10 Easy Ways to Love Your Friends on Valentine’s Day

It was my sister’s idea, to be honest. We were talking about the Hallmarkiest of all Hallmark holidays, Valentine’s Day.

I’m not anti-Valentine’s Day. In fact, one year our Christmas tree remained up for so long that I bought paper doily hearts at the dollar store and turned it into a Valentine’s Day tree. But while my husband and I give each other cards or a very small gift, it’s not usually a big deal.

In fact, I didn’t think much of it at all until she paused.

“What about people who don’t get a Valentine?” she asked quietly. “Maybe they had a breakup or got divorced. Maybe they were widowed. Maybe they’ve always been single. Maybe it’s the first year they’ve been alone in a long time.”

Immediately, the face of a friend whose husband died recently came to mind. She’s now a single parent to several kids who aren’t much older than my own.

Alone, for the first time in many years.

I felt my throat tighten with unshed tears at the injustice of losing a loved one so young, but my sister’s next quiet question stemmed the flood.

“What if you sent her something in the mail?”

I loved the idea, so much so that I sent a quick message to the friend who had come to mind, asking for an address with no explanation. I hoped she wouldn’t ask the reason, and she didn’t.

Instead of the overdue Christmas card she probably expected, I arranged to have flowers delivered—a beautiful bouquet from a local florist, brought directly to her door. I hope they make her feel a little more loved on a holiday that feels different this year.

But the experience got me thinking about other friends in other seasons of life, all deserving of a little reminder that they’re loved.

Because while celebrating Valentine’s Day with a romantic partner can ebb and flow over time, we always need our friends. And some years, we need them a little more than others.

This year, let’s love our friends well.

Here are 10 ideas to get you started:

1. Text or call your friend to let her know you’re thinking of her that day.

2. Post a link to a special song or a funny meme on her social media.

3. Find a favorite photo of the two of you and send it her way.

4. Surprise her with a spontaneous gift, like a bouquet of flowers or her favorite chocolate.

5. Mail a handwritten letter that details why she is special to you.

6. If she has young children, offer to babysit them so she can get a night off.

7. Share a fun playlist with her of friendship-themed songs or songs that bring back cherished memories.

8. Loan her something that’s a favorite of yours, like a book or movie.

9. Text your friend a thoughtful prayer that’s specific to her life.

10. Plan a favorite activity to do together—whether it’s in person or not—such as watching a movie you both love, planning a spa evening, or playing games.

If you’re looking for more practical tips and encouragement in the area of friendships, check out Kristin’s book, The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship Devotional.

Blessings,

Kristin