How to Write a Platonic Valentine

Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers ' you may want to send a valentine to a close platonic friend, too, but you need to make sure that the recipient won't get the wrong idea.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Valentine's Day Greeting Cards

1. Think about why you want to send this person a valentine, and be honest with yourself. Are your intentions really platonic or does some part of you hope for something more? If you're not sure, think twice about sending a valentine at all.

2. Choose your words with care. Avoid the word 'love' completely, if possible, and choose other words and phrases to express your feelings about the person. Look over what you have written when you are finished, before you seal and send the valentine.

3. Avoid flowery, romantic valentines; go for humorous, silly ones. Or just get a blank card and write your own message.

4. Keep romantic and sexual innuendo out of your valentine, unless the recipient would understand your irony. Even so, comments that might be harmless on any other day of the year can seem loaded with meaning on Valentine's Day.

5. Be honest and straightforward and let your friend know how much ' and why ' you care. If you like, mention specific incidents or occasions that make this person special to you.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to send a valentine to someone, but don't want the person to take it as a romantic overture, consider sending a cute children's valentine ' this sends the message that you are just a good buddy with a sense of humor, rather than a possible life partner. It also lets the recipient know that you probably needed enough valentines to buy a 'classroom-sized' pack of 20 or 30 little cards.
• If you know someone has a crush on you, but your feelings for this person are purely platonic, don't send a valentine ' it could raise false hopes and could lead to hurt feelings in the future. Ask your friend out for coffee instead, or just wait until Valentine's Day is over to get in touch.
• If the recipient of your platonic valentine is married or in a steady relationship, proceed carefully or not at all! You don't want to get your friend into trouble by sending a valentine that could be misunderstood by your friend's partner.

[jjmess]

on 2/1/2008 For more about Valentine's Day why not drop in and visit me and my friends at our love and relationship thread on the forum pages: http://www.ehow.com/community/forums/topic_33827_valentine’s-day:-in-love?-broken-hearted?-alone?-how-do-you-deal?.aspx

on 11/22/2005 Most often, when writing a Valentine, people will appreciate a homemade one over a store-bought one. Try making up a funny poem about Valentine's Day or just make a collage. They're fun and easy to do, and will end up being more special to your friend or significant other.

on 11/22/2005 Friends and I have exchanged valentines when we are single and expecting no cards, just to cheer each other up. We describe the qualities in each other that we think makes them a good catch. This can boost their self-esteem if they are having no luck in love.