Is Valentine’s Day becoming a thing of the past? I hope not. When I was in junior high, a boy I hardly knew gave me a huge, ruffled, sparkly box of chocolates – in the middle of a bustling, loud hallway filled with 13 year olds, most of whom stopped to gawk at the exchange. I was mortified and thrilled at the same time, and I kept that box for a decade.
My family is blessed to span four generations. I think we all look at Valentine’s Day differently, except for the fact we want to share our affections with the people we love. Here are some tips on the best way to reach out to your Valentines, no matter how old or young they might be.
The Greatest Generation and Pre-Baby Boomers (anyone born before 1946): Visit in person. These loved ones deserve a hug and a “thank you”. Remind them how much they mean to you. Bring flowers. Be thankful you can visit with them and not just leave a bouquet in their memory.
Boomers (born 1946 – 1960): Send a traditional Valentine by mail, then pick up the phone and call. If they don’t answer their cell, try their landline because you know they still have one. Speak up! Don’t forget to say “I Love You”, because it will mean the world to them.
Gen X (born 1961 – 1984): Email these guys because they are way too busy with soccer games, PTA meetings, business trips, aging parents and family bonding. Want to make them laugh? Try a JibJab video or a BitStrip.
GEN Y (hard to define, maybe born mid-70s – 2000): Post something on their Facebook. Overshare. If you’re romantically involved, change your status to “in a relationship” and text them something slightly naughty. If you can meet in person, bring cupcakes – preferably vegan, possibly baked with Kale juice.
Millennials (mid 80s to 2004): Keep it simple because you probably only have six seconds of attention. ‘Gram ‘em, or send a Vine video. If you are more than casual friends, try SnapChat.
Tweens: Don’t even try. Really. Leave the chocolate on the table and back away slowly.
Toddlers: Buy candy, then unwrap it slowly and quietly while standing behind the door in the laundry room. Trust me - they will find you.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
My family is blessed to span four generations. I think we all look at Valentine’s Day differently, except for the fact we want to share our affections with the people we love. Here are some tips on the best way to reach out to your Valentines, no matter how old or young they might be.
The Greatest Generation and Pre-Baby Boomers (anyone born before 1946): Visit in person. These loved ones deserve a hug and a “thank you”. Remind them how much they mean to you. Bring flowers. Be thankful you can visit with them and not just leave a bouquet in their memory.
Boomers (born 1946 – 1960): Send a traditional Valentine by mail, then pick up the phone and call. If they don’t answer their cell, try their landline because you know they still have one. Speak up! Don’t forget to say “I Love You”, because it will mean the world to them.
Gen X (born 1961 – 1984): Email these guys because they are way too busy with soccer games, PTA meetings, business trips, aging parents and family bonding. Want to make them laugh? Try a JibJab video or a BitStrip.
GEN Y (hard to define, maybe born mid-70s – 2000): Post something on their Facebook. Overshare. If you’re romantically involved, change your status to “in a relationship” and text them something slightly naughty. If you can meet in person, bring cupcakes – preferably vegan, possibly baked with Kale juice.
Millennials (mid 80s to 2004): Keep it simple because you probably only have six seconds of attention. ‘Gram ‘em, or send a Vine video. If you are more than casual friends, try SnapChat.
Tweens: Don’t even try. Really. Leave the chocolate on the table and back away slowly.
Toddlers: Buy candy, then unwrap it slowly and quietly while standing behind the door in the laundry room. Trust me - they will find you.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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