It remains understood that February is Black History Month, but everyone knows that February is also home to one of the most 'strategically-lovely' days of the year--Valentine's Day! For many, this is a day that includes dinner, chocolates, roses, and rampant words of affirmation from the ones we love the most. For others, it is simply another day on the calendar. Either way, Valentines Day can serve as a great reminder for many of us who are simply working to exude love in our personal spaces, social spaces, and workspaces!
In order for us to expand the reach and usage of Valentine's Day, here are 7 things to consider regarding our behaviors and practices for February 14!
- Not lovely for everybody - Remember that plenty of people do not celebrate the day and many people might find it off-putting if we try to 'push' the holiday onto them. Whether in our personal space or in the workplace, its always helpful to be respectful of those who don't want to partake...or who may have a not-so-great relationship with the day. It is branded as a lovely day, but many of hearts have been broken on this day as well and we need to be mindful of that.
- Communicate desired progressions - I have a former co-worker who's favorite holiday is Valentine's Day, and boy did she used to go BIG! In reference to the earlier point, her communication of that point helped for the rest of us to know what to expect in all aspects. Whether you desire dinner, a cute gift, chocolates, or nothing at all--be sure to communicate that with the people around you. Some people are creative and may surprise you with how much they have been picking up your cues, but no one is a mind-reader and its important that people know exactly what is expected.
- Think about the love language of the receiver - Remember that VDay can be a great chance to practice thinking for other people! That said, remember that expressions on VDay are oftentimes more about the person receiving than it is about what we are giving. For example, I have never been big on the holiday but I always made sure to bring a rose to work for the friend who loved the day because that is what friends do and I knew that even though it wasn't my jam--it would make her day to receive what she received from me!
- You don't have to break the bank! - This should probably have been No. 1, but people please hear me: You. Do. Not. Have. To. Break. The. Bank! Granted, if you want to go out and 'ball out,' be my guest. One thing I have learned from experience though? A thoughtful gift within your means (perhaps chocolates from the amazing
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
) and a workplace delivery from
ProFlowers
could accomplish the mission if you play your cards right! Heck, even a personalized letter with
The Hershey Company
's Hershey Kiss can get the job done. Get creative (or just consult this list from my friends at
Brides
)!
- Focus on lasting experiences - Overall, think about the person you are working with (loosely defined, of course). What would create a lasting impression? What would be something that is unimaginably beautiful to them specifically? I'm not going to give away all of my secrets but writing personal letters and sharing them aloud together over a candlelight dinner can create memories and photo opportunities to last a lifetime. Think more broadly and think about what means the most to the person you are working with.
- Sweet tooth! - Listen, most of us enjoy a good chocolate bar or cake every now and then but even if people don't, there are a thousand types of candies and desserts shared on this very day. This could be a great opportunity to show off your baking skills by leaving some treats in the office for your co-workers, cooking some treats for your partner, or doing what I do and buying the assortment from
塔吉特百货
and placing the bowl outside of my office! Either way, use the joy of small gestures like candy and treats! It always works!
- Don't let it be the only day you show love - This one is self-explanatory, folks. Whether to your coworkers, constituents, friends, teammates, partners, or legitimately anyone you care about, please do not settle for being that person that only shares love on VDay and doesn't do anything the rest of the year. In this day and age, we need as much love as we can get and for that reason--don't let the rest of the year catch you being idle in showing love to those you care about. Trust me, my team shows me so much love all the time and that legitimately fuels me to keep doing the things I love (like writing these articles, for example)! Lead with love and love will follow!
Valentine's Day may not be a 'holiday' to some, but it is certainly a day that can allow for us to exude the transformative love that has the power to change lives! I am not a major cheerleader for the holiday, but I do believe in the power of love in a way that I believe it its power to be the impetus for marvelous changes in our personal and professional lives/spaces. Even if you don't like the holiday, everyone loves love and all of us could use a little more of it every single day. Whether it is a heartfelt note, a Hershey kiss, a cupcake from
Nothing Bundt Cakes
, or even something as magnificent as a dinner at
Skydeck Chicago
- focus on the feeling in your chest. You know, that warm and fuzzy feeling we get when people we love show us that the love is mutual. That is what this holiday is really about, though some
Mo?t & Chandon
is always a nice finishing touch of SVO flare too.
Happy Valentines Day, yall!
