With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, many may be scrambling to think of something to do or to buy for their loved one.

Flowers, especially roses are one of the more popular items on Valentine’s Day and there are a variety to choose from.

However, for those looking for something unique, a fruit-filled bouquet is something that might be a way to express love for your significant other as well.

“Valentine’s Day is our busiest day at the store for sure,” said Elie Mettri, co-owner of Edible Arrangements in Red Deer. “Instead of getting a bouquet of flowers, this is something that can be shared with co-workers, family and friends and it’s something the recipient can enjoy.”

He added the fruit is prepared fresh every morning and there are different prices to choose from.

“There is really something for everyone.”

Meanwhile, Debra Macleod, a local couples mediator and relationship author-expert for television, radio, magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and Canada, said although Valentine’s Day only falls on one day a year, couples should celebrate their love more often than that.

“For a relationship to last, couples must strive to stay sweethearts every day and every night by prioritizing their relationship and treating each other with affection, adoration and appreciation,” said Macleod. “Cupid wouldn’t accept anything less and neither should you.”

As for Valentine’s Day, she added many people regard flowers and chocolates as small gestures that are motivated more by consumerism than romanticism.

“The heart-shaped holiday has also changed its focus, as many parents would rather buy ‘Be Mine’ trinkets for their kids than wine truffles for their partner,” said Macleod. “Yet this cynicism and ambivalence toward the ‘lovey dovey’ side of Valentine’s Day isn’t just bad for greeting card companies—it’s bad for relationships, too.”

She added part of the reason it’s important for couples to celebrate their love regularly is because today’s couples are busy, stressed, exhausted and overwhelmed.

“They email their coworkers at breakfast, facebook their friends at lunch and Google at the supper table. Relationships are rarely prioritized,” said Macleod. “With all this disconnection in the love department, it’s time for cupid to make a big, mushy comeback. He needs to remind us—at the tip of a pointed arrow, if necessary—that romantic love is a wonderful thing that deserves a day in the spotlight.”

She added for couples looking for a sweet, sexy way to ramp up the romance in their relationship this Valentine’s Day, one idea that lasts longer than candy hearts but costs less than a trip to Paris is a bedroom makeover.

“Get rid of the exercise bike, the kids’ toys and the piles of laundry on the floor and replace them with a soft wing-back chair, a selection of massage oils and soft lighting,” said Macleod. “Paint over your boring beige bedroom walls with a deep, sensual colour and replace your worn flannel sheets with luxurious linen.

“A couple’s bedroom should be a sanctuary, a private space, into which they can retreat and enjoy each other. And above all, it should have a good lock on the door.”

In addition, she said Valentine’s Day should be a time of self-reflection for partners.

“Ask yourself how do I talk to my partner? Do I use a pleasant, loving voice tone like I used to, or do I speak with criticism, contempt or defensiveness? Also, what am I doing, every day, to make my partner’s life easier and more fun?

“And finally, do I still look into my partner’s eyes and make him or her feel like the centre of my world, or do I stare at my computer or phone and ignore him or her?”

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com