Flowers, Chocolates, or Poetry

With Valentines Day around the corner, have your characters express love with flowers, chocolates, or poetry.

Flowers

A simple way for characters to express their love is with sweet-smelling flowers. Whether it’s a single long stem rose, or a magnificent bouquet, the reader will understand the romantic intent. Special occasions have their own floral vocabulary. Corsages with matching boutonnieres for prom, nosegays for a casual date, bridal bouquets for weddings, and floral arrangements for important events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and retirements. The scent of a floral gift lingers and reminds the character of their lover’s intent.

Chocolates

Each bite of rich creamy chocolate reminds the recipient of their partner’s love. Whether it’s an assortment in a heart-shaped box, a fresh-baked batch of fudgy brownies, or a delicate Bavarian chocolate mousse, the character who receives a gift of chocolate will be reminded of their love with each tasty morsel. Fit the chocolate to the occasion whether sensuous, serious, or silly. My sister once gifted me a prescription pill bottle filled with Dove dark chocolates. The label read: take one daily for good health.

Poetry

If flowers or chocolates are out of your characters’ budget, have him or her write a poem. Their personality (and vulnerabilities) can come out in their poem. Is your character a trickster? Write a funny poem. How about using vocabulary from their profession? A carpenter’s poem would read very differently than that of a pilot or office worker. Or stick with the old standard:

Roses are red, Violets are blue

Sugar is sweet, and so are you.

Final Thoughts

When your characters express love with flowers, chocolates, or poetry the reader will recognize a budding romance. Personalize a bouquet with a character’s favorite flowers. Prepare a chocolate treat for that special someone. Deliver a poem—original or a classic—that makes a character swoon. These are sure-fire ways to let your reader smell, taste, and hear love.

On a personal note, years ago, my high school sweetheart and I had a fight. I knew he was special when he delivered a rose, a Baby Ruth candy bar, and a recording of John D Loudermilk’s A Rose and a Baby Ruth. We’re still together!