Now that the Super Bowl has come and gone, the “Super Bowl of Love,” Valentine’s Day and weekend will be here in a digital minute, so it’s time to cue Cupid.
There’s no doubt about it, V-Day is filled with enormous expectations for both singles and couples. It’s the most romantic day of the year, and it puts pressure on new relationships, with some admitting they feel they’re being tested on the romance scale.
February 14th could send someone running for the hills, hiding under the covers, or you can choose to embrace the red hearts and chocolates. I think I’ll take Option 3.
Here’s my advice on how to reduce the stress while still celebrating the big love day.
1. Have a Conversation On How You Want to Celebrate the Day (or not)
While many procrastinate and wait until the last minute to decide what to do, knowing there’s a plan in place reduces the stress. No one wants a nagging SO asking every day if they’ve made a dinner reservation.
While talking about Valentine’s Day, you might realize your needs and expectations have changed this year. Don’t assume your partner wants to go to a fancy restaurant or expects an expensive piece of jewelry. Take the time to communicate how you want to celebrate V-Day and consider it an act love.
By taking the time to communicate how you want to celebrate V-Day with a romantic partner, you’ll reduce the risk of disappointment.
Since many restaurants book up a month in advance, having a low-key night at home must just be what the doctor ordered. After all, spending time together is the ultimate goal.
Related: The Cyber-Dating Expert Valentine’s Survival Guide
If you’re feeling stressed about Valentine’s, you’re not alone. A recent survey shows that 74% of singles believe V-Day adds too much pressure on a budding new relationship.
2. Consider Small Gifts and Cards
Romantic coupon books to your partner are both meaningful and affordable. It’s like having an IOU for after Valentine’s Day for a great massage, an hour of uninterrupted kissing, and a sure-fire way of guaranteeing another date.
If your relationship’s been labeled for a while, give your sweetheart something to memorialize the time spent together. A personalized fill-in-the-blanks book, such as “What I Love About You by Me,” from Knock Knock is a great and affordable gift because it helps you go down memory lane together and shows your appreciation.
Related: Moving From Best Friends to In a Relationship
Remember to pick up a few Valentine’s cards for your SO. If you remember how excited you were to receive Valentine’s cards back in grade school, know that a card with a hand-written sentiment becomes a keepsake for your relationship.
Ordering or picking up cupcakes and nibbling on them together is a sweet way to celebrate the day. The scent of freshly baked cookies or cinnamon rolls in the kitchen can waken his or her desire.
3. Find Another Day to Celebrate
In a Valentine’s interview on the Bumble blog, I told Danielle Kam, that couples can celebrate Valentine’s Day on a day that works for them. Especially since this year Valentine’s Day is on a Friday, you can choose one night of the weekend, or to celebrate the whole weekend long.
Ultimately, you should remember that Valentine’s Day is not about what you do (or don’t do), but about who you’re with. “The most important thing is to make sure you spend time together,” says Spira. Just treat it like a block of 24 hours on the calendar where you get to hang out and do things you love, no pressure necessary.
4. Celebrate Galentine’s Day on February 13th
What would we do without our girlfriends? All year long they cheer us on and listen to our dating dilemmas. The day before Valentine’s Day is Galentine’s Day, a day to celebrate female friendships, and those relationships are guaranteed to last for decades.
If you haven’t heard of Galentine’s Day, it was created on the TV show, Parks and Recreation in 2010, and one year later, it became a trending topic on social media. Schedule, lunch, brunch, or even a virtual Galentine’s celebration with a mocktail or a cocktail.
Related: 5 Tips to Land a Date by Valentine’s Day
5. Be Your Own Valentine
Finally, if you’re flying solo this year, remember to love yourself first. Pick up chocolates and red tulips, draw a bubble bath, light some candles, and mail yourself a Valentine’s card. I did this one year, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate self-love.
Whatever you do, and wherever you go, I wish you much love and joy on Valentine’s Day.
Julie Spira is the Digital Matchmaker® and America’s Top Online Dating Expert. She’s an award-winning certified dating coach who’s been helping singles find their perfect match for over three decades. Follow @JulieSpira on IG and @digitalmatchmaker on TikTok.
