Which present to buy, where to go for dinner, or on the other hand, when will you meet someone to spend this special day with and how to keep your spirit up despite being a single fish in the ocean of happy couples. Being a Valentine’s Day grinch, sometimes you might wonder: “Who invented this stupid holiday anyways?” Well, at one period of my life, I certainly did. If you are in the second group, I have a brief history of Valentine’s day and a few tips on how to make it an enjoyable experience for you.
History and meaning
All around the world, people are celebrating this annual holiday in February—a month of romance, sharing love and sympathy. According to history, there are interesting versions of the story about who Saint Valentine was. There is a legend about priest Valentine who served during the third century (AD) in Rome. There was a law that prohibited marriages for young men because of believing that single men made better soldiers. Priest Valentine didn’t share this opinion and he saw injustice in this act, so he continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, he was sentenced to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been a prisoner who sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young woman who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, he wrote her a love letter signed “From your Valentine.” Nobody knows the exact true story, but these legends indicate that he was some symbol of the romantic hero, so on that one day that is dedicated to him people celebrate romance, love, and devotion.
For People in a Relationship
When you’re in love and Valentine’s Day comes, you can close your eyes and see pink and red hearts, little Cupids flying all around. Make a special (yet affordable day) that both of you will never forget. You can never make a mistake with chocolate and flowers, but there are other cute ways to show your loved one how much you care. 141 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually,[1] making Valentine’s Day the second most popular greeting-card-giving occasion.[2] So why wouldn’t you push it to the next level and make one on your own? Be romantic, think out of the box and grab a piece of paper and write something spontaneous or, in case you lack inspiration, write some funny quotes. A homemade card is always more meaningful than a purchased one. If you are creative, the best way to show it is by some of the DIY projects. For example, you can make a dessert, so even if you order a dinner that night, you will be able to give your contribution, how cute is that? Also, you can make a little present that will have bigger value than a store gift. This year Valentine’s day is a weekday, so you can imagine the routine: coming home from work, taking a bath together and lay watching Netflix. Not the best way to celebrate, huh? Take a day off from work and walk around the city, eat street food, and drink soda on a bench in the park because the happiness is in small things. In the evening, check Valentine’s Day events nearby: theaters, galleries, museums and cultural centers may be open late, offering exhibits and performances either for free or at reasonable ticket prices. Be open-minded for new things; you may be able to find a free entry or some deal (two-for-one price); maybe you will become a fan of some band or modern art after this night, who knows? If you are thinking about the present, remember there is never enough cosmetic products for women so check some fantastic ideas for Valentine day gifts, and like you know diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so stop by a jewelry store on the way to the restaurant and let her pick something. And women, take him to the basketball game and buy him a hot dog and beer. More than anything, the most important thing that you can give to your partner is your time. Spend a romantic day without watches or smartphones, just talking to each other. There are beautiful places to be: a billion-star hotel – nature by night, whether by the river or through the park. Possibilities are endless when love and desire are there.
For Single People
Even if you are single, you can’t ignore this holiday because there is a euphoria all around. This may be too much romance for some people,[3] but there are also more mature ways to celebrate whether you have or do not have a loved one. A classy dinner and some fine wine with good friends, or a weekend trip to a near destination, or a casual night out in a jazz club, enjoying music and fine company for example. Check out some new spa centers in your city and get a massage and relax in a jacuzzi seem nice, no matter the occasion. If you aren’t into fancy (pricier) options, you can gather your single friends and arrange some fun activities, playing board games or going to the bar playing billiards and darts. Another option is to go shopping and treat yourself instead. There are also parties and events for single people in many places. Maybe this is the way to meet someone interesting or just have some fun and participate. Be crazy that night and try something new. For example, go on speed dates[4] – it is an exciting way to introduce yourself, or at least you will remember the experience. In case you are not open for searching for a soulmate, just spend time with friends. It often happens that you can’t avoid it. Valentine’s Day will happen, and you’ll have to deal with it. Perhaps this is the best to join the festivities and have fun, but do it your own way.
Happy your-own-way Valentine’s day!
Featured photo credit: Laura Ockel via unsplash.com
