“Teach me how to love, show me the way to surrender my heart, girl; I’m so lost. Teach me how to love. How I can get my emotions involved. Teach me how to love.” - Musiq Soulchild

For Valentine’s day, I noticed most people in-love are expecting some type of gift. After being married nearly 15 years, gifts are overrated, unless that’s your love language of course. Yes, I said that out loud, gifts are overrated. First thing I looked for when I woke up this morning was a gift though.

At this point, receiving a gift on this day is to be expected. And there are many people that don’t celebrate this day all. Seventeen years of being in love have taught me different ways to both give and receive meaningful love. I’m going to share 5 ways to love this Valentine’s Day.

1. Breathe, let go of circumstances you can’t change.

2. Shut up and listen!

3. Compromise on everything. Find the sweet spot that works for you both.

4. Be willing to learn. Learn to love your partner the way they would like to be loved.

5. Netflix and Chill, formally known as quality time. Just do it! Time is everything.

That’s it! These 5 ways things have helped my husband and I connect in a way that no gift could ever!

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours! Keep Loving.

Models: The Paynes