Valentine's Day for the Married Over Fifties
Get Out of the Valentine's Rut and Find New Ways to Celebrate
Feb 8, 2009 Lesley Charalambides
It's easy to get in a rut when you have spent many Valentine's days together as a couple. Many married couples fail to celebrate Valentine's Day at all, often giving the excuse that it is simply too commercial and thereby denying themselves a lot of fun. Yes, things (mostly flowers) do cost more on February 14th, but if you prepare in advance and choose the more unusual options even that problem can be avoided. Here are five ideas to get you thinking about Valentine's Day, not a commercial exercise, just a day for serious spouse appreciation.
Flowers
Flowers have two functions. In the first place, they look great and make your woman feel appreciated, but just as important is their action as a status symbol. Be sure to send her flowers to the office (if she works in an office) or if she works on a construction site, that could work too.
Make sure to send two sets of flowers. The younger females in the office will conclude that the first is from her husband (obviously), but who sent the second larger set? The chances are that if your wife is over fifty she's in a position of seniority.
Be different, send Anthuriums. They are heart shaped, exotic and last much longer than the single rose someone sent to her secretary. Result: Happy wife, happy husband, confused female office colleagues.
Perfume
If you can’t be together on Valentine's Day, flowers alone may not be enough. Another way to send your wife red roses is to send rose scented perfume. Jo Malone, doyenne of the world of scent, has a fabulous rose fragrance available as perfume, bath oil and body lotion, a gift which has the advantage of lasting well after Valentines day itself. There is nothing like a new scent to create new memories.
Romantic Trips
Take a trip. Another benefit of being over fifty can be freedom from the nine to five. If you’re among those who have the time and resources to travel, plan to spend the 14th in a special place.
Amberley Castle in the South of England is extremely old, beautiful and very romantic, with its four-poster beds and roaring fires. Alternatively, spend Valentine's Day further north in the wildly romantic Highlands of Scotland at the Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Voted best hotel in Europe by Travel and Leisure Magazine in 2006, the hotel nestles at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland's (and the UK’s) highest mountain. It's a great base from which to explore the strange wild beauty of the Western Highlands; stormy sea lochs, atmospheric glens, and legend filled castles all linked by winding roads ideal for the sportscar you can hire now you don't have to take the kids with you.
Dinner
Why go out when you could stay home? No, you're not going to ask her to cook; there are plenty of ways to enjoy good food and wine without cooking. Visit the local deli and stock up on crackers and exotic cheeses, or indulge yourself in the traditional seafood aphrodisiac, or buy champagne and prepared oysters to be followed by chocolate covered strawberries.
Snuggle together and watch a romantic film, but don't dig up one you enjoyed in the past – it’s even more important to look forward, and there are plenty of suitable films being made right now. Build some new romantic memories while you watch Mamma Mia or 27 Dresses, both from 2008.
Lingerie
Lingerie or underwear may be a traditional present for the young, but there’s no reason to shy away from silk satin and lace because of age. Consider the Valentine's range from La Perla or if your beloved doesn’t fall within their size range, a luxury nightgown from Certain Style might fit the bill.
As you get older, it’s easy to fall into the habit of reminiscing about old romantic memories, things you did before you were married, things you did before the children were born. Don't forget that the fifties can be an age of freedom for many couples, a chance to enjoy your children without their day to day care, and a chance to enjoy each other. Don’t let February 14th be a day for reliving old romantic memories. Use this Valentine's Day to build some new ones.
Red Rose Nightgown from Certain Style
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