Ah, Valentine’s Day. With pink hearts floating around everywhere, chocolate on every shelf and couples swooning, love is in the air. For some, Valentine’s Day is the perfect chance to remind their sweet significant other how much they love them. For others, Valentine’s Day can be a frustrating holiday filled with reminders of icky, annoying romantic love.
No matter which side of the spectrum you fall on, one thing is clear: Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to live a more altruistic lifestyle. Valentine’s Day can be more than just romantic love, but true, kind, caring love for your neighbors and those in need. How can you lead a more altruistic life this week? Here’s how you can give love to others this Valentine’s Day.
1. Deliver valentines.
For some, Valentine’s Day can be a difficult time, reminding them of loved ones lost. Help spread some love this Valentine’s Day with your family by creating unique valentines to give out to others. Spend some time in arts and crafts and really make them shine with kind, caring words of encouragement. Then, give the valentines out to others—such as your neighbors, those in your community or those living in local shelters. You and your family will have fun making the valentines, and you’ll have an even better time giving them out to brighten other people’s days.
2. Buy gifts that give back.
We get it: Valentine’s Day involves a lot of gifts. There’s gifts for your significant other, of course, but maybe you’re the type of person who also likes to give Valentine’s gifts to your mom, or your kids, just for fun. If you’re a big Valentine’s Day gift giver, then consider choosing a more altruistic route and buying gifts that give back. For instance, choose fair trade gifts, that ensure those who make them earn a living wage; or, consider a charity gift card, which gives a portion of your purchases to a nonprofit organization. Or, donate to your partner’s favorite local charity and help make a difference in his or her name.
3. Go red and give blood.
We all know that red tends to be a favorite color during the Valentine’s Day season. This week, show how much you care about others by really going red and give blood. According to the American Red Cross, your donation can actually save up to three lives. That’s a whole lot of love to give this Valentine’s Day.
4. Pay it forward.
If you want to spread love that keeps on giving, pay it forward this week. Do something kind for a stranger that can’t be paid back, and ask them to pay it forward to another stranger in the future. For example, try paying for someone’s coffee in line behind you, or pick up the tab for a couple at the restaurant. Ask them to pay it forward and know that your good deed will not go unnoticed as it ripples throughout the community.
5. Volunteer with a cause.
Finally, one significant way to give love this Valentine’s Day is by volunteering with a cause you care about. After the holiday season cools off, a lot of nonprofit organizations can struggle trying to find more volunteers or raise other donations. You can help make an impact by getting involved with an organization in your community this week and for weeks to come. Celebrate your Valentine’s Day the altruistic way by showing others in need you care.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to just be about romantic love. This Valentine’s Day, live an altruistic lifestyle by giving love to others around you. Whether it’s through giving gifts, getting involved or going to help, you can make a difference in your community and spread love to everyone this week.
