Some clichés have become clichés for a reason – they’ve been able to stand the test of time because they reflect the truth. That can easily be said about that old saying that actions speak louder than words. Sometimes, and especially when we want to convey a truly significant message, an emotion that no single word or phrase can epitomize, taking action will help you bring your feelings to life.
What’s more, if you have spent the pandemic mostly with your significant other, you now know that there is no such thing as a trivial moment spent with a loved one. A crisis can put things in perspective, and with a few lessons learned, we can rethink how we show our gratitude, love, friendship, and pure appreciation.
When words fall short, and you feel overwhelmed with feelings of immense magnitude, there are things you can do – let’s go over a few that can speak volumes in your stead, both for special occasions, but also for ordinary moments that call for some magic.
Spur of the moment dancing
You don’t have to be Jennifer Lopez to enjoy music or to express yourself in an authentic way – so why not do it with your partner? Even if you don’t know how to dance well or you’ve had little to no training at all, play your favorite song, take your partner by the hand, and start dancing.
It can be slow and intimate, or it can be goofy and all over the place. The point is to bring your significant other into that moment and share a slice of pure bliss together over your song.
Put the phone down
More often than not, what you don’t do will count more than any actual, physical gift. In this day and age, we’re practically glued to our phones and a variety of other screens, which makes genuine human interaction impossible.
Make an effort to put the phone down and turn off notifications when you’re having a conversation. This kind of attention and presence is more than needed today, and it will bring you closer than anything you can say or do.
Set up a home spa
Whip out your stash of essential oils and your fragrant candles and start making a bubble bath. Bring out your massage towel and your lotions, and let the lighting create the perfect, romantic ambiance. Even if you can’t go out for a spa day due to the pandemic, you can definitely create the perfect serene spa at home with the right gift basket.
A set of beauty treats will last well beyond that single spa day at home, and it will become your go-to unwinding toolkit when you’re both stressed.
Authentic baubles
Among many gifts you can give your significant other, jewelry definitely carries more meaning and relevance than most. You can pick out long-lasting and timeless pieces that go with your partner’s eyes or their style. However, instead of reaching for another mass-produced trinket, you can express your love with the help of jewelry.
For example, carving a loving message such as I love you more or a similar phrase you share daily into a bracelet or locket truly transforms words into deeds. It’s the ideal opportunity to craft a piece of jewelry that will be as unique as your love, and that will carry a few words that bring you strength in times of turmoil.
Bond over good food
Breakfast in bed, anyone? Because who can say no to fresh pancakes and coffee! Then again, you can turn your cooking time into a sensual experience that will bring you two closer, as you’ll not just share a meal, but make one together, too.
If you know what their favorite dish is, find the recipe, get the ingredients, and set the stage for an evening (or morning, or afternoon – it doesn’t matter) of cooking for two. Your significant other will appreciate the effort and the thought, even if the meal doesn’t turn out to be perfect. Remember, there’s always takeout if things go awry, and you’ll have a fun little anecdote to share.
A wealth of appreciation
In addition to self-care baskets, wearable love (aka jewelry) and edibles, another type of gift is very creative and loved among people in long-term relationships. Pick a container such as a mason jar, a rustic wooden box, or even a music box, and a bunch of little post-it notes or similar paper material.
Write down what you love most about the person you’re with: their zeal for life, their sense of humor, their perseverance, their smarts, their hair. Add specific items to remind them of what makes them unique, and tell them to take one paper out each time they’re having a bad day, and you’re not around.
Time for a getaway for two
Do you have a favorite spot, like a lake house or a mountain cabin in the woods that brings back memories of romance for the two of you? Maybe it’s time to revisit that place for a weekend, and bask in the beauty of nature, and the much-needed serenity away from all the hustle.
Make sure to bring with you a bottle of wine to share next to a fireplace, as well as your favorite snacks if you’re truly going to be isolated and far away from anything resembling civilization. Giving your s.o. your undivided attention is by far the most priceless gift of all.
Life is too short to fall back on worn-out phrases and empty words – make good on your promise to love and cherish one another by taking action. It doesn’t have to be grandiose or expensive. It can be sweet, funny, kind, but meaningful. It can be a shared experience, surprise or a gift that keeps on giving, that will always bring a smile to their face. Just make sure it’s genuine, and rest assured your significant other will take note.
