This year has been hard for everyone, but it has especially affected our relationships. Valentine’s Week is the perfect time to show some extra appreciation for the special people in your life, whether it be friends, family, or a significant other. Here are some ideas to have a safe Valentine’s Week.
Date:
In lieu of a fancy restaurant dinner, order takeout for your special someone. Eat together in the Dining Hall, or over Zoom. Try to figure out your date’s favorite meal and surprise them! Or just ask them directly. If you have time, decorate your table or Zoom background for a little extra festive spirit.
If crafts are more your thing, try a handmade card and deliver it to your valentine. Red hearts are always a classic, but try to personalize it. Write a sweet note, sign it with some Xs and Os, and drop it off at your sweetheart’s dorm or give it to them in person. For extra points, attach a small gift like candy or paper flowers.
If you’re willing to brave the cold, star-gazing is an underrated romantic activity. Since Valentine’s Day is a Sunday this year, you might not be able to do it that night, but you can always try the Saturday before. Pack some hand warmers and hot drinks to stay comfy. This year, you’ll be able to see the Pleiades, a group of bright blue stars, and Sirius, the Dog Star.
Music can bring up a lot of emotions. Try making a Spotify playlist for your loved one, whether it’s songs that remind you of them, ones that you both love, or ones that represent important milestones in your relationship. Share it with them and listen to it whenever you miss them.
Finally, movies are always a classic Valentine’s Day activity! If you can’t be in person together, try a free program like Netflix Party, Discord, or Zoom to watch something together. It doesn’t have to be a movie either—try watching your favorite TV show, funny Youtube videos, or even old clips of you two together.
Friends:
If you’re feeling nostalgic or just want to be humorous, give out little paper valentines like in elementary school! There are tons of kinds, from dinosaurs to candy to superheroes. Any store like Amazon, Walmart, or Target will carry them around this time. Label each one with the name of a friend or give them out to whoever you see. People will laugh more if you get the ones with temporary tattoos or a joke inside.
Spending time with your close friends is a great way to show them that you appreciate them. Get a group of your favorite people together and do something exciting. Whether that be a board game, a movie, or just walking around campus, it’s the people that count. Don’t forget about the outside world either. Valentine’s Day is a great reminder to text and Facetime your friends from back home or elsewhere.
Family:
Most of us had to spend some extra time with our family this year. That may or may not have been a good thing. But your family is probably missing you more than usual, and Valentine’s is a good time to call them. Anyone, from parents to cousins to grandparents, will appreciate hearing your voice.
However you’re planning on spending the holiday, remember a couple of things. Follow COVID restrictions. No one wants to ruin a fun night by getting sick. Be nice. Nothing shows how much you value someone than showing your love. Most importantly, have fun! Don’t get super stressed out. Valentine’s Day is about the people that you love, not what you do together. Just relax and have a good time!