A Valentine's Gift That Goes Beyond Flowers (and Jewellery) - Eight Dates by the Gottmans

As a jewellery brand owner, I spend a lot of time thinking about gifts that mark special moments. A beautiful ring or necklace can symbolise love, commitment, and celebration.

But this Valentine's Day, I want to recommend something that complements those physical symbols: Eight Dates by John and Julie Gottman.

Why I'm Recommending This Book

The Gottmans (who run the renowned Gottman Institute in Seattle) have studied thousands of couples across decades and identified eight crucial topics that predict relationship success.

Rather than just explaining theory, they've structured the book around eight dates covering trust, conflict, intimacy, money, family, fun, growth, and dreams

What I love most is the doing aspect. You're not passively consuming advice but actively building your relationship through conversations.

Each chapter is a planned date with exercises, open questions that go deeper than "how was your day", and even suggestions for where to go (so you're not stuck staring at each other across a table, panicking)

My takeaway: treat your partner with curiosity. The person who woke up today isn't the same person who went to bed last night. Staying connected requires regular, intentional conversation without screen

Who This Is For

Whether you've been together two months or twenty years, you will find this book useful. It's not about testing compatibility. It's about building something stronger together. 

The book gives you the framework to date intentionally and helps you talk about trust, money, sex, conflict, family... all the topics that shape a relationship, before they become problems.

A Valentine's Day Activity

Here's my suggestion: get the book, plan your first date together, and make it your Valentine's activity.

Pick a chapter that fits where you are right now, go somewhere comfortable, and see where the conversation takes you.

Then commit to one date per week going forward. It's protected time to talk about what matters.

If you're doing Valentine's Day this year, I hope it includes at least one thing that makes you feel closer.

The Perfect Pairing

I build my business around creating jewellery that lasts, pieces you can wear every day without worry. This book works the same way for relationships.

A ring might symbolise your commitment, but Eight Dates gives you the tools to strengthen what that ring represents.

This Valentine's Day, consider both: something beautiful to wear and something meaningful to do together 🫶

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Looking for Valentine's Day jewellery? Browse our hypoallergenic collection for pieces that last as long as the connections they celebrate.