Ones that made me smile:

(post images c/o “To My Wife” via Tumblr)

A tongue-in-cheek way of telling her how you feel and scoring you extra points for creativity and humor. It’s a win-win.

For the individual, a custom-made fragrance. You don’t get more romantic than that. (Disclaimer: You probably need to know her well enough to get this one — fragrances can be tricky and preferences range widely.)

For the lover of sugar, these have Valentine’s Day fondant-ed all over it.

Do I really need to say anything about these? I can’t imagine a better way to start my mornings.

For the married couple — now you can get started on those love letters!

And if you’d rather send an economical and un-lame email instead of another just-papercut-me-now Hallmark card, consider these funny Valentine’s cards (again from Etsy) or these non-American Greeting virtual cards from Paperless Post — I promise they’re not your average online cards.

And if you’re looking for man-gifts, sorry, but you’re on your own. I’m just as lost as you.

(images c/o Etsy sellers; images link to sellers)

—L

Postscript: It took us over a year after our friendship first formed to finally date officially. But I’ve loved him since that first cup of hot chocolate.

It always surprises me how strongly and immediately certain songs bring to mind the memories attached to them. For example, my now-boyfriend and just friend at the time posted the lyrics to this particular song (“Lemonade” by Chris Rice) after he pursued me (unbeknownst to me) and we ended up together at last. And now, whenever I hear this song, it literally makes me feel the giddiness that comes with the start of a really great love. I remember everything about the moment I read those lyrics; I can even feel the early summer sun that was coming through my bedroom window.

What about you? Any love songs with love stories?

It’s only à propos that I’m writing this post as January comes to an end because we all know what that means: Valentine’s Day is a-coming. And if you’re strapped for cash, (1) I’m pretty sure you’re not alone and (2) this is the perfect sentimental and cost-efficient gift. In fact, it’s what I gifted my sweet last year; I wrote the letter onto mat board along with my favorite photo of us and framed it.

I also wanted to share a letter from Paul Newman to his (second) wife Joanne Woodward on the day of their wedding. (It’s been circulated so much, I’m pretty sure it’s considered a quote now.)

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the Art of Marriage, the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say ‘I love you’ at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon; it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have the wings of an angel. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding rooms for things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

She stayed with him to the very end.

(image c/o kate gabrielle via Flickr)

Deborah Ann Wol (actress, HBO’s True Blood) and E.J. Scott (improv comedian, Chicago’s Second City)

Katie Aselton and Mark Duplass (costars, FX’s The League)

Olivia Palermo (socialite) and Johannes Huebl (model)

Adorable, right? There’s an endearing and special quality about video, watching them interact with each other, that isn’t the same on still film. I’m fascinated by how unique the loves are — hilarious, romantic, incredibly dorky (comic books in the mountains? I love it!).

A trend I noticed with the responses to the term “modern love” was this conservatism; this stay-at-home, comfortable, enjoyable kind of companionship. I have to admit — sometimes, I get antsy and discontent in my comfort. I think to myself, “I’m young. I have the rest of my life to sit still!” But then I realize that kind of companionship is a rare, rare commodity in this world, and that I am one lucky duck.

What is modern love to you?

(videos c/o Elle.com)

Want more? You might remember Beyonce playing the Blues legend in Cadillac Records. Here is her cover of “I’d Rather Go Blind.”

(video c/o YouTube)

Shannon Brown surprised her hubby on Christmas 2010 with a basket filled with 12 envelopes, each with a surprise date. At the beginning of every month last year, they opened an envelope and set a date. I know — cavity-inducing sweet. If you want to check out the dates, Shannon chronicled them on her blog.

What are you lovebirds waiting for? Go have a blast this weekend, and I’ll see you back on Monday.

(image and “Love Basket” c/o Shannon Brown)

Sorry, Lady Gaga, but I’m pretty sure millions of Americans wake up every morning with their careers telling them they don’t love them. I know I have definitely had one (or more) of those mornings. Not everyone’s a worldwide phenomenon, and it’s more than a little silly that the megastar made that huge assumption.

All silliness aside, does Gaga have a point?** I’m slowly creeping up to what is looking more and more like a crossroads between love and career, but does it have to be that way? What if love is a part of the dream? In an age where every day we’re told we can have it all if we put in the work, can we actually have it all? Or is choosing simply another part of growing up?

I completely disagree with her opinion that there aren’t any trade-offs in choosing career over love. What stumps me more is — I wasn’t aware that I had to choose. What do you think? Agree or disagree with Gaga? Answers to my dilemma?

** The quote was pulled from an interview published in the February 2010 issue of Cosmopolitan.

(original image c/o foeock via Flickr, edited image by itwaslovewhen.com)

In case you didn’t catch on (I guess the title is a dead giveaway), Mondays will be devoted to songs about love from all genres, from any time. (There’s a lot of them.) Love doesn’t need a translator or time machine to be understood.

The lyrics of this song are full of the romantic antiquities of yesteryear, and it reminds me love always involves putting yourself out on a limb. I loved this cover by She & Him, and I hope it helps you start your week on a good note!

(video c/o YouTube)