard to keep up during this busy time of year. So what’s your Valentine’s Day surprise? Do you have anxiety about what to do for your sweetie, or do you have something really cool up your sleeve this year? How about a little help to kick start a few new ideas to get Cupid shooting arrows in the right direction?

14 Ways to say, “I Love You”
Robert Frost once said, “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” Personal love notes say all that and more, especially when they focus on all of your desirable qualities; who wouldn’t love that?
This may or may not be for you, but if you can think of 14 things you love about your mate, quite possibly, you could challenge your writing skills to jot them down on14 little love notes. Then tuck them away in 14 little familiar places in the house that he or she is sure to find.
To add some swag to it, you can begin the love hunt by writing an initial love letter with a hint and clue as to where to find the next note, and so on and so on, until all 14 little treasures that expound on all of the irresistible qualities that made and continue to make you swoon over your valentine are found. Put that initial letter in a cute little decorative box so your treasure hunter has a place to keep their love notes. Make it fun and make it real; without a doubt their heart you’ll steal!

Food is the way to a man’s heart, right?
But remember that girls love to eat, too! So, if you’re something of a chef and you enjoy dabbling in culinary creations, you can cook up a seriously unforgettable Valentine’s Day. Try 14 different foods that make your darling’s heart sing. Start by planning your main course for your Valentine’s Day celebration and then stun your significant other by having already prepared 13 other snacks, meals, and/or goodies, placing them in disposable tupperware with lovey-dovey labels such as “Brownies For My Baby,” “Homemade Granola For My Girl,” or “My Man’s Meatloaf.” Most everything is freezable these days and you can even put all of the delicious creations in one big box and wrap it with your favorite Valentine’s Day wrapping paper. Remember, the yummies don’t have to be elaborate, just creative. Have a blast with a gift that will last!

“At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet” -Plato
Okay, don’t freak out because you know you’re not a poet; you’re in love, right? So, according to Plato, you can do it! You simply need a few choice ingredients. Grab a pen, a piece of paper, and a tender part of your heart, and think of a few great memories you share with your significant other. How did you meet? Your first date. What were some of the things that caused you to fall in love? Make it syrupy, it’s Valentine’s Day for crying out loud!

Last but not least
With no offense to chocolate, we all need to dig a little deeper to make this particular holiday sing a new song. One last thing: if you really want to hit it out of the park, read Solomon’s Song of Songs together to be reminded that the author of love was not kidding when he created us to be one and to live out our own beautiful love story. Then out of respect, share a piece of chocolate.
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Robin is a singer and published songwriter who currently sings with the praise team at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Follow her on twitter at @robinmahria or email her at [email protected].