8 Last Minute Valentines Gifts that Money Can’t Buy
Valentines’ day brings visions of red roses, red hearts, diamonds and chocolate. But as the Beatles sang “money can’t buy me love”, so you can show your beloved they are adored by giving one of these 8 suggestions.
1) Give the gift of being heard. Everyone wants to be heard, but fewer know how to listen. When your beloved speaks, stop, listen and be silent until they are done. When they are finished speaking, let them know you heard them by paraphrasing back what you understood them to say.
2) Be present. Put away the cell phone, computers, ipads and kindles. Take the time to really look at your partner. Let them know what you see and what you love about it.
3) Eye contact. Look into each other’s eyes. Eye gazing has been shown to produce oxytocin, which is a hormone that encourages bonding.
4) Hug for an extended period of time. This is also a strong oxytocin producer.
5) Kiss. Take the time to truly explore each other’s lips. Experiment with light to intense pressures.
6) Laugh together. Studies show that couples who laugh together have stronger relationships.
7) Write a love letter. Tell him/her what you love about them, best memories, and how you first met. Tell these heartfelt words as if it is your last day together and these are the important things you want your partner to know.
8) Get to know what she/he likes physically. Take turns exploring, massaging and stroking each other’s body. Be honest in what feels best, good or bad. Be open to giving what your partner loves best and also to receiving this gift.
In doing the above, you will prove that you are truly there for your partner. Rumi said it well in the following poem:
I want to see you.
Know your voice.
Recognize you when you
first come ’round the corner.
Sense your scent when I come
into a room you’ve just left.
Know the lift of your heel,
the glide of your foot.
Become familiar with the way
you purse your lips
then let them part,
just the slightest bit,
when I lean in to your space
and kiss you.
I want to know the joy
of how you whisper
“more”
― Rumi