Know that if you decide to adhere to traditional Valentine’s Day practices, there is nothing boring about making time for your relationship, no matter where you decide to go and what you decide to do.
Every year people try to reinvent Valentine’s Day. I have read about how to have a “Crafty Valentine’s Day” where you do crafts with your partner to celebrate the socially sanctioned holiday. I have been told how to “Go Green for Valentine’s Day” – one would use only compost-approved products and organic ingredients to commemorate the occasion. V-Day has also been repurposed as “Singles Appreciation Day” – a reason for partner-less individuals to celebrate their singledom. There is nothing wrong with reinventing your Valentine’s Day. I get it, you want to try something different and think outside the conventional box.
Some would argue that typical Valentine’s Day festivities are outdated. Some would say the typical V-Day is not good enough because it’s not new and exciting. Some would say a standard Valentine’s Day is dull.
But what’s so dull about honoring your relationship? Nothing.
Valentine’s Day has long endorsed couples to show their appreciation for each other and their relationship. Know that if you decide to adhere to traditional Valentine’s Day practices, there is nothing boring about making time for your relationship, no matter where you decide to go and what you decide to do. You don’t need to have a trendy Valentine’s Day to show your love and appreciation for your partner.
Here are some tips to help you have a traditional Valentine’s Day:
#6 Flowers
I’m sure there are women out there who hate flowers, but I have yet to meet one of them. Sending flowers to your lady’s office on Valentine’s Day is sure to do two things: make her feel loved, and make her coworkers jealous. Would you rather come home to hear, “Thank you for the flowers, babe! You shouldn’t have!” OR “Lauren’s boyfriend sent HER flowers. Wasn’t that nice of HIM to do THAT for HER?!”??
If she works from home, or is a stay at home mom, or if sending flowers is too expensive, surprise her with flowers in the morning, or when you come home from work. Anytime is a good time for flowers.
#5 Chocolate
Chocolate is a Valentine’s Day staple. (If you know your partner is not a fan of chocolate, please substitute for their favorite sweet-tooth-satisfying treat.) It could be a box of fancy chocolates from a sweets shop or even a box of assorted chocolates you find at the grocery store.
My personal favorite is chocolate dipped strawberries. Last year for Valentine’s Day my partner and I made our own. All you need is a pack of strawberries and a box of semi-sweet Baker’s chocolate (available in most grocery stores). If you don’t have a double boiler, just boil water in a medium sized pan and place a non-plastic mixing bowl on top of the pan. Melt the chocolate in the non-plastic mixing bowl (that is on top of the boiling water). Once melted, dip in your strawberries, and then rest them on a cookie sheet or plate lined with wax paper. Place the chocolate covered strawberries in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to cool and harden.
Listen up ladies, I know we’re talking about the traditional Valentine’s Day here, but don’t be afraid to look outside traditional gender roles on February 14th. Your man wants to feel loved and appreciated, too. More than likely, he would be thrilled to have some chocolates, or a favorite dessert. If you want to give something more than a sugar rush, how about a bottle of his favorite gin, scotch, wine, etc.?
#4 Cards
Don’t forget to give your loved one a card this Valentine’s Day. I urge you to go a step further and to not simply sign your name under the “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Include a lengthy message of love and appreciation for your partner.
#3 Handholding
Whether you’re walking through the parking lot or making a point to take a long evening stroll together, be sure you get in all the traditional Valentine’s Day handholding your heart can manage.
#2 Dinner For Two
Fine dining is a quintessential component of Valentine’s Day. The traditional V-Day dinner means eating somewhere, or something, that you wouldn’t eat on a typical Tuesday. Make reservations for your favorite place, or if you don’t want to face the Valentine’s Day crowd, make a special meal at home.
#1 The “C” Word
Cuddling! Valentine’s Day is all about showing your partner love, appreciation, and affection, and nothing says all three of these things at once like cuddling. You could be seeing a movie on V-Day, or watching something together in your living room, lying in bed together, or sitting in your parked car down the street because you’re not ready to relieve the babysitter – whatever the case may be, hold each other, touch each other, and connect with one another.
Whether you have a traditional or nontraditional Valentine’s Day, take the time to express to the people in your life how much you care for them (on February 14th and every other day of the year, if you ask me). And if you’re lucky enough to love, be in love, and have that love returned, don’t let them forget what they mean to you.
