There's no better time to share how you feel than on Feb. 14. Valentine's Day was practically built for grand gestures and over-the-top declarations of love. But small, honest messages are just as meaningful — and much easier to pull off (although we love a good Valentine's Day joke as well).
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It may have been a few years (or decades) since you've sent out Valentines to all your classmates, but you're never too old to spread some love — especially via a heartfelt, handwritten note. But blank cards can be intimidating, even if they're decorated with hearts or have a cute puppy on the front. This is an opportunity for a sweet, personal gesture, though it's always nice to be prepared with a good Valentine's Day Instagram caption as well.
If writer's block has gotten the best of you, and you want to say a little more than just "Happy Valentine's Day," don't panic. When in doubt, it helps to lean into inside jokes, memories and other personal details. Maybe even get some inspo from one of your favorite romantic comedies. You don't have to be a poet or even that great of a writer to make someone feel loved. In fact, it's the simplest messages that are often the most impactful.
Think about the role this person plays in your life and the things that make them special to you. Are they always there to offer a listening ear? Do they have a contagious laugh that brightens your day? Are they the best adventure buddy you could ask for? These are the things that truly matter and are worth expressing in a heartfelt Valentine's Day message.
So whether you're sending a note to your significant other, mailing a card to your best friend, or leaving a cute Valentine for your kiddo, here are 50 prompts that will show them just how much you care.
To Your New Boo
If things are still in the early stages, stick with a sweet (but not too intense) message such as:
- I may not know exactly what this is just yet, but I like it. A lot.
- At the risk of coming on too strong, I have to ask: Will you be my Valentine?
- There's no one else I'd rather get a cheesy card for.
- I'm so happy I [insert the situation that led to you two meeting, e.g., swiped right, went to that lame office party].
- Here's to making it out of the friend zone.
- Your secret admirer wanted me to give you this card.
- Happy first Valentine's Day to my new favorite person.
- Can't wait to celebrate our first Valentine's Day together.
- I have a confession: I think you're pretty cute.
- You're the reason for the goofy smile on my face.
To Your Partner
For your ride or die, these messages will make them feel all warm and fuzzy inside:
- The best things in life are better with you — especially [insert the activity you enjoy together].
- I'm so lucky to be in love with my best friend.
- I love you and I like you.
- I would choose you again and again.
- Happy Valentine's Day to my happily ever after.
- After all these years, you're still my person.
- You'll always be my favorite person to come home to.
- I love you more than any candy heart could say.
- No matter where we are or what we're doing, my favorite place in the world is by your side.
- Happy Valentine's Day, my love. Please follow this card up with copious amounts of x's and o's.
To Your Long-Distance Love
If your Valentine is miles away, these messages will help bridge the distance:
- [Insert number of miles between you] — and worth every one of them.
- The only person I want to brush my teeth on FaceTime with.
- I miss your face more than words can say.
- Happy Valentine's Day to my favorite person who lives too far away.
- Missing you extra today.
- I can't wait to be in the same time zone again.
- You're always worth the wait.
- Happy Valentine's Day, love. If you need me, I'll be dreaming of the day I can be in your arms again.
- Counting down the days until we can [insert an activity you like to do together] again.
- I never thought I could miss someone as much as I miss you.
To Your Kids
Don't forget to spread some love to your little ones with these cute and playful messages:
- Wishing a special Valentine's Day to a very special kid.
- This Valentine is for the coolest person in our family — from the other one, of course.
- I can't think of a cuter cutie pie to wish the happiest Valentine's Day to!
- We don't get to pick our kids. But if we did, I'd pick you again.
- You stole my heart the second you were born.
- To my favorite Valentine: You have no idea how much happiness you bring me.
- Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm so lucky to have a kid like you.
- Happy Valentine's Day to the most lovable little person in the world.
- Hope your day is as sweet as you are.
- In case I haven't told you lately, I'm so grateful to be your [insert role].
To Your Friends
Show your friends some love with these heartfelt messages:
- I'm so thankful to have found someone as weird as me.
- We've been friends for so long that we're basically married, so I figured the best thing I could do was get you a Valentine's Day card.
- Making friends as a grown-up is hard. Thank you for making it easy.
- You're in all of my best memories.
- Happy Valentine's Day to my partner in crime.
- My life would be way less fun without you in it.
- I must have done something right to deserve a friend like you, but ...
- Happy Valentine's Day to one of the best humans I know.
- I couldn't imagine doing life without you.
- You know I [insert a quirky thing you do], and you love me anyway. That's friendship.
