Valentine’s Day, to most, is the day that we celebrate the love between us and those around us. You don’t have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentine’s Day. You can celebrate with your family, friends, coworkers, and even your pets. It’s the day that we stop what we are doing and take a minute to show our love and commitment to the ones who mean the most to us. 

But what happens when February 14th is over? How do we still show those we love how much they mean to us? How do we continue the love-giving after Valentine’s Day?  

Here are 5 ways to show your love and appreciation well into March and beyond. 

1. Go on a Date

I will start with the most obvious choice. Going on a date together with your partner, or whomever your Valentine is, is a nice way to spend some time alone together to chat and share your thoughts.  

2. Listen to Your Partner

Listening to the one we love is one of the best ways to show our love and appreciation for them. Taking the time to hear what they are telling you and actually listening to them lets them know that you value their words.  

3. Time Together

Take some time and spend it with your loved ones. It doesn’t have to be anything especially fancy or expensive, just the time together is what counts. This can be done by taking a walk together, putting a puzzle together, playing a board game, or watching a movie together. Time, not money, is what counts here. 

4. Write Them a Letter

You don’t have to be a writer to get your message across. We all love to get letters because they signify the time and love it took to write. Letters can explain things that you might not be able to face-to-face. Words from the heart are personal and the perfect gesture to give anyone that you care about. And they are so fun to receive! 

5. Cook Them a Meal

Food is one of the big things that can bring us together. Sharing a meal with our friends and family is a way to show our love. Treating your loved ones to a meal is a great way to spend an evening together. Cooking together is even better. Everyone gets to help out and enjoy the meal they prepared together.  

Sometimes simple gestures can mean more than the elaborate ones. Sending a quick “I am thinking about you” text, helping out more around the house, surprising them with a small gift you know they would love, or bringing them coffee in bed are all small ways that can make a big impact. 

Don’t wait until Valentine’s Day to tell someone how much you value them. Spread your appreciation over the entire year by small gestures of love. 

Misty Roussa, a Louisiana native who lives with her husband and two children. She has contributed to Red Stick Mom, The CF Foundation, and Cystic-Fibrosis.com. When she isn't writing, you can find her reading, listening to podcasts, or trying to cook something her family will enjoy.