Ways to Show you Care - the true meaning of Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Valentine's Day is a day of love, a day of expressing your feelings and a dedicated day of flowers, chocolate, and sex. What's not to love?

Several people celebrate this day of love, myself included, while others ignore it and go on with there life. When Valentine's Day falls on a week day like today, businesses get a kick out of it because that means they get two weekends full of business which means $$$.

Society has turned Valentine's Day into a "Hallmark Holiday". Brands pushing you to buy overpriced cards, jewelry, chocolate, flowers, stuffed animals, balloons, wine, and condoms; anything and everything in the colors pink and red or with hearts and kisses on it.

Ads are everywhere.

The pressure to look your best - hair, nails, make-up.

The pressure to buy the perfect gift - watch, chocolate, flowers.

The pressure to plan a romantic evening - massage, five star restaurant, movie in the park.

Somewhere in all the mess, we have lost the true meaning of Valentine's Day. No, I'm not talking about how Valentine's Day came about or the gloomy side of it but the fact that we lost site of what really matters and showing others that we care.

Valentine's Day has become our Cinderella moment. A way to give fancy things, have a nice evening out and act as if everything is good in the world; then we wake up the next morning and go on with our life as if nothing happened. A peck on the cheek and out the door you go.

You should be treating everyday like it is Valentine's Day, especially if you are married or in a relationship.

You should be able to dress up (or down) whenever you want because it makes you feel good about yourself.

You should give flowers, candies, cards, and chocolates just because you are thinking about the person not because society says to do it on a specific day.

You should have a date night with your significant other just because you want to catch up with one another.

To me, the true meaning of Valentine's Day is to show appreciation for the loved ones in your life and all that they do. You don't have to buy expensive items, get dressed up and go all out to show you care. Yes it may be nice, but to most people, it is the thought that counts or at least it should be.

Most people just want to hear the words "I love you", "I'm thinking of you" "Thanks for always being there for me". They want to know that somebody cares about them and that somebody is there for them.

Flowers die, chocolate gets eaten and cards get thrown away but knowing that someone will always be there for them will never fade. I'm not saying don't buy something or go out for a night on the town, I'm just saying you don't have to buy the fanciest item on the market or go to the most extravagant restaurant to show you care.

This Valentine's Day and everyday, show your appreciation towards others. Be generous and give because you want to. Have a night out (or in) just for the fun of it. Put down the cell phones and have an actual conversation. You'd be amazed at how much stronger your relationships with people will become if you treated everyday or at least several days like Valentine's Day.

Maybe it is too late, the reservations have been made and the gifts have been bought and that is okay. There is nothing wrong with a fancy evening out but keep this on the back burner for next year. Remember that you should show you care everyday, not just on Valentine's Day.

Just incase you can't think of how you can show your appreciation throughout the year, here are a few simple ways to show you care for your significant other today and everyday:

Compliment them
Listen when they talk don't just nod your head
Hold hands while walking
Dance to no music in the kitchen or in a crowded room
Hold the door open
Pick up after yourself
Do the dishes
Cook dinner
Bring home take-out
Recreate your first date
Get the car washed
Show up with your significant other's favorite candy or beverage
Show up with a single rose, better yet pick some wild flowers just because or make a Hand Print Flower Bouquet
Leave a post it note with a cute saying on it somewhere for your significant other to find - "I'm thinking of you." "Can't wait to kiss you tonight."
Use dry erase markers to leave a note on the mirror
Surprise them, especially if you are in a long distance relationship. This can be showing up at their house for a weekend getaway or sending a care package
Make a card instead of buying a card - a hand made card is less likely to get thrown a way and more meaningful
Give your significant other a massage after a long day with nothing expected in return
Send a text saying "Good morning, I hope you have a great day."
Put down the phones and have a game night or a conversation
Let your significant other sleep in while you get up with the children
Watch what your significant other wants to watch
Call and ask if they need anything before you head home
Be honest and kind

For others:

Call your parents or grandparents just to check in
Smile at people
Give a compliment to stranger
Cheer on a friend as they participate in a sport, race or event
Show up and be present for family and friends
Offer a homeless person your leftovers
Let cars using a turn signal merge into your lane
Let someone go in front of you at checkout
Drop pennies on the ground for children to find - nothing makes my children happier than when they find a penny at the grocery store
Carpool or share a cab
Give up your seat to someone on the train, bus or subway
Pay for a strangers coffee or lunch
Leave a generous tip
Give a gift card and attach a note that says "Dinner is on me"
Bring donuts to work and share them
Bake a batch of cookies or cake and share with your neighbors or coworkers
Volunteer to babysit for someone for free
Leave a positive comment - people love when they get comments on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blogs, Websites
Leave a surprise in a library book, restaurant menu, vending machine or DVD for the next person who uses it to find. This can be a note of encouragement or a few bucks to use as a rental fee or snack
Donate your old books, electronics, movies and clothes to organizations that won't make a profit off of them
Feed the ducks at park
Throw your trash in the trash can

There are thousands of ways you can show your appreciation for others. You may not realize it but the simple things such as finding a penny on the ground, hearing that you look nice today or finding an inspirational sticky note in your lunch can make someone's day.

This Valentine's Day and everyday, remember the true meaning, to show your appreciation towards others. Feel free to comment below with some of your favorite ways to show you care. Happy Valentine's Day!