What to Write in a Valentine's Day Card for Every Relationship Stage

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Some people are gifted with a way with words, but other people… not so much. If you’ve ever attempted to write a thoughtful, appropriate Valentine’s Day card only to wind up with a million pieces of paper ripped up at your feet — this one’s for you.

As if finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift wasn’t hard enough, it can also be a challenge to come up with a Valentine’s Day message, no matter what stage in your relationship you are. Even professional writers might be stumped and end up pulling out their hair figuring out exactly what words to write inside that blank card. You don’t want to go overboard and freak out someone you just started dating with an overly romantic card, which might cause an unexpectedly unpleasant conversation. On the other hand, if you’ve been with someone for a long time who really means a lot to you, you don’t want to write out a card that might come off as trite and watch your loved one’s face fall during your romantic Valentine’s Day date. The good news is you can be romantic — and not cheesy — with a perfect little quote or phrase in a personalized Valentine’s Day card. Related story 5 Valentine’s Day Gifts That Will Arrive in Time for All of You Last-Minute Shoppers

Whether you’re casually dating someone, in a long-term relationship, or have been married for decades, here’s how to approach your Valentine’s Day love note. And if you’re intimidated by the entire Valentine’s Day card process, we even rounded up some examples of Valentine’s Day cards, from funny to super romantic, so you can pick one that matches the tone of the note that you’re planning to jot down inside.

The new relationship

Tip: Avoid sexual comments. They may be fun, but they’re best kept out of a card, especially in the new relationship.

You want to express your care for someone you’re still getting to know, without being too serious. Here are a few ideas on what to write:

• I love that you’re my Valentine!
• Muah! Happy Valentine’s Day!
• I was never a fan of this holiday until meeting you, my sweet Valentine.
• I’ve loved getting to know you and spending time with you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Our favorite quote: “Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart.” — author unknown Related story 5 Valentine’s Day Gifts That Will Arrive in Time for All of You Last-Minute Shoppers

A blank slate

Scratch-a-sketch Valentine’s Day Card

This V-Day card is certainly unique, and it gives you the power to write whatever you want. The card is your canvas. You aren’t forced to conform to a super sappy Valentine’s Day card pre-written by someone else.

For the dog person

‘Be Mine’ Puppy Card

Ask your Valentine to be yours with this cute illustrated puppy. The card is blank and perfect if your beau has a furry friend.

The App Relationship

‘We Matched’ Card

Met your new Valentine on the apps? This sweet, simple, and punny card is a great way to show them you appreciate them and are excited to see where things go next.

The steady boyfriend, girlfriend or partner

Valentine’s Day could be the perfect time to let your long-term love know just how much they mean to you and how much you’re looking forward to the future. Ideas on what to write include:

• The past few Valentine’s Days with you have been wonderful. I’m looking forward to many more!
• You mean everything to me. Happy Valentine’s Day to my one and only.
• “True love stories never have endings.” — Richard Bach
• “We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.” — Dr. Seuss
• “When I saw you, I was afraid to meet you. When I met you, I was afraid to kiss you. When I kissed you, I was afraid to love you. Now that I love you, I’m afraid to lose you.” — Rene Yasenek

Our favorite quote: “Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.” — Robert Browning

Simple & to the Point

‘Still Not Sick of You’ Card

Couples have been spending a lot more time together over the last few years, so it’s no small feat if your relationship made it through! Celebrate that in a tongue-in-cheek way with this card.

For the chocolate lover

S’mores Card

Tell your significant other that they love them with this adorable illustrated card from Hallmark.

Sweet & Silly

Volcano Card

Can you tell we like puns? This volcano-themed card will put a smile on your Valentine’s face. The volcanos even pop off the card to give it that extra pizzazz.

The life partner

Today’s the day to let your partner know just how much you love and appreciate them. And since you already won them over, you can be as cheesy as you please! Cute quotes and sayings to write on his card include:

• “Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite.” — author unknown
• You are the love of my life — always have been, always will be. Happy Valentine’s Day to the person of my dreams.
• “Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” — Robert A. Heinlein
• “A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.” — author unknown

Our favorite quote: “I’ve fallen in love many times… always with you.” — author unknown

a funny card

‘You’re the Only One’ Card

For the partner who seems to have everything, get them this tongue-in-cheek card. It’ll remind them that your presence is a present (but you should still get them a present).

Romantic card

‘I’m Keeping You’ Card

Own your feelings this Valentine’s Day and tell the love of your life exactly how much they’ve changed your life with this minimalist card. It’s sweet and genuine without getting too sappy — the perfect combo.

3D card

Paper Roses Card

Instead of sending a bouquet of real flowers, send this beautiful 3D pop-up card. It’ll last longer than flowers anyway.

And a few bonus Valentine’s Day quotes for the funny couples

• “Without Valentine’s Day, February would be… well, January.” — Jim Gaffigan
• “I love being married. It’s so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” — Rita Rudner
• “I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.” — author unknown

mandalorian card

Baby Yoda Card

Get this cute Mandalorian card for the Star Wars fan in your life. Your partner or SO will get a kick out of this card.

Word-Play Card

Avocado Card

If your SO loves a cheesy joke, a cringe-y pun, or is simply a big fan of avocados (millennials, we’re looking at you), they’ll appreciate this card, which features a funny play-on-words.

Swiftie card

For the ‘Anti-Hero’

This one’s for the Swiftie in your life. If your Valentine loves pop culture references and all things Taylor, grab this cute “Anti-Hero”-themed card!

For the dating-app beau

‘Best Thing on the Internet’ Card

If you met ‘the one’ online, this heartfelt and funny card is a great choice.

A version of this article was originally published in January 2014.

Before you go, check out 100 of our favorite vibrators to recommend to friends (which also make excellent Valentine’s Day gifts): 

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