I think it’s so so SO important to show love in ways other than buying loads of stuff, and that goes for both parties in all relationships.
The commodification of love through trends like elaborate Valentine’s Day proposals and boo baskets make cringe so hard thinking of the environmental impact. Obviously there are exceptions, but most I have seen are people are buying random themed junk that won’t get used year-round (does anyone really need a polyester pumpkin-print blanket?)
Social media tells us that showing we care has a dollar figure attached. For women in general, but also for femmes in a butchfemme dynamic, the prevailing narrative is that if our partners aren’t spending money on grand romantic gestures and buying us gifts all the time, they don’t truly love us. Really, this mentality only benefits corporations.
Gift giving can be a beautiful and heartfelt expression of love - when done with consideration. When you give a gift, make sure it is meaningful and the recipient can used for years to come. Choose mostly to express your love for your partner, your friends and family, and your wider community in ways that benefit you and the earth, rather than Jeff Bezos.
casual reminder that you can still spoil your femme without feeding into consumerism <3
write them notes n love letters, cook them their favorite meal, bake them a treat, steal them something from a shitty corporation, spoil them with words of affirmation and gratitude, bring back a pretty rock shell leaf etc. from an outdoor trip you had, proudly show off photos of yourself or photos you took, lend them your favorite book with a note abt why it's your favorite, put the towel in the dryer before they're out of the shower n wrap them in it, pick out outfits from their wardrobe you think they'd be cute in so they can show off for you, give them your undivided attention & ask encouraging questions, etc etc etc