I remember the good, the bad, and the ugly Valentine’s Days of my youth. One year, my sister and I were both single, so we decided to visit the local tanning bed salon, pick up a movie and grab a few candy bars on our way out. Another year, I was amazed at receiving a vast number of carnations and roses at my high school (Go Bulldogs!). Then, there was the year my boyfriend told me that he wasn’t doing anything special for Valentine’s Day because “it was just another day.” (Sigh)
So, in honor of the day, I have chosen seven tips to make the most of your day when celebrating (or not celebrating) St. Valentine.
- Plan Ahead. Whether single or in a relationship, do a little digging and plan your day or entire weekend. If you’re single, have a movie night with the girls (or guys). If you’re in a relationship … you should have already been making said plans.
- Buy the Chocolate and the Flowers. Ladies, you know you already crave it anyways, so why not go ahead and indulge in the temptation! Treat your partner or yourself. Holidays don’t roll around enough in my book, so take advantage of this “lovely” cheat day and enjoy! While you’re at it, pick up some flowers. Brighten your day – and your home – with a lovely bouquet.
- Take a Trip. Yes, take advice from #1 in this list (plan) and take a day or weekend trip. It may be an hour or two away or a little staycation in your own backyard. Take your BFF and hit the beach, or grab your significant other and explore the mountains or the big city.
- Do Something Different. If you fall into the same old routine year after year, do something out of the ordinary. Wanting to visit an art museum, but you never have time to do it? Now you do. Want to learn how to knit a scarf for your cat(s)? Here you go; now is the purrrfect time to get started.
- Don’t Watch That Movie! My sister loves watching romantic comedies. When I lived in Alabama (and was 30 and single), she would invite me over to her house and would always say, “Have you seen the movie …?” Usually, the answer was “no,” which gave her the inevitable and authoritative right to play the movie. One of those particular romcoms was “Something Borrowed,” where Ginnifer Goodwin turns 30 and is single (plot thickens, boys are involved, heart breaks, heart mends, happily ever after). I hated characters, and then I loved those characters. I threw the remote at one point. DON’T DO IT! Instead, watch a comedy with a best friend, cousin, coworker, just not alone. Or, don’t watch anything. Paint, go for a jog, bake a cake, just don’t watch that sappy movie by yourself. Don’t! (You may want to rule out the Hallmark Channel, as well.)
- Stay Home. Don’t worry about making dinner reservations or catching that 7 p.m. movie. Plan for a night in instead. Prepare a meal ahead of time (shop for groceries earlier that week, schedule your courses & prep time, etc.). Binge watch on Netflix or Hulu (Just not romantic movies, unless you want to while snuggling with your other half). If you’re single, throw a party. Once again, plan ahead, prepare, and if you want to binge on Netflix and Hulu, do so with your guests (if they’re not too busy eating your chocolate).
- Write a Letter. Go old school. It’s also an inexpensive gift. In a relationship or single, a card or letter from the heart says it best. My husband and my mom both say they’d rather have a card with meaningful messages than $100 worth of gifts. If you’re single, why not write a letter to your sibling, best friend, parents, grandparents, coworker, niece, nephew, etc. Shoot, why not write the entire family a loving message on this all-things love day?!
Happy Valentine’s Day!