Romance Is Dead - Anti-Valentine's Day Ideas For Couples In Long Term Relationship

Are you in long term relationship or marriage and you think romance is dead or don't believe in Valentines? Here're some ideas to surprise your partner, wife or husband without participating in the commerce of Valentines or raising suspicions of being too nice.

Whether you don't believe in Valentines or just lost that romantic touch, there are still some things you can do without being accused of being too nice or being part in the card and soft toys makers' conspiracy of Valentines.

Valentines are not just for teenagers or couples in the honeymoon period. At least they don't have to be. For many the day is associated with being commercial. Pressure of surrounding love hearts, flowers, teddies, staring into each other's eyes and lots of pink colour everywhere to the point of nausea makes them hate Valentines.

Those, who are in long term relationship can probably sympathise with the fact that daily routines, being overworked and underpaid kills any spark that there might be left from the fireworks of being in love. Seeing all that cheese of Valentines and reflecting on own romantic life can be depressing but there is hope people. There is something you can do to break the mould of that day and making it your style.

If you appreciate your partner, wife or husband and things they do make your family to work there are ways to show this without doing the sickly Valentines' usual and/ or raising suspicions of being unnaturally romantic.

Do the other half's daily chores

Dreamstime photo illustration / Via thestar.com

If it's your other half that does the dishes and other cleanliness restoring chores do this for her/ him this Valentine's Day and watch the tears of joy.

Run her a relaxing bath

Caroline Kee / Via buzzfeed.com

This doesn't require a lot of effort - a few candles (that your Mrs probably already has), a drop of bubble bath and optionally wine - big smiles guaranteed!

For those, who are new to this, here are some instructions :)

Prepare his favourite meal

paper4pc / Via paper4pc.com

It is known that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach so this would be a perfect way to show him you still care. If he shares your hatred towards Valentines, this might just cure him of it.

If you're looking for some inspiration here are some man tested recipes.

Get a takeaway

Monkey Business Images / Via hungryhouse.co.uk

If you are trying to eat healthy and you cook dinners everyday, treat yourself and your partner to a takeaway. This may tie nicely with the above idea of favourite meal and you will give yourself a break as well!

If you're not sure what takeaways are in your area Hungryhouse or Just Eat should help you choose.

Do the last thing on their to-do list for them

Angela / Via mommy-mania.com

Some of us keep the car cleaning at the bottom of their list, especially if kids are involved, as this limits the time available for the luxury of keeping the car clean. This might be the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation of your other half by having the family car valeted and washed. You can Do It Yourself if you're feeling brave (here' some tips) or just pay someone to do it for you.

Other idea may be to do filing of the never ending bills and separation of the important correspondence from another catalogue or a flyer.

Get the kids ready in the morning

iStock / Via drphil.com

Save your wife or husband the blood, sweat and tears of getting kids ready in the morning and do it for her/ him. This might be the best gift you will ever give....

Sorry, I don't have any tips how to handle this....

Take the kids out for the afternoon

Glasgow with kids / Via glasgowwithkids.co.uk

You'll think that it's more like a Valentines present for kids but your partner that stayed at home will enjoy the sweet sound of silence while you keep the children entertained. Perfect opportunity for them to relax and it might get them to stop hating the day as well.

You can find things to do in your area here.

If you have your own non-romantic, anti-Valentines ideas that will show your long term partner that you still care please share in the comments. Let's spread the love subconsciously together ;)