What do you write on a Valentine’s card?

Write one specific thing you appreciate. Not “you mean everything to me” – that could be written to anyone. “Thanks for making ordinary Tuesdays something I look forward to” could only be written to one person.

Short is better than long. A Valentine’s card with three sentences that hit home strikes harder than a page of big words.

1. 1

   I would choose you again. Every time, without a second thought.

2. 2

   Thanks for making ordinary Tuesdays something I look forward to.

3. 3

   You’re my favorite person. You have been for a long time, and you’ll continue to be.

4. 4

   Of all the places I could be, being by your side is the best.

5. 5

   I love you – even when you hog all the duvet.

6. 6

   After all these years, you’re still the first person I want to tell things to.

For the one you’re a bit in love with, but not together with. The point is to open a door, not demand an answer.

1. 1

   I think about you more often than I’m willing to admit. Happy Valentine’s Day.

2. 2

   This card is really just an excuse to say I like you.

3. 3

   Hope you have a lovely day. And maybe fancy a coffee with me.

4. 4

   You make the days better without even trying. Just so you know.

5. 5

   Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m not great at saying things like this, so I’m writing it instead.

Humour is the best rescue if you find the whole day a bit awkward.

1. 1

   You’re the only one I’m willing to share pizza with. That’s my highest level.

2. 2

   Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m bad at rhymes, but I like you too.

3. 3

   Happy Valentine’s Day! I considered flowers, but they die. You deserve something that lasts at least a week longer.

4. 4

   Thanks for pretending not to hear me singing in the kitchen.

1. 1

   Happy Valentine’s Day! Apparently it’s a day about love, and you’re one of the people I love.

2. 2

   Til deg som alltid stiller opp: takk. God valentinsdag.

3. 3

   Love isn’t just romance. Happy Valentine’s Day, dear friend.

4. 4

   Love you today too. And every other day, really.

5. 5

   Happy Valentine’s Day to the world’s best mum. You’ve taught me everything I know about loving someone.

• Be specific. Mention a habit, a phrase, or an evening. Details are the opposite of cliché.
• Don’t overdo it if you’re new together. Strong words too early create discomfort, not romance.
• Write what you would say out loud. If the sentence feels weird to say, it feels weird to read too.

Flowers and chocolate are safe bets, but also what everyone else does. An experience you can share together is remembered longer than a bouquet – dinner, concert, a weekend away.

If you’re unsure about the taste, a gift card is a more honest choice than guessing a perfume. Put your energy into the greeting instead – see how to wrap a gift card to make the presentation something more.