There’s always a lot of expectation centered around Valentine’s Day. Traditionally, couples will go out to dinner and a movie, there will most likely be roses and chocolates, and maybe even some gifts will be exchanged. But all the hype can get a little overwhelming (for you and your wallet), so if candlelit dinners and expensive wines aren’t your style, here a few a non-traditional date ideas for you and your loved one(s)!
1. The Stay-At-Home Date
Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day is right in the middle of midterm season for a lot of students. Having less time for yourself can make it even harder to make time for those big date nights with your significant other. So, instead of going out like everyone else, have a Valentine’s Day in! Put on some sweatpants, order some takeout, and curl up on the couch to marathon your favourite TV show/movies. Romantic gestures don’t have to be grand!
2. The Friends Date
No, I don’t mean spending your evening watching Friends (although you could do that). Not everybody has that “special someone” to spend Valentine’s day with, so get a few friends together who are also single and celebrate! Go out for drinks and split a couple appetizer platters, or order a couple pizzas and stay in to have a pamper night with homemade facemasks. Being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a pity party! Celebrate your friendships!
3. The Family Date
If you don’t have a significant other or your friends are too busy to get together, you can always take some time out of your day to catch up with family! Go out to dinner with your parents, or have a Skype date if it’s not possible to meet up. You could even give your grandparents a call, or buy a special treat for your pet. Take the day to remind family members that they’re special too!
4. The Treat-yo-self Date
Last, but certainly not least, if all of the above options don’t seem your style, then you can always have a special day just for yourself! Who says someone else should buy you flowers or chocolates for Valentine’s Day? Get as many roses and heart shape chocolate boxes as you desire! You could go get a mani-pedi, or take yourself to the movies and not worry about sharing the popcorn, or finish off that bottle of wine while binging the new season of your favourite show on Netflix. Self-love is important too!
While there may be pressure to go out and have the picture perfect, date-to-top-all-dates, there are more ways than one to spread the love on Valentine’s Day. Let all of those important to you know just how much you love them! Stay safe and have a happy Valentine’s Day HCUBC!