The stacks and stacks of heart-shaped boxes of chocolates surrounded by giant teddy bears with hearts on their bellies can be nauseating for singles as Valentine’s Day approaches. But it can be pretty obnoxious for those in romantic relationships as well, no matter how much you might coo over your significant other in private.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the time when you are supposed to “show how much you love somebody,” following typical trends, like giving someone a dozen chocolate roses, doesn’t mean a whole lot. Besides, you can celebrate love every single day.
If you do happen to find yourself with someone special on Valentine’s Day, here are a few tips to make it truly meaningful:
Make him or her a gift yourself
This can be as simple as you want, but think about his or her personality, what he or she loves or an inside joke between the two of you. The more creative and personal you get with this gift, the more weight it will carry. Paint a picture, make a mini scrapbook, draw and write a comic book or bake his or her favorite dessert.
Write a series of “I love you because … ” notes and hide them around his or her place.
Again, it’s all about getting as personal and specific as you can, so put a little thought into it — things like, “I love you because you scrunch up your nose while brushing your teeth.” Your significant other will hopefully find the notes all throughout the day and smile every time he or she finds a new one.
Do something you’ve always wanted to do together.
Gifts don’t even have to be involved at all, just enjoy each other’s company. Have you ever wanted to fly a kite or see an old movie at the Fox Theatre? Go do it. Maybe you’ve talked over and over again about trying to master a three-layer cake. Have at it. Whether it’s a marathon of your favorite films, a super fancy night of dinner and dancing or a game of cards, don’t forget to simply enjoy being together.
If you decide that you really don’t want to do anything at all to celebrate Valentine’s, it’s no big deal. Do what makes you and your significant other happy. Couples and singles alike — you’ve got nothing to prove to anyone. Have a happy Feb. 14 either way you choose to spend it.