1. Go On A Date
Single: That’s right! Your gal-pals need love too so make Valentine’s Day a girls night out. Have your friends over for wine then have fun getting ready together!
Taken: I know what you’re thinking, “That’s original go on a date for Valentines Day,” but some classics are classic for a reason. There’s nothing like slipping into that perfect dress and having a night out on the town with your guy. It’s a nice break from the college bar crawl scene or the “Which episode of New Girl are we on?” stay in nights.
2. Send Mom A Card
Single and Taken: Send mom a card! I don’t know about you ladies, but long before any boy wanted anything to do with me I still always got a Valentine’s Day card from my mom and not being with her on Valentines Day always makes me miss those cards when I was a kid. So show mom you miss her and send her a homemade card.
3. Go Shopping
Single: Since you don’t have to waste money on some stupid guy why not treat your self to something? Go buy that pair of shoes you’ve been eying or go to Lulu Lemon and… actually just kidding don’t go that crazy.
Taken: Since you do have to spend money on a boy you may as well have some fun doing it. Buy your guy something you know you will love to see him wear. Little known fact- guys don’t dress like gigantic 13 year olds for nostalgia. It’s usually because they don’t think to buy nice clothes for themselves. A dress shirt for him to wear on your date is a thoughtful gift that takes away the guesswork of how to impress you.
4. Channel Your Inner Julia Child
Single: If rallying the girls to take on the town isn’t your thing then a quiet night in might be just what the doctor ordered (I’m calling myself the doctor now by the way). Cooking can be a great way to unwind and wind up (see what I did there) with a delicious meal. And if somehow something goes wrong you have a great story and take-out.
Taken: Cooking dinner together can turn into a really fun night. Pick a recipe, go get the ingredients together, or better yet find a local farmers market to pick up all the ingredients fresh! While you’re cooking together you might learn a lot about each other and have a really fun night!
5. Go Outside
Single: Go for a relaxing bike ride out at one of your local parks. The Miccosukee Greenway is a personal favorite of mine. Some fresh air and exercise will remind you how beautiful the world is and not to mention, get you away from the overload of giant teddy bears and chocolate. Go enjoy a day to yourself and revel in the joys of being an independent collegiette woman.
Taken: Pick up some sandwiches from your guy’s favorite place, head out to the lake, have an afternoon picnic, and then surprise him with some homemade cookies for dessert! It has been scientifically proven that the quickest way to a man’s heart is though his stomach.*
*Scientific evidence based on two years of observation and research in the field (by field I mean bar).
6. Act Like A Kid
Single: Don those flannel footie pajamas, grab your favorite snack, curl up with your favorite childhood movie, or break out the monopoly board. Sometimes we get too caught up in playing grown up that we forget how to just play!
Taken: Go have some good old-fashion fun together and don’t let the over emphasis on romance kill the mood! Valentines Day has turned into this daunting image of “the perfect date” when really it’s all about taking the time to tell the person you love how much they mean to you and letting them know they are appreciated. So kick off those heels and take the pressure off you and your guy to make everything perfect.