5 Tips for Celebrating Couples Appreciation Month

Forget Valentine’s Day, it’s April and we are celebrating National Couple Appreciation Month! Since February has become commercialized with giant red hearts filled with candy and car advertisements, we are going to take it down a notch and give you some simple tips to show your other half how much you appreciate them and how you can celebrate your relationship.

Tip #1: It doesn’t need to be flashy.
Too often showing our appreciation translates to buying something new. It doesn’t have to be that way. Instead of purchasing a big gift like jewelry or a new iPad, opt for ordering in and eating by candlelight. Take a walk. Plan a picnic. Plot a fun scavenger hunt.

Tip #2: Make it sentimental.
For the romantic types, having a sentimental spin on your celebration is not a bad thing. Is there a special place you met? Or maybe you have a significant moment you can honor in some way together. Spending meaningful, quality time will only make your bond stronger.

Tip #3: Create new memories.
Maybe looking to the past doesn’t cut it, so instead look to the future. Create new memories. Surprise your loved one with a single flower for every day of the month. Or write each other a letter expressing your appreciation for your lives together.

Tip #4: Keep it simple.
Let’s face it, we can get bogged down with work, raising a family, housework, and everything else that comes with managing a household. If you’re feeling frisky, offer to do the dishes, laundry or some other mundane task your partner can’t stand. Or go wild and hire someone else to do it for you for a day, a week, or the whole month!

Tip #5: Do it together.
Find something you can do together. Hire a babysitter or a pet sitter for the day and spend some one-on-one time with your honey. Venture out and try something new. Get a massage together. Or go skydiving. (Or go skydiving and then get a massage.)

Valentine’s Day has an air of “here’s your gift” but Couple Appreciation Month doesn’t have to be that way. There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate. What’s important is honoring your relationship and spending quality time with your other half.