by Sherri Trevino

Created on: March 09, 2009

Love is not measured by how much money you spend on gifts for Valentine's Day. Love is measured by affection and respect. Remembering your significant other on Valentine's Day is important. But a small token of your love is just as treasured by your mate when it is presented with the emotion and passion that displays your devotion to your relationship. A single rose, a box of chocolates, a tender card...all of these things are symbols of the recognition of your love. What makes that symbol special is the presentation of your affection for your mate. Candlelight, soft music, and a glass of wine or champagne provide a very romantic ambiance on Valentine's Day that your lover will always remember. It is the romance that is cherished and remembered for years to come...not just the gift.

My Husband and I were married on Valentine's Day in 2002. So, this day has a double meaning for me. And I can tell you from my own personal experience that the little romantic touches are the things that I remember most from year to year. The chocolates on my pillow, the rose petals on the bed, and the candlelight are the things that stand out in my memory more so than the sapphires, diamonds and pearls I have received in the past. Although the expensive gifts are lovely and appreciated, they do not measure the love someone has for another. Your love is expressed by your soft spoken words and your loving physical touch.

To me, the perfect Valentine's Day is when my Husband gives me a dozen pink roses and a romantic card. The card he gives to me is carefully selected, and always tells me how much our marriage really means to him. The card is so tender that it usually brings tears to my eyes. He will follow this up with an enchanting candlelight dinner. We will reminisce about how we met, things we did when we were dating, and of course, about the day we got married. Afterwards, come the more intimate moments that show us what we mean to one another. It is those intimate moments that define and express our love to each other.

A relationship is built with trust, respect and loving adoration. It is not built with expensive trinkets. Love is measured by how well you communicate your feelings to your mate. A diamond cannot say "I love you", but you can. Confess your inner feelings and let your mate know that your love is true. That is how your love is measured.

Learn more about this author, Sherri Trevino.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.