This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Clemson chapter.
My First Valentine’s Day
I’ve never been in a serious relationship for Valentine’s Day before, so this year is a
first for me. I’ve done my share of Galentine’s Days and I have no idea how to do
Valentine’s Day “properly”. While trying to avoid getting swept up in the hype, I
learned a few things about this heart-filled holiday.
1. It doesn’t have to be showy.
I always pictured Valentine’s Day as full of flowers and cards and hearts and
grand, romantic gestures. But as it gets closer to the actual date, I’ve realized
that romance doesn’t have to be flashy. I’m most excited to spend time with
someone I care about and I don’t care as much about flowers as I thought I
would.
2. Guys are terrible at planning.
Sorry to the men who actually AREN’T terrible at planning, but in my
experience, guys just don’t have the desire to plan down to the last detail like
girls do. Exhibit A: I asked my boyfriend what he wanted to do on Valentine’s
Day and he said, “When is that?” After some gentle persuading, I got him to
suggest something sweet for us that doesn’t require much planning (a day
trip and then a homemade dinner). If you’re with someone who isn’t big on
planning, go simple. It’s just as romantic as special as a fancy dinner (and
won’t break the bank).
3. Romance isn’t dead – just different.
Over the decades, the idea of romance has changed drastically. Nowadays if
you ask someone to “go steady” they’ll think you’re crazy, and if you told your
grandparents you were “talking” to someone they would be incredibly
confused. So it stands to reason that you can’t expect the moon from your
significant other. Appreciate everything they do for you, because even if it
doesn’t fit your mold of romance, it still means they care about you.
4. It’s only as big as you want it to be.
If you’re someone who doesn’t like Valentine’s Day, great! You don’t have to
celebrate it. No one is forcing you to. Want a huge dinner with 12 dozen
roses? That’s great too. There’s no “right way” to do Valentine’s Day.
Whatever makes you and your significant other happy is the right way to do
it.
5. It’s about celebrating your relationship.
Many people say Valentine’s Day is just a Hallmark holiday. Nothing could be
more false. Granted, yes, big companies make a ton of money off of it. But the
root of the holiday is to celebrate the people that you love and care about.
Instead of getting swept up in the hype, focus on what makes your
relationship great and what you like about the person you’re with, and the
day will surely be one to remember.