Take a romantic stroll, use their love language and 8 more good-for-you ways to celebrate your sweetheart this Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine’s Day, lovers! If you forgot to purchase flowers or that perfect Hallmark card for your sweetheart, we won’t tell. Instead, we’ve got you covered with a bunch of other ideas for ways you can show them how much you care. Bonus: They’re actually good for you and your special someone too.

1. Send a flirty text. Humans have been sending love notes to each other since the dawn of time. While a handwritten note is always lovely, even a quick 21st-century approach (i.e., a short text or meme) lets your main squeeze know that you’re thinking of them while you’re apart — and strengthens your own attachment and love for them as well. If you’re not a natural poet, fear not; steal some text ideas from this list.

2. Watch a good rom-com — or one of your valentine’s favorite flicks. Yes, they can be cheesy, but what better day to indulge in a good romantic comedy? Cuddle up on the couch and check out something new — like Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, which is available to stream now — or give your valentine the remote and let them choose one of their old favorites; rewatching stuff you love delivers feel-good endorphins and has tangible health benefits.

3. Let them eat cake (or cookies, or charcuterie...). Get your valentine some of their favorite tasty treats and enjoy them together — and bonus points if the treats are healthy for you. It’s Girl Scout Cookie season, so buy a box or two of your preferred biscuits or nibble on some heart-healthy chocolates. And nothing says “I love you” like a plate of delicately arranged meats, which helps you both get your protein fix.

4. Use your partner’s preferred love language. If you want to make your valentine feel truly loved, don’t guess what they need; straight up ask them which of the five love languages makes them feel most appreciated — and share what your preferred love language is too. Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts has been enormously popular since it was first published in 2015, but if you need a refresher, the love languages are words of affirmation, spending quality time together, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch.

5. Hold hands. Speaking of physical touch, holding hands is one of the easiest ways to show you care, and can be done while eating dinner, driving in the car, snuggling on the couch — whenever. That skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, aka the “cuddle hormone,” which fosters bonding and connection. Plus, it comes with a host of health benefits for both of you — including reducing pain and lowering blood pressure.

6. Give them a kiss. Take that physical intimacy a bit further (it is Valentine’s Day, after all!) and pucker up. Kissing not only reinforces your romantic connection, it’s great for your gut, supports your immune system and boosts your mood.

7. Step in and handle some of their household chores (without being asked). There is nothing more romantic than the gift of a clean home that you did not need to tidy yourself. Make dinner, pick up the kids’ toys, do the laundry — whatever chores are usually on your partner’s plate, step in and do one of them yourself. Their happiness will make you feel good too.

8. Take a romantic stroll. Long walks in the moonlight may sound cliché, but the romantic trope has withstood the test of time for a reason. These famous love experts, for example, recently told CNN that going on walks together in nature and while in new places has been a cornerstone of their 50-year marriage. Plus, it’s an easy yet incredible form of exercise that increases blood flow, strengthens muscles and lowers stress and anxiety levels.

9. Go on a date (a real one). Take your valentine on a real, actual date — meaning no kids, no work and no admin talk. Put away your phone, get a babysitter or ask a friend or family member to watch the kids for an hour, and reconnect with each other away from household cares. There’s nothing more valuable than the gift of your time and undivided attention.

10. Tell them you love them. It sounds so easy. But amid the hustle and bustle of life, we can forget to remind the people we love the most just how much they mean to us. Simply say, “I love you,” or check out these tips on how to express it best. (For example, you can try the “adjective + feeling + example” approach, such as, “You’re so compassionate and empathetic. I feel like I can come to you with anything. The other day when I was having a rough time, it meant a lot that you could just listen and be there for me.”)