Treat Your Bae the Right Way: V-Day Plans Inspired by Love Languages
Image Courtesy: Verywell / Alison Czinkota
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love is in the air. But this elusive aura is often hard to harness. The unspoken expectation to sweep your partner off their feet with a meaningful day is enough to make even the bravest of us weak in the knees.
Fortunately, the key to unlocking the ideal V-day lies in the five Love Languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time and physical touch. These universal characteristics give invaluable insight into how your partner expresses and receives affection. If your special someone isn’t sure what their Love Language is, have them take this quick quiz.
Now that you have the results, and because we love you, we’ve harnessed these tricks-of-the-romantic-trade. Here's our curated guide to navigating the holiday in a way sure to impress your bae.
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION: The Romantic
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Those who value words of affirmation as their primary Love Language desire reassurance and regular reminders of your love for them. The way to their heart is through sincere compliments, recognition of their efforts and praise for their achievements. To dote on them this Valentine’s Day, show just how much you love them with affectionate flatteries and meaningful conversations.
Gifts:
Handwritten love letters: Take your cue from Shakespeare and swoon your special someone with a sonnet, or something along those lines. Serenade them with sweet-talk, express appreciation, reminisce on your favorite memories and talk about the future. Check out this collection of love letters or this fill-in-the-blank book for a more guided approach.
Books: Those who love words and understand their power can’t help but fall for books. Find their favorite or gift them your volume of choice. For added sentiment, write your thoughts in the margins, press flowers between the pages, highlight your favorite sections or scribble little love notes for your partner to uncover as they read.
We’re Not Really Strangers card deck: Those with this Love Language value genuine conversations. Strengthen your connection with the “We’re Not Really Strangers” card game. This thoughtful deck will delve into your bond and develop your relationship. The “Couples Edition” is currently sold out, but the “Relationship Expansion Pack” makes a perfect Valentine’s Day activity for the wordsmiths.
Plans:
Scavenger hunt: Start your day off right by taking your valentine on an adventure. Leave a trail of sticky note clues that lead to a sentimental gift for them to discover in the morning. Write down fond memories or things you appreciate about them on each note to curate an unbeatable day of love.
Picnic: Pack some fresh fruit, a bottle of champagne and your favorite snacks for a good old-fashioned picnic at your favorite spot (Depot Park never fails to impress). Picnics are the perfect opportunity to enjoy your lover’s company and converse with nothing to distract you but the blue sky and cool breeze. Curate a playlist for a romantic soundtrack to the afternoon, and be sure to express how much you’re enjoying your time with your companion. If picking the menu sounds a bit too intimidating, take them to 4th Ave Food Park or Midpoint Park and Eatery for a “catered” take on this classic date activity.
Dinner for two: Put on your Sunday best and have a date night at one of Gainesville’s finest restaurants. Run, don’t walk to Amelia’s, Dragonfly or OAK to get a reservation before they run out of availability. To take the night to the next level, try out the New York Times’ 36 questions to fall in love for an intimate repast.
ACTS OF SERVICE: The Partner-in-Crime
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
People with this Love Language want their significant other to be their teammate against the world. They feel most appreciated when you notice their problems and go out of your way to make their life a bit easier. Don’t tell your partner you appreciate them, show them. Convey your love this Valentine’s Day by taking unwanted weight off their shoulders and checking tasks on their to-do lists.
Gifts:
Coupon book: Customized vouchers are a creative way to indulge in your partner’s desire for acts of service. You can make your own, opt for a downloadable coupon book or check out this Personalized Ticket to Love from Uncommon Goods for a gift that shows and tells how you feel.
DIY care kit: What’s better than a personalized kit to show how much you appreciate your service-oriented bae? Buy a basket and fill it with a myriad of goodies like their favorite snacks, candles (we love these from Homesick), tea or coffee, books, flowers, slippers — really, anything at all! Consider gifts that encourage your partner to slow down, relax and feel accomplished after a long day of lists.
Finish some chores: If your partner has had a lot on their plate lately, do their dishes. No, really, if your S.O. has tasks they’re too busy to tackle, lend a loving hand. It can be as simple as filling their car with gas, buying groceries, cleaning their space, stocking the liquor cabinet or hanging artwork. Those with this Love Language will appreciate your practical acts and attention to detail. Don’t forget to grab some flowers and chocolates while you’re at the grocery store.
Plans:
Breakfast in bed: Preparing a nice breakfast for your beloved to enjoy in bed is a quintessential gesture of appreciation. Whip up their favorite dish or try your hand at these Valentine’s breakfast recipes so your partner’s morning is as sweet as them.
Spa day: To help your companion decompress, treat them to a day of luxury. Buy a gift card or spa subscription box from Spa Royale, or book a reservation at Massage Envy. For bonus points, tidy up their home and light some candles so the tranquil vibes keep flowing long after the day is done.
Night in: Wine and dine your valentine in the comfort of your own home for a stress-free night they’ll love. After treating them with their favorite meal or take-out order, set the scene with candles and cozy blankets to end the evening with a movie.
RECEIVING GIFTS: The True Valentine
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Valentines with Receiving Gifts as their Love Language want to know that they’re the angel always on your mind. Contrary to what the name suggests, these lovers don’t crave a multitude of expensive gifts. Treat them with tangible tokens of your love they can treasure forever, and which show exactly how well you know and love them.
Gifts:
Custom reel viewer: This adorable reel viewer from Uncommon Goods is sure to be one of the most original gifts your partner will cherish. It can be personalized with seven of your favorite couple pics for the two of you to treasure.
Keepsake box: Perhaps the perfect gift for this Love Language, a customized keepsake box will give them a space to store treasured trinkets. Fill it with flowers, love letters, Polaroids, ticket stubs or any other little reminders of your affection for each other.
Splurge a little: Although the Receiving Gifts Love Language is about sentimentality rather than price-point, sometimes spoiling your S.O. can be a romantic surprise. What would mean the most to your partner? Consider jewelry, streetwear and shoes, perfume and cologne, handbags, subscription boxes and appliances — anything that reminds you of them.
Plans:
Shopping spree: If your partner has a unique taste, take them to one of Gainesville’s charming vintage markets, like the Auk Market or How Bazar, for a selection that’s sure to surprise them. Set a price and time limit and make a game of scouring the store for each other’s gifts. This idea takes the pressure off picking the perfect present (after all, you can show each other your choices before you buy them). Better yet, you’ll gain insight into what kinds of gifts mean the most to your partner.
Arts and crafts: For a sweet and memorable gift that you and your partner can make together, take on some arts and crafts! The Reitz Union Arts and Crafts Center has an extensive selection of pottery pieces available for painting with your beloved (they’ll even fire your masterpiece in the kiln so you can pick up the finished product later). Painting with a Twist is a fun festivity even if you lack artistic abilities. Alternatively, buy supplies at your closest craft store to create lasting reminders of your love.
Adventure time: Gift-receivers will be impressed if you show you’ve been keeping up with their interests. Think back to anything your partner has mentioned wanting to do, and take them on an adventure they’ll forever remember.
QUALITY TIME: The Devoted Companion
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
This Love Language is all about undivided attention. Making a concerted effort to spend time with your valentine — whether it’s a lazy day at home or an extravagant date night — will be an endearing measure. Their ideal plans include lots of time spent with nobody but you.
Gifts:
Scrapbooks: The QT in your life would love a precious place to store all your best moments and travels. This scrapbook is inspired by Pixar’s “Up” and has 80 pages for you to document your quality time together. If you’d rather invest in a gift that’ll inspire you to make new memories, opt for this scrapbook with 50 scratch-off adventure ideas to try with your valentine.
Tickets for two: Surprise your sweetie with tickets for a fun date night. Where would they want to go? Think concerts (check out High Dive for local Gainesville bands), sporting events, guided hikes, classes, movie screenings and amusement parks. Or, if you’re willing to spend a bit, plan a mini vacation or weekend getaway. As long as you and your partner get to enjoy time off with each other, anything goes.
Date night kit: Make your Valentine’s Day extraordinary with a themed date night box. The kits from Etsy’s Crated With Love and The Artistic Box contain everything you need for some wholesome entertainment. Your partner will certainly appreciate the opportunity for one-on-one time with you.
Plans:
Road trip: Whisk your lover on a romantic road trip. There’s no need to travel far — there are a number of swoon-worthy sites located within a reasonable distance from Gainesville. For a refreshing dip close to home, venture out to Ginnie Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, Devil’s Den or Lake Wauburg. Alternatively, take a weekend trip to a city nearby for a pleasant change of scenery.
Explore Gainesville: Do some research and find a local spot to visit with your sweetheart. Some choices include any of the Swamp’s numerous nature trails, charming farmers and vintage markets, Lake Alice (don’t miss the stunning Baughman Center), downtown restaurants and so much more. Visit Gainesville has a trove of information and suggestions if you don’t know where to start, and you can even subscribe to their What’s Good Event Guide for a weekly newsletter detailing events you won’t want to miss.
Lazy day: At the end of the day, this Love Language is all about being together. Sometimes, nothing beats a lazy day at home in each other’s company. Set aside your responsibilities for a day of domestic bliss. You can make lunch together, watch TV, play games, shoot the breeze and do anything your heart desires.
PHYSICAL TOUCH: The Lover
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Those who communicate their affection through physical touch crave contact with their cutie. They thrive on little gestures like holding hands, giving hugs and kissing. This nonverbal communication can look different for everybody, so just follow your partner’s lead and give them lots of TLC to make this Valentine’s one for the books.
Gifts:
Massages: Life doesn’t get much better than a romantic massage. To take your gift to the next level, upgrade the massage with candles, essential oils and scented massage oils (this French lavender one is particularly divine). If your partner needs some extra care, try a massager like the acclaimed Theragun.
Together even when apart: As much as you may want to, it’s impossible to be with your partner 24/7. Gifts like these Touch Bracelets and Friendship Lamps allow you to “touch” your beloved even when you’re not with them. These gifts work especially well for long-distance couples and those with demanding schedules.
Spicy gifts: For a more adventurous take on Valentine’s Day, buy your sweetheart a gift that keeps on giving. Browse online at Intimissimi or Savage X Fenty for an item or two you can both enjoy, or opt for this sexy truth or dare card game (or this pick-a-stick game) for an eventful night. Though not for the faint of heart, artist Jeremy Brown’s Love is Art kit is a lasting, intimate and creative way to capture your love for each other.
Plans:
Grab a drink: Ease your nerves and set the mood for a lively Valentine’s Day with some bubbly! If you’re in the mood for food, try Cry Baby’s or The Top. Catch some live music at The Bull or try one of The Dime’s classic cocktails for a more intimate setting.
Make dinner together: Channel your inner chef and make a romantic dinner-for-two with your valentine. You can opt for a classic recipe that you both like or experiment with a gourmet dish. Whatever you choose to make, you’ll surely enjoy bustling around the kitchen with your partner and getting to savor your efforts. Just don’t forget the wine!
Get moving: Give your partner an adrenaline rush this Valentine’s Day. Take them to Skate Station Funworks for rock climbing, go-karts, mini golf or roller skating.
Knowing your partner’s Love Language is a first step in understanding how your date expresses their adoration. The lists above are just a start, and you may know your partner better than anyone, so expand on your new knowledge and give them some romance they’ll recognize. Cupid himself won’t top a day framed by one fluent in Love Languages.
Strike Out,
Writer: Alexandra Del Cañal
Editor: Kate Corcoran
Gainesville
