Beneath its sugary exterior, Valentine’s Day is a day fraught with expectations, introspection, and anxiety. Whether you’re single, newly dating someone, or married, when you see Valentine’s Day getting closer in your planner, there’s a good chance you feel a bit lost. It’s no wonder some people ignore it or actively boycott it.
However, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to just be for couples; it can be for friends, kids, your parents, etc. Also, being on a weekend this year, it provides us with a moment to step back and show our appreciation for the ones we love. Sure, it’s just like every other day, but it pushes us to do things that make others feel good. And who couldn’t use a reminder to reflect on the beneficial, affirming things in our lives? So why not find a way to celebrate it in a way that resonates with you?
Here are five creative and fun ways to celebrate this special day:
- Dinner with your friends
This is one fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day because it doesn’t matter what your relationship status is. You also don’t get to be left out. An evening out with friends, enjoying the food and each other’s company, is bound to give you one of the warmest V-Day memories, because it was just about appreciating friendship and life’s simple pleasures.
Sure, some couples may already have plans, but others will be glad for a low-key evening together. And if one of your friends is feeling down, this may cheer them up.
- Picnic
What’s cuter than a couple sharing a meal on a blanket in the park? This date is cozy and romantic, and it needn’t be expensive. Thankfully, in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and some others, there are open areas where you can enjoy a picnic. The extra-romantic might tow a sound box or poetry book alongside the picnic basket.
- The heartfelt letter
If you’re tired of seeing pink and red everywhere but still want to acknowledge someone special in your life, simply tell them in a letter. Whether it’s to a friend, a relative, or a romantic partner, it’s a heartfelt message they can read again anytime. It shows thought and dedication, and it’s an instant keepsake.
You don’t have to be a poet, or even good at spelling- the sincerity of your words speaks for itself. Just tell them what they mean to you, what they bring to your life, and what you admire about them. Mention favourite shared memories or inside jokes. The internet is your friend if you get stuck. Not only are there writing guides, but you can simply search for quotes or song lyrics that remind you of the recipient and start the letter with those words. Most people won’t be expecting a personal letter, which makes it all the better.
- A homemade meal
Instead of a movable feast, eat at home. A candlelit dinner at home is undeniably romantic. Cooking a full meal can intimidate some people, but a basic salad, pasta dish, and breadbasket is a classic date staple, and for good reason. It’s rich, filling, and reminiscent of countless romantic movie moments. And for the cook, it’s inexpensive and relatively simple.
As an extra, hide a present at the bottom under the seat or any good spot you can think of. Put on some music to set the mood and relax once you put the food on the table.
- Recreate your first date
To commemorate your relationship, pay homage to your first date. It doesn’t have to be an exact repeat, but a creative tribute shows how you value your memories of your time spent together. Eat the same meal or send them an email just like the one you sent to ask them out. Re-watch the first movie you saw together or visit that same hangout you first went to together. Recreate that moment and enjoy it.
