Two Day Magazine

5 Ways To Make Sure You Enjoy February 14th

Valentine’s Day can mean the world some, and to others it means nothing at all. February 14th can be the day that a relationship is taken to the next level or the day you throw in to the towel – or perhaps like Jennifer Garner in the film Valentine’s Day, you find yourself taking out your anger on a heart shaped piñata.

In any event, if you are single, newly dating, fresh from a breakup, or in a serious relationship, Valentine’s Day can be an enjoyable experience if you decide to make it that. Here are 5 ways to make sure your Valentine’s Day is a sure thing:

Know Your Expectations

If you are newly dating someone and have not established yet that you are exclusive, Valentine’s Day may seem a bit high pressure. If, however, you are in a committed relationship and have established you are monogamous, it can seem a bit odd if your lover is MIA on the big day. Don’t jump to conclusions. Talk to your partner about the holiday when the time is right.

If the person you are newly dating hasn’t brought up Valentine’s Day or responded when you have casually mentioned the day, be proactive and make your own plans to hang out with friends or family.

No Cheating

Do not fall for suggestions to hang out on the 13th because restaurants are less expensive than on Valentine’s Day, etc. or the other array of excuses people come up with. If you are hanging out on the 13th, then you better be hanging out on the 14th too.

The More The Merrier

Valentine’s Day does not have to be spent lingering over a five course dinner whispering sweet nothings to each other, although that is a perfectly good option as well. Don’t forget the overall idea behind Valentine’s Day: to show love and affection. Although the history of St. Valentine, who while in jail fell in love with his jailor’s daughter and wrote her a love letter signed “from your Valentine,” is a bit cloudy, the overall idea is quite clear. Taking time to make sure those in your life know you love them is important.

One year, I had a party on Valentine’s Day and everyone had a great time. Couples came after having dinner alone, singles came, danced and drank and hooked up – there were 5 reported love connections that night, and friends fresh from a breakup were able to take their mind off their heartbreak. It was a win for all! Everyone felt loved and happy. Isn’t that the point of all this?

Judge Your Relationship on the Whole Year, Not One Day

Maybe things did not go as planned, your date was late, or the food was bad. Don’t get upset. How is your relationship as a whole? Are you happy? Do you treat each other kindly and add to each other’s lives? If Valentine’s Day is a flop, remember it is just one day and your love will (hopefully) last all year round.

Get Out Of Town

If you have it in your budget, a short trip can work wonders. There is nothing like a weekend away. It can keep the flame alive in your relationship. If you are single, it can give you time to spend with your friends. If just started dating, traveling together can be a great test to see if you can handle each other for more than a few hours at a time.  Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year – see if you can fit in a weekend away before or after.

And remember, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the day...reflecting on the concept of love can warm your heart...with or without a lover.

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