Valentine's Day 2011: 9 Ways To Show You Care

9 Ways To Show You Care This Valentine's Day
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February 14 is just around the corner, and you know what that means! Or maybe you don't. But that's OK -- you still have the whole weekend to plan for Valentine's Day. To get you started, we thought we'd share nine ways to really show your paramour you care on the day of love -- no drugstore chocolates necessary!

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Skip Hallmark(01 of09)
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Use your own words, not a pre-packaged drugstore sentiment. You could break out the glitter and construction paper (elementary-school style), but a simple, handwritten love letter makes just as big an impact. Alternatively, you could go a more abstract route: Find a beautiful photograph or painting that visually represents the way you feel about your partner, and let it do the talking. (Although if your partner reminds you of Andy Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans," that might require further explanation.)
Get Physical (02 of09)
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What better way to promote a feeling of harmony than a couples yoga sesson? It's a great, non-competitive activity (in case one of you is a sore loser when you play foosball), and it will definitely break up the monotony of dinner-and-a-movie dates.
Make A Memory Book(03 of09)
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Collect photographs of the two of you, concert stubs and anything else that reflects the time you've spent together. Whether you've been together for decades or days, this monument to your favorite moments will show your partner that you've treasured each milestone and that you look forward to making new memories.
Have A Winter Picnic (04 of09)
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Prepare an elegant (but portable) meal or just grab sandwiches from the corner deli. Bake cookies and frost them with lyrics from love songs. Pack warm blankets, thermoses of hot chocolate and candles, and head to the nearest snowbank. This makes for a snuggle-friendly evening.
Say The Words(05 of09)
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Tell your paramour -- out loud -- how you really feel. If you're tongue-tied, recite a poem or sing your favorite power ballad. You don't to necessarily make high-flown declarations; a simple "I love you" works if that's what's in your head.
It's The Thought That Counts(06 of09)
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This Feb. 14, a thoughtful gift will mean a lot more than some of the expected treats. Flowers and chocolate are nice, but how about showing you care by getting the car detailed, picking up that new book your significant other has been taking about or replacing a beloved item that has fallen into disrepair?
Try A Little Tenderness(07 of09)
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Whether you are in a relationship or unattached, use Valentine's Day as an occasion to show some affection to anyone you care about. A big ol' bear hug can be a great way to show your love, not to mention that hugging is good for you!
Give Them A Break(08 of09)
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Valentine's Day need not be limited to grand romantic gestures; an act of love can be as simple as doing a chore or errand that usually falls to your partner (such as picking up the kids, cooking dinner or taking out the garbage). The element of surprise makes it even more special!
A Sentimental Journey (09 of09)
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Here's a fun, romantic way to honor your main squeeze: Take them on a scavenger hunt of your relationship. Lead your significant other around your town or a place that is tied to the history of your romance. Want to think a little smaller? Hide little notes all over their house, each one saying a different reason that you love them.

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