Darlings, want to find out what I will be doing for Valentine’s Day? Here’s a hint: it doesn’t involve any heart-shaped objects😊. Check out my 3 simple suggestions for a cringe-free, genuinely exciting Valentine’s Day!
As your Style Coach and Personal Shopper, I’m tempted to write about the perfect Valentine’s gift for him or her. A big fan of celebrating sensuality, I could instantly pull some spicy gift ideas out of my sleeve.
But I’m not going to. If you need my help with gifts, you know where to find me😊
Instead, I would like to share some ideas on how to make this year’s Valentine’s Day memorable, independent from gifts, and without the option of going out to restaurants or spa resorts.
Let me be clear though. This is not another list of suggestions in the lines of exchanging handwritten love letters, scrapbooking your love story, treasure hunting for love notes hidden all over the house, or eating gingerbread hearts while watching PS I Love You together. Seriously, the things we come up with! No wonder many of us have developed an allergy to this cheesy, sugar-coated ‘gamification’ of Valentine’s Day.
And no, for the record, rose petals and heart-shaped pancakes are not every woman’s idea of romantic love or erotic desire. What an awfully dull world that would be! Luckily, we are all different and unique in a million ways. What pushes our buttons romantically and erotically is as diverse as all the shades of all the colours under the sun. Believe me, 50 shades of grey is nothing yet!
So, instead of adding another layer of stereotypes to our notions of love and desire, I’d like to make 3 simple suggestions for Valentine’s Day 2021.
1. Pick a better day to celebrate your love!
I don’t know about you, but I would hope every couple has that one special day when they instinctively want to look each other deep into the eyes and rekindle their love for each other. It could be the day they first saw each other, the day of their first kiss, their wedding day, or any other day that reminds them of how it all started. For the large majority of us, that day is not February 14. So I say, cherish your unique love-day and keep Valentine out of it!
But hang on, then what is left to celebrate on February 14?
Well, Valentine’s Day is just an invention, a foreign concept that has found its way across the Atlantic, so we can make it about anything we like. Personally, I think it is the perfect day for a little extra adult playfulness and imagination. Never any harm in that. Perhaps some of us might even embrace Valentine as their partner-in-crime to spice things up a little, or unlock a new level of fire as a couple. I’m pretty sure Saint Valentine wouldn’t mind😊
2. Don’t plan anything big!
Have you noticed how New Year’s Eve doesn’t usually turn out to be the best party of the year? You know why? It’s because expectation is the biggest party-killer. We tend to have more fun when things happen unexpectedly, naturally, and without too much fuss.
So, if you’d like some magic to happen on Valentine’s night, keep it simple and don’t overdo it. Trust me, an innocent (or not so innocent) suggestion goes a long way. It could be a ‘teaser’ message the day before, a subtle hint of lace underneath your cosy winter jumper, a warm bath with a drop of Bergamot oil, a blindfold hidden underneath your pillow, or a sensual gift served with breakfast in bed. But by all means, it doesn’t have to be all of the above, and there is no need to plan out every hour of Valentine’s Day!
Desire doesn’t like to be orchestrated. Set it free darlings…
3. Unusual times require unusual solutions!
I’m well aware of the fact that my suggestions above can be somewhat challenging for couples with kids. I also have two teens whom I can’t drop at my mom’s or dad’s this year, so I can relate.
Still, I don’t think we should just resign to couple playtime until we get Covid out of the way. After all, it looks like we might be in for the long haul.
So, let’s think a little on our feet here, shall we?
For one, timing people. If you never get a private moment during the day, think early morning or late evening. If your toddler has a three-hour melt-down every night (oh I remember those…), perhaps siesta-time is your lucky moment. Just aim for whatever window you can get and make it work!
Also, involve them. Now, I know that sounds just wrong😊, but bear with me here for a second. You know how kids love to be part of a secret plan or a surprise, right? Well then, make them your secret accomplices. Perhaps they can be your ‘waiters’ for your tête-à-tête, or they could pull a bottle of champagne and a warm blanket from the rose bushes after luring your partner into the garden.
Agreed, it takes a bit of extra imagination, but it’s for a good cause😊.
Now, enjoy!
There you are, these were my 3 suggestions for a cringe-free Valentine’s experience. Who knows, you might even end up looking forward to February 14😊
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Who am I?
I am Truus Yperman, Brussels-based Style Coach and Personal Shopper for women and men.
I offer joy, indulgence and empowerment in a practical, hands-on way, by helping you master the essence of good taste and develop your aesthetic instinct.
I also write a blog with my peaches and pink reflections on matters of life, style, and lifestyle.
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