This May will be my 15th anniversary. My husband and I have been together almost 17 years. And in all that time, I don’t think we’ve ever exchanged gifts for Valentine’s Day.
Some people would be pissed, but for us, it wasn’t that big of a deal. We also don’t do much for each other for Christmas or our birthdays. And that’s okay with us because we get each other little things through the year. Like the ice cream (my favorite) he bought me and hid in the freezer without telling me it was there. Or when he got me candy because he was thinking of me. Or when he picked up a book he knew I wanted.
Some of the best gifts don’t cost us anything. Those gifts are the ones that I love the most. The ones that come every day or once in a while, but that mean the most.
My Five Favorite Free Gifts
Say I love you. This is definitely my favorite, but it doesn’t take anything to do. We say it many times a day, but when it comes with a kiss and a hug and a moment for just the two of us, it’s a little extra special. And it’s nice to hear, even if it hasn’t been that long.
Share some adult time. Let’s be honest, men have a tendency to think with a certain part of their anatomy. Haven’t you heard they think about sex ten times a minute? Or something like that. If he’s thinking about it all the time, then he probably wants it. Put the kids to bed a little early and close (and lock) the bedroom door and have a little alone time. You’ll both enjoy it!
Cook dinner together. I don’t like to cook. I never have. Hubby is the cook in our house. He loves it, and that makes me happy. But the nights he’s cooking and in the kitchen for a while, I like to help him, or just stand there and talk to him. We put on a movie for the kids (especially if we’re having pancakes for dinner) and let them watch while we get a little while to talk and laugh and cook dinner together. Those are my favorite nights.
Make him something. When my kids have birthday parties, most of the time, they make a card for their friends. My son draws a picture of the recipient and wishes them a happy birthday. My daughter tends to cover hers with stickers. But when their friends get a card that was handmade and one of a kind, it’s special. Why not do that for him (or her)? Make him a card or coupons for future favors or write him a letter telling him all the things you love about him. Hell, if you’re an artist, paint him a picture or knit him some socks. The possibilities are endless, and it’ll mean more knowing you did something special just for him.
Watch a movie together. Maybe that’s not such a big deal, but it’s a Thursday night. You probably work tomorrow, so cuddling on the couch might not be something you do every Thursday. Pick out a movie neither of you have seen and curl up together to watch it.
None of this is groundbreaking, but that’s why it’s so special. These are things you can do every day to tell him you love him. And hopefully he’ll return the favor and do some of these things for you, too!
