Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re a fan of everything cheesy (rom-coms and Valentine’s Day socks all the way for me) or you just treat today like any other, there’s something sweet about using this day to show the people in your life that you love them. Today, I’m going to share eight simple ways to spread the love that are perfect for today & any other day!
for your roommate
I am so lucky, because I have the best roommate in the world ((hey Abby!)) Today is the perfect day to show your roommate how much you appreciate them – whether you live with your family, you’re rooming with someone in a college dorm, you share an apartment!
1.) leave a little note. Abby & I leave each other little notes all the time – reminding each other to take out the trash, saying goodbye if we’re going out of town for the weekend, even just leaving each other candy – and these are such simple ways to show your appreciation! Write a little note to your roommate telling them you love them, add a few pieces of candy & put it on their bed so it’s the first thing they see when they get home!
2.) do a simple chore. The gesture of taking out the trash or doing a quick clean up of the room (of course, make sure you know your boundaries – some roommates may love it if you make their bed, but others may feel weirded out by that!) is such a kind way to let someone know you’re thinking of them. It’s completely free for you, won’t take any extra time (because if you’re anything like me, you probably needed to do those chores anyway) but it really stands out.
for your family
I’m away at college which means I won’t spend the day with my family, but these little tips are perfect whether or not you live at home! I know I don’t say “thank you” nearly enough for all my parents do for me, so this is a great occasion to let them know.
3.) call them & tell them you love them. Some people talk to their parents on the phone every day, some once a week. No matter what you do, I think today is the perfect day to call them and just let them know you’re thinking of them.
4.) if you live at home, leave notes around the house. These can be as simple as writing “I love you” and “Happy Valentine’s Day” on a Post-It note, or you could decorate them and make them cute. Leave them throughout the house where you know your family will come across them (on the fridge, on doors, on pillows, etc) and it will be a continuing surprise all day!
for your friends
I have some of the best friends ever, and I think Valentine’s day is an amazing day to really celebrate those friendships. It’s so easy to take friends for granted, especially when you see them every day, so take this chance to remind them how much you love them.
5.) give a friend a small gift or even a greeting card. I love to go to the Target Dollar Spot to pick up little treats & cards, so on special occasions I have them handy. I’m also blessed with the best mom ever! She picks up tons of fun socks for each holiday and always gives me some to give to my friends.
6.) grab lunch or coffee with a friend for a galentine’s date. Because Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday, chances are you’re going to have work to do. Starbucks is my favorite ((such a guilty pleasure)) and today would be a great chance to text a friend & ask if they want to grab coffee. For an even kinder gesture, offer to pay for their food or drink!
for yourself
Of course, you need to show yourself love too! If you aren’t taking care of yourself, it will affect your relationships, so sometimes you need to put yourself and your health first. After spending the day showing other people that you love them, don’t forget to show some self love. These are easy tips that are great for today or any time you’re feeling a little less than your best.
7.) buy your favorite drink, guilt-free. I have a Starbucks obsession, so I have to limit myself to a certain number of drinks a week (They are way too expensive & unhealthy for this to be a daily habit!) but sometimes it’s great to just treat yourself. Because it’s a weekday, I’ll be spending time doing homework and working on blog posts, so it’s a great occasion to buy my favorite drink – iced vanilla coffee with milk, in case you were wondering.
8.) have a spa night. When you get home and start getting ready for bed, set aside about 20-30 minutes for a little spa night. Throw your hair in a messy bun, put on a face mask (I love picking up a few from Target for about $2 each, and I also have been using the Yes to tomatoes charcoal mud mask), and watch your favorite Netflix show while you relax. You could paint your nails, make a cup of hot chocolate, just spend the time doing something you love.
Spend the day showing love to others and yourself in little ways, and I promise you’ll find yourself with a happier outlook. Of course, these tips aren’t limited to just Valentine’s Day – they’re great for your friends’ birthdays, other holidays, or even just a random day.
I hope you have a great day! Let me know in the comments or on instagram the little ways you like to show love.
xoxo, Cecilia
