Let’s be real – love doesn’t magically appear when February rolls around, but sometimes we all need a little reminder. Valentine’s Day can be that reminder, even for those of us who’ve been married forever. I’ll admit, I’ve never been big on the holiday. It’s usually more about heart-shaped pancakes for the kids than romance for me and my husband. But this year? I’ve got a plan to shake things up and bring back that spark.
Curious? Keep reading, and I’ll let you in on my secret plan to make the entire month of February sizzle with romance – it might just be the relationship game-changer you never knew you needed!
What Month is the Month of Love?
February is widely recognized as the month of love in many Western countries, primarily due to Valentine’s Day on February 14th. As a result, you’ll often see heart-shaped decorations and romantic themes throughout February.
The concept of a “month of love,” however, doesn’t apply everywhere:
- In Brazil, they celebrate “Dia dos Namorados” (Lovers’ Day) on June 12th.
- China observes the Qixi Festival, their version of Valentine’s Day, in August.
- In Japan, Valentine’s Day is unique as women give chocolates to men, often as a gesture of love or appreciation, while White Day, celebrated on March 14th, is when men reciprocate by giving gifts like white chocolate, cookies, or other presents to the women who gifted them chocolates, symbolizing a balanced exchange of affection and gratitude.
Despite these variations, February remains the most globally recognized month for love celebrations, largely due to the influence of Western media and commerce.
How did February Become the Month of Love?
To begin with, there are at least two St. Valentines associated with February 14th. What’s even more astounding is that we don’t even have records from when they lived. Stories about them only appear 300-400 years after their discovery!
Both tales follow a similar pattern:
- Valentine #1: A priest in Rome who stood up for his faith to Emperor Claudius II. He was put under house arrest, where he miraculously healed his jailer’s daughter’s blindness. When the family converted to Christianity, Claudius had Valentine beheaded.
- Valentine #2: The bishop of Terni, who healed a scholar’s crippled son. This led to more conversions, which upset the Roman senators. They had Valentine clubbed and then beheaded.
These stories pop up all over medieval Europe, but here’s the surprising part – none of them mention anything about romance or love!
The idea that St. Valentine’s Day is connected to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia? That’s probably not true either. Historians in the 1700s and 1800s developed that theory, but modern research suggests it’s unlikely.
So, while we celebrate love on February 14th today, the real St. Valentine (or Valentines) might be more about faith and healing than hearts and flowers. Sometimes history is more complicated – and interesting – than we first think! You can read more from Jack Oruch’s article “St. Valentine, Chaucer, and Spring in February”.
A Fun Gift Idea for the Month of Love for Him and Her
Sure, Hallmark has Valentine’s Day covered with cute stuffed animals, cards, and mugs. But why limit showing love to just one day? This year, I stumbled upon an idea that’s going to turn the whole month into a love fest: daily love notes.
I found this Romantic Love Notes set, and it sparked an idea. Instead of a single card on February 14th, I’m going to surprise my husband with a new note every single day of the month. It’s not that I doubt he knows I love him, or that I don’t know he loves me. But let’s be real – everyone craves that butterfly feeling, that spark from your first kiss, or that warm blush from a sweet whisper.
These daily notes are more than just words on paper. They’re subtle ways to show love, little reminders that even in our busy lives, our love is always there, growing stronger each day. It’s about bringing back those small, exciting moments of connection we sometimes lose in long-term relationships.
The Power of Daily Love Notes
In an era of instant messaging and emojis, there’s something profoundly intimate about a handwritten note. Here’s how to incorporate love notes into your daily routine:
- Morning Surprises: Leave a note by the coffee maker or tucked into a lunch bag.
- Digital Delights: Send a thoughtful text or email during the workday.
- Evening Affirmations: Place a note on your partner’s pillow or nightstand.
- Unexpected Locations: Hide notes in jacket pockets, car dashboards, or books.
The note set contains over 120 different messages, some romantic, others flirty and even a number of steamy ones.
Each day he’ll find something new from me knowing he’s on my mind even during our rushed mornings to get everyone out the door, when we’re juggling making dinner and helping with homework, or sitting beside each other quietly after the kids have gone to bed.
These quick love reminders keep things exciting without the pressure of daily novel-writing. The 120 Romantic Love Note set makes it easy to express those anytime, anywhere, which has been a lifesaver in our busy routine lately. It’s my secret weapon for sprinkling romance into our hectic days – simple, sweet, and totally unexpected!
Want to add a personal touch to your love life? Grab the “What I Love About Us” Journal and have a blast filling it out together. Get creative with your answers – the sillier, the better! It’s not just a fun activity; it’s also a sweet keepsake you’ll cherish for years to come.
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a regular Tuesday, these little gestures can make a big difference. They’re simple, fun, and remind your partner that they’re always on your mind. So go ahead, spread some love – your relationship will thank you for it!
28 Love Quotes for Every Day in the Month of Love
Want to add some romance this February? Check out these 28 sweet quotes – one for each day – that will make your partner smile when they find them in their lunch bag, tucked into a card, or in a surprise note.
- “You are my today and all of my tomorrows.”
- “I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you.”
- “Every day I’m convinced that I can’t possibly love you more… and every day I’m proven wrong.”
- “If I know what love is, it is because of you.”
- “My soul and your soul are forever tangled.”
- “I choose you. And I’ll choose you over and over and over. Without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat.”
- “You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known.”
- “I look at you and see the rest of my life in front of my eyes.”
- “To me, you are perfect.”
- “You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be.”
- “I fell in love with you because you loved me when I couldn’t love myself.”
- “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.”
- “You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.”
- “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.”
- “Your love is all I need to feel complete.”
- “I will love you until the stars go out, and the tides no longer turn.”
- “You make my heart smile.”
- “Every time I see you, I fall in love all over again.”
- “You are the last thought in my mind before I drift off to sleep and the first thought when I wake up each morning.”
- “I love you to the moon and back.”
- “You are my favorite notification.”
- “I wish I could turn back the clock. I’d find you sooner and love you longer.”
- “Home is wherever I’m with you.”
- “You’re the missing piece I’ve been trying to find.”
- “I love you more than yesterday, less than tomorrow.”
- “You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought.”
- “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”
- “I never want to stop making memories with you.”
Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or just because, remember how you felt at the start of your relationship when you treated each other with little surprises and unexpected moments of flirtation. Try sending a few love notes of your own to surprise your partner!