Are you looking for a special Valentines Gift that will mean so much?
To help me get in the spirit of Valentines Day I have been keeping an “appreciation log” of the small things my husband does on a daily basis that “I love.” According to the 5 love languages by Gary Chapman, I scored second highest in the “Words of Appreciation” category, but find that I often don’t give words of specific appreciation as much as I would like to.
Taking a moment to recognize the small things that may often go overlooked helps keep negativity at bay in any relationship. It challenges you to become observant and really pay 
attention in order to come up with something new every day. Some things I have jotted down have been anywhere from squirting toothpaste on my toothbrush for me, opening my door, helping carry in the groceries, or holding my hand while driving in the car (he is still doing that after 8 years). Am I getting all mushy on you? The truth is that this simple and inexpensive exercise can change the tone of the home and decrease negativity. It is something I challenge couples to do whether having a difficult time or not. Then, after several weeks, I encourage them to sit down and share while observing their reactions and feelings.
So, do you want try this little Valentines experiment? Okay, here is what you do:
First, find any old notebook and keep it in a place where you will remember ( I have mine in my nightstand drawer) and your special person can’t see it (I like to keep it a secret until the end).
Second, jot down one thing you appreciate about that person every day until Valentines (or as long as you like- try the entire year!)
Lastly, once you have a good-sized list, share it with that person when you have their undivided attention.
Some things to remember:
-Let go of any expectations for this activity (such as expecting to hear things in return)- It should be lighthearted and just an experiment to see what you experience as an observer.
-Work hard to find at least ONE thing- even during moments where it seems difficult to find something new or at all. You will be surprised how often we overlook them.
Now for my Valentines gift- I plan on taking these thoughts and compiling them in a gift for Valentines Day.
I found this pocket at Hobby Lobby and it was already made up, so all I had to do is write 10 things…the question now is what should I do with it…any ideas?
Let me know and I’ll come back and report!
To find out more on Languages of Love or relationship/parenting advice- visit me at www.weedstowishes.com.
xo
{We’re linking up to these parties!}
Missy says
Super idea!
Hmmm. What to do with the 10 things. I like it as just a card for the big day. Or what about a scavenger hunt or leaving them in places he will find them all day? Or pair them with 10 of his favorite treats.
Cristi says
Yes! love that idea… how fun!
Myoriah says
I had to smile when I saw the pocket with the strips of what you loved because I just made one using a library pocket cutting file with my Cameo. Because the graphic I used for the pocket has a neat sentiment which is on the back I’m using it as a card.
If it was plain on the back I would glue to a card. I am going to make one for my son and put a gift card in it along with the strips. A friend wants me to make one for his mom and instead of the strips to put family photos in.
By the way as I made a list of what I loved about my sister I quickly had more than 10. The hardest part was deciding which ones to use. It did help me realize just how much I love my sister and what a wonderful person she is.
Wonderful idea about the journal.
Becca says
I think I’m going to use this for my roommates and my best friend. I love my roommates and my bestie they are always there for me. I probably don’t show them how much I appreciate them and I think this would be a great way to do that. Thanks for the idea!!
sue says
Is there a printable for 10 things?
Thanks!
Love the idea BTW – already ordered a journal for V-day.
Cristi Dame says
No printable for this one- I purchased it at Hobby Lobby. However check on the home page for some awesome valentines printables!
veronica almeida says
I just finished writing all ten thigs. Not hard to do when you are married to my hubby!
Erin says
Hi, great idea. do you have that valentines card in a printable format?
Cristi Dame says
I don’t have a printable- I got mine from Hobby Lobby- but there are some great valentines printables that were posted on How Does She yesterday!
Tausha says
Cristi-
I love this! How quickly we forget the everyday things that make the biggest difference. Plus-I have the little pocket in my valentines day paper stash. I totally forgot I had it until I saw it again. THANKS for both things! Love them!
Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Have a happy day!
Tausha
sassystyleredesign.blogspot.com
Jo Dee says
This is so sweet! So much more thoughtful and meaningful than anything I could buy at Target!;)
Sara {Home is Where the Cookies Are} says
Oh, I so love that book. It’s a great resource. Your idea is well thought out too. I usually end up sitting on my bed on February 13th trying to come up with a meaningful gift. The notebook ahead of time is great.
Shelley says
So super duper sweet. I’m starting this ‘journal’ idea for sure. I am going to shoot for a whole year’s worth. Hopefully next V-day I’ll have a fabulous list. Thanks for the idea. 🙂
Alison says
I ADORE this idea!! Love the idea of recording little positive moments. And a fun keepsake too!
amy says
Get some kind of sticky tack thing and put it on bathroom mirror for when he goes to take a shower on Vday morning! Very cute idea. I love it!
Cammi Rose says
I think on Valentines day you should scatter your 10 things around the house that you know that your husband goes to often or at least once! I think that is what I’m going to do! Thanks for the help!
Cristi Dame says
LOVING everyone’s ideas!!! THANK YOU!!
Cathy Ruiz says
I love checking out all your ideas. Thanks! I think you should give these “reasons why you love” during a romantic Valentine dinner. Years ago my husband would surprise me with little gifts for Valentines starting on Feb. 1st. He gave a heart shaped straw, a heart cookie cutter with a recipe, & sad thing is out of l4 items those are the only ones I can remember. But more importantly, I’ll always remember the thought of it and as you can see, I still brag about it. He’s the best. After 36 years he still writes love notes on the mirror anytime during the year.
Erin says
The pocket that you got from hobby lobby totally caught my eye! I got the same thing ( it was actually a whole scrapbook kit) i decided to use the kit and make a card for my boyfriend. I used the 10 things i love about you pocket on the inside of the card.
Amy says
I love this idea. Love notes are always good and this is so simple and fun.
Markie says
http://www.michaels.com/10-Things-I-Love-to-Do-With-Friends/e10692,default,pd.html?start=14&cgid=projects-scrapbooking-albumsandjournals
It’s a mini album using the same style pocket and tags.
Lindsi B says
I found you on Tip Junkie. Would you please share this with my readers for our Fun Stuff Fridays Valentine’s Linky Party? I think it would be a great fit. http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2012/02/14-days-of-valentines-fun-stuff-fridays.html
Mindy says
oh boo I was hoping this was a printable I could use for tonight!
Stephanie says
These gifts of noticing and appreciating speak volumes. For my 40th b-day my husband wrote a list of “40 things I love about you”, printed them up, and delivered the pages to my favorite restaurant. They put the list inside of the menu, so when I sat down to decide what I was going to order I was totally shocked to find the loving list instead. It was awesome.
Cristi Dame says
That is so CUTE and what a great husband!!