Taking the Pressure off of Valentine’s Day
It’s that time of year again: February 14th is just around the corner. Red, white, and pink are making their yearly comeback, chocolate sales are through the roof, and a dozen roses have never looked so expensive.
As much fun as it is to celebrate with your partner, romantic occasions come with expectations, and expectations come with stress. If you’re starting to feel the pressure when you look at the calendar, you’re not alone!
Whether you want to simplify the celebrations or pretend February 14th is just any other day, we’re here to help. Let’s delve into how you can tackle Valentine’s without succumbing to the stress.
//
Start simple: what do you like to do for fun?
The fastest and best way to ease the pressure off of any holiday is to remember that they’re holidays! They’re about celebrating and enjoying yourself. So when it comes to Valentine’s, ask yourself: how do you like to spend time with your partner? What interests do you share? What are your favourite things to do together?
Try making a list, and think outside the box! Not just your favourite restaurants, but your favourite ways to spend a night in, to relax after a long day, or to remind each other of the bond that you share.
Looking for gift ideas? Be creative, but don’t overthink it.
Now don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wrong with chocolate or flowers! But if they aren’t your vibe (or your partner’s), try some other options that can highlight your relationship, or even just brighten your partner’s day.
A photo album (even a small one!) can be a fun keepsake to look back on with some of your favourite memories. Picking up a Polaroid camera is one way to make the process easier – just take it with you when you’re out or even around the house, snap a pic of a cute moment, watch it print, and stick it in your album. Who doesn’t love a bit of instant gratification?
Looking for a fun, practical option for a partner who’s expecting? Check out our selection of maternity gowns to keep them comfortable and ready for everything from bump, to birth, to baby!
If you’ve got space in your budget, try planning a vacation together – for a more affordable option, try a couple’s spa getaway or a trip to a local art gallery or museum. And speaking of outings…
Try some non-traditional date options to get away from the crowds.
Sure, every nice restaurant is booked weeks in advance of Valentine’s, but what other options can you muster up? Try going ice skating together, or visiting a local attraction, or even plan a nice night at home: some candles, your favourite takeout, and a movie you’ve been meaning to watch can go a long way.
The important part here is quality time with your partner – not because of a made-up holiday, but because every day is a good day to spend together.
When all else fails, there’s one simple solution.
At the end of the day, Valentines doesn’t have to be a big surprise. If you’re not sure what to do or what your partner might like, you can ask them! Brainstorm together about what kind of date night you’d like to plan or what kind of gifts each of you might appreciate. That way, everybody ends up having a good time.
Communication is the foundation of any helpful relationship, and knowing what your partner expects when it comes to celebrations like this will help strengthen your bond (and your holiday skills) in the future.
//
However you spend your Valentine’s Day, remember: as long as you and your partner are happy, the rest doesn’t matter. Don’t get caught up in the Instagrammable moments or expensive chocolates. Love is at the heart of this holiday (pun very intended), and it’s the best way to ensure you’ll be left with moments worth remembering.