In the weeks leading up to February 14th it is guaranteed that any card shop you walk into will be sporting huge red displays full of cards screaming “I love you,” “You complete me”, “Be Mine Forever” etc…Trust me I’m with you when I say that this can be a daunting (and possibly sickening) sight.
Are you in a non-relationship relationship, unsure of your “title,” or just not ready to part with the L-word? There’s nothing worse than the stress of the “Are we – Arent we” of Valentine’s Day.
On one hand, you don’t want V-Day to get in the way of the natural progression of your relationship, but on the other hand you can’t ignore the globally-celebrated day of Love.
Ellie, a first year, has been casually dating her man for a couple of weeks, but is taking things slow. She tells Her Campus Manchester that “it is definitely a sensitive situation. I don’t want to scare him away by doing anything too intense, but I also want him to know he’s important to me!”
It can be difficult to judge this situation appropriately. He doesn’t want to come home to find you’ve broken in, covered yourself in edible rose petals and hired a live string quartet to repeatedly play the chorus of “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles – if you’ve only been on one date.
So, in order for you to show your appreciation, but not over-do your statement of love, Her Campus Manchester has come up with a few great tips that should keep your relationship heading in the right direction.
- Depending on how emotional your current situation is, if you feel awkward writing a card full of your sentimental, personal feelings and thoughts, go for a small gift or present instead. This way, if your other-half doesn’t feel the same way or isn’t quite there yet, you haven’t divulged the inner thoughts of your heart.
- YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH CHOCOLATE. (Unless of course he is lactose-intolerant or – for some bizarre reason – he just doesn’t like. If this is a problem, go for sweets.) You may be overwhelmed with choice in your local supermarket. Just because it is Valentine’s Day, it doesn’t mean you have to buy some over-priced packet of Lindt Lindor wrapped in bright red silk ribbons and fluffy pink heart-shaped bows. Keep to his favourite treats that you know he 100% loves. This way, you can’t go wrong and if he hasn’t got you anything, you can pass them off as treats to share with your late night movie.
- If you want to go out for a date but don’t want to sound too forward, ask him, in advance, casual questions such as “So what are you up to on Friday?” This will help you to suss out whether he’s even given Valentines Day a thought (or if he knows it exists – you just never know with boys.) If he asks what you want to do, suggest a relaxed, stress-free date or a movie night-in just the two of you. You’ll be pleased to avoid the overcrowded restaurants full of loved-up, snogging couples… it’s just gross. The last thing you want is to feel pressured into behaving in a certain way that you may not be comfortable with yet.
- If your situation is more of a friends-with-benefits relationship (no shame in that) you have it easy. The best present for both of you to enjoy is a present to yourself. Splash out on a new lingerie set that you wouldn’t usually treat yourself to. These will make you feel amazing and make him feel like the luckiest guy in the world. If you’ve already got a large underwear collection, buy some naughty flavoured body paint from Ann Summers. It’s fun, flirty and yummy (also great for when you get 11pm munchies)!
P.s. If all else fails, it is important to remember that Valentines Day is a day of LOVE. The aim of the day should be to let everyone that you love, know that you love them.
(Image Credits to instagram.com, tumblr.com, blogspot.com)