Love Beyond Valentine’s Day

Love Beyond Valentine’s Day: Everyday Ways to Show You Care

The store is bursting with the unmistakable signs of February: heart-shaped chocolate boxes stacked high, plush stuffed animals in all shapes and sizes lining the shelves, and bouquets of red roses scattered about as if they’ve magically bloomed overnight. Balloons hover above it all, their bright colors and romantic declarations—“I Love You”—floating like birds waiting to be chosen.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. The month of February is here, and with it comes Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day—the one day of the year dedicated to love. Couples exchange cards filled with sweet nothings, gift boxes of chocolates are handed over with shy smiles, and candlelit dinners promise to reignite sparks. It’s a celebration that, for many, feels like the pinnacle of romance.

But here’s the thing: is love really something we should confine to just one day?

Now, I know what you might be thinking: She probably hates Valentine’s Day because she’s single. But that’s not the case at all. In fact, I’ve celebrated Valentine’s Day in the past, and I’m not against the holiday itself. If I were to meet someone who loves the idea of spoiling each other on February 14th, I’d happily join the festivities. You’d find me right there in the store, picking out chocolates, balloons, and yes, even flowers—because contrary to popular belief, many men love flowers too.

But here’s where I struggle: too often, Valentine’s Day becomes the sole moment in the year when we truly go out of our way to express love. It’s as though we’ve all agreed to pour everything into this one day, only to let the sentiments fade as the other 364 days roll by.

What happens when the roses wilt, the chocolates are eaten, and the holiday is just a memory? What happens during the 11 months that follow?

Do you still tell that special person in your life how much they mean to you on a random Tuesday? Do you surprise them with little tokens of appreciation or say, “I love you,” simply because the words feel right in the moment? Or does the effort you put in fade away, tucked back into a drawer with the heart-shaped card, only to reappear when February 14th rolls around again?

This isn’t just a question for those in relationships. It’s for all of us. Whether you’re coupled up, dating, or navigating life as a single person, love is something we all experience in countless forms. It might be the way you cheer on your best friend when they’re chasing a dream, the effort you put into calling your parents regularly, or the time you spend making your niece laugh. Love isn’t just romantic—it’s universal. And it deserves to be celebrated every day.

Everyday Gestures That Matter

So, this year, let’s do something different. Instead of making Valentine’s Day the centerpiece of your expressions of love, let it be a reminder to extend those same efforts throughout the year. Let February 14th inspire you to get creative with how you show your love—not just to a partner but to everyone in your life who matters.

What would happen if we decided to make every month feel like February?

Imagine writing your partner a heartfelt note on a random morning in May, just because you wanted to remind them why you love them. Think about the joy of surprising your best friend with a small gift in July, something that made you think of them. Consider how meaningful it would be to check in on a colleague in September and let them know you appreciate the hard work they put in.

Love thrives on consistency. It’s in the small, everyday gestures—the ones that don’t come with a price tag or a hashtag-worthy post.

For couples, this could mean finding ways to strengthen your relationship daily. Maybe it’s setting aside 15 minutes every night to talk without distractions. Perhaps it’s cooking dinner together once a week, trying a new recipe, or leaving sweet notes in unexpected places.

If you’re single, celebrating love doesn’t have to mean waiting for romance to find you. Use this time to nurture the other relationships in your life. Organize a movie night with your friends, take your mom out for lunch, or spend time volunteering for a cause you care about.

A Challenge for You

As the red roses and heart-shaped chocolates dominate the store aisles this February, take a moment to think about what love means to you. Ask yourself:

How can I show the people in my life that I appreciate them more often?

What are some creative ways to express love, beyond traditional gifts?

Am I being intentional about nurturing my relationships, or am I letting them coast on autopilot?

Love doesn’t need a holiday to flourish. It needs attention, kindness, and effort. It’s in the way you listen when someone shares their worries, the patience you show when tensions run high, and the time you carve out of your busy schedule to make someone else feel valued.

So yes, go ahead and celebrate Valentine’s Day. Buy the chocolates, write the cards, and enjoy the romance. But don’t stop there.

Let February be the beginning of a year filled with love—not just for your partner but for your friends, family, and even yourself.

And here’s a challenge: Pick one day—any day this year—and intentionally show someone in your life how much they mean to you in a way that’s unique to them. Maybe it’s through words, actions, or a thoughtful gesture. Let it come from the heart.

Who knows? By spreading love throughout the year, you may discover that it blooms stronger—not just on Valentine’s Day, but in every season of your life.