Average Jane’s Valentine’s Day

I always have a difficult time with Valentine’s Day.  To say that I’m undemonstrative with my affections is a vast understatement, as I’m sure my husband would agree.  Still, I like to try to think of little ways to show that there’s a soft center beneath my hard candy shell.  Here are a couple of online ways I’ve found to do so:

• Via J-Walk, I discovered the Acme Heart-Maker.  It allows you to create a JPEG photo image of a candy conversation heart personalized with your brief message.  I sent one to my husband that said "I [heart symbol] [his name]" and he was touched enough to write a very loving e-mail in response.  Custom digital candy:  the perfect Valentine’s Day treat for your diabetic loved one.

• MateMinder is a free service (donations accepted) for couples billed as "Your way to nag without nagging."  You and your S.O. sign up together and each create a list of nice things you’d like the other person to do for you.  The site sends each of you an e-mail periodically (you decide how often you’d like to receive the reminders) that includes one randomly chosen favor from the other person’s list and the suggestion that you perform it before the next reminder arrives.  The hard part is finding time to sit down together and get started, but I like the randomness and element of surprise.

I hope you all have an enjoyable V-Day no matter what your romantic circumstances may be.  Remember, the leftover candy goes on sale tomorrow!