I’m not going to lie, unlike many people I actually love Valentine’s Day, especially as a kid. My mother would always have little Valentines for my brother and me when we got home from school. Back then it was about who had the coolest Power Ranger Valentines, chocolates or colored hearts – not actual love.
Even though I’m old enough to understand that V-Day is more about love, I also try to remember that it’s also about appreciating those around you. And if you’re single it’s a good excuse to get together with friends and do something cool together.
But this year is different for me. I was a little apprehensive about the holiday, because this is my first Valentine’s Day in a Long Distance Relationship (LDR). I know what some of you are thinking, shut up at least you HAVE a boyfriend! And while this is true, it’s still hard to have someone to spend it with, but can’t. I’ve compiled some ways to still make Valentine’s Day special this year, even miles apart.
1. Have a Skype date, no like actually have a date.
Set a time to Skype on Valentine’s Day when the two of you are home and finished your work for the day. You don’t want any distractions, because if this were a real date it’d be just you and your partner, unless he watches the T.V at the restaurant (Let’s hope not!) And ladies don’t check Facebook or text during this date either. Try and coordinate to make the same dinner, whether it be lasagna or a PB&J sandwich. It’ll make you guys feel connected and as close to having dinner as you can get. If you have time, try and watch a movie at the same time and make comments via Skype. It may seem lame, but it’ll be just like a movie date minus the cuddling.
2. Send a snail mail surprise
While hardly anyone uses snail mail anymore, getting mail is usually a fun experience (as long as it’s not junk). Send your guy tickets to a game or show near him or another present he would like. I saw a picture of bacon roses online where the petals are rolled up pieces of bacon. Even handwritten love notes are cute and would hopefully mean a lot to your significant other. Although you can’t physically be there, you’ll make your presence known and be creative in the process.
3. Set a pseudo Valentine’s Day
If you really want to spend V-Day together set a date that you two will be with one another and celebrate the holiday then. A day is just a day and what you do with it is what really matters. And it’ll be nice to not share a crowded restaurant or movie theater as well. As long as you can be patient, this pseudo day can be just as special and it’ll give you something to look forward to.
4. Hang out with your single friends
Ok, so this has nothing to do with hanging out with your boyfriend, but if you can’t skype or talk on the phone all night long it’ll give you something to do (girls with lovers studying abroad can relate). Your single friends will probably want to forget about not having someone to spend the day with and chances are they’ll be happy to hang out with you. And if they just don’t like the holiday in general you don’t have to worry about them talking about it. Doing stuff with other people will keep your mind off the fact that you can’t spend the day with your significant other, but still allow you to have fun.
If you’re feeling blue about not spending this special day with your lover, don’t fret! Luckily, it’s just a day and there are ways around it. As long as you tell all the people you care about that you appreciate them, it’ll be a good day.