Love is in the air! The love bug is flitting around this month, reminding us to show love this time of year to the people closest to us. So how can you add a little love to the lives of your little and big sweethearts? Here are a few tricks.
Timing is everything, and small, consistent gestures can make a huge difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones. So first thing first...
Keep it cute.
Find something simple that your loved one likes and take a few minutes out of your day to highlight it. For a child, it might be her favorite simple dinner that takes no time to make. Other options are a favorite dessert from the local bakery, maybe short conversation about his favorite sports team or a cute little “I love you note” written on a sticky note. My heart beats three times faster at the thought of a single red rose across my windshield on my way to work. Small, cute, simple gestures can earn you lots of brownie points and leave everlasting memories for both you and your loved ones.
Be vocal.
Telling your loved ones how much they mean to you can also make a world of difference. An easy way you can do this is just by saying it! Say “I love you” often and remember to call, just to check in. Saying things like, “I miss you an awful lot,” doesn't make you corny, and asking questions like, “Are you happy?” are all great ways to be vocal.
Pay attention to their interests.
The first step toward understanding what people like and what is important to them is simply, to pay attention. Think about it, we all generally show what we are interested in. For example, if chocolate-covered turtles are your candy of choice, odds are you'll have a box in hand every once in a while.
Ask for help.
Time is not always friendly to us, and managing it is incredibly important. Remember, showing lots of love can also take lots of time, so plan, plan, plan and don't be afraid to ask for help. Delegate a few tasks and even prioritize them. Parents, if you have more than one child, routine is key. Give kids one common thing to look forward to, that you can show them love and they can love on one another.
Pinterest is your friend.
Pinterest has tons of neat ideas that can sway any mood. Feeling sweets? Search keywords like sweet snacks. Want to have a little girl time with your daughters? Search nails for polish party ideas. Love gifts, care package ideas, snack ideas and romantic idea” are all good search terms for quick inspiration to help you show your loved ones how much you love them.
Get creative!
No one knows your loves quite like you, so when in doubt, get creative. A little creative fun can mean dance breaks, board games, arts, and crafts or even a classic foot race. After all, who can resist a good dare?
There you are. If you try at least one of these tricks, you'll be sure to win hearts over.
Jessica Samuel lives in Kansas City and is a freelance writer and photographer.