You either love it or you hate it, but either way you kind of have to celebrate it… Valentine’s Day.
Every year on February 14, social media feeds are filled with videos of rooms full of roses, expensive dinners at A-list restaurants, and last-minute dates that consist of world-traveling on boujee private jets. It’s no surprise Valentine’s can seem super intimidating.
I’ll let you in on a little secret bestie, if your Valentine’s Day leaves you feeling anything but loved…you’re doing it wrong!
Don’t worry, I’m here to help. The key to having the perfect Valentine’s Day is figuring out what makes you feel loved and what makes your loved ones feel loved. Whether that’s the person you’ve been sort of seeing, your dream boo thing, or your greatest gal pals, communication is key.
It all boils down to this tried and true love concept : The Five Love Languages.
- Quality Time
- Physical Touch
- Acts of Service
- Giving and Receiving Gifts
- Words of Affirmation
Not sure what your love language is? Find out here.
If you’re not sure what your special someone’s love language is, or what makes them feel the most loved, don’t be afraid to ask! Asking a match what their love language is can be a great ice breaker question to start your conversation. It can also help you to plan a date specially for them, even if it isn’t Valentine’s Day.
Quality Time
If you or your Valentine feel most loved through quality time, opt for an activity where the two of you can be completely present with each other!
Some simple ways to do this could be by enjoying the outdoors together, like going for a bike ride or a hike. Another great way to fill that time is by getting out of your comfort zone by taking a new class, making something new (this might include a craft or baking), or taking part in an activity they love that you might not usually otherwise be up for!
The important thing is to make sure everyone involved knows that they’re the number one priority in that time frame (so yes, put that phone down).
Physical Touch
Is physical touch your love language? Here are a few ideas that don’t give your date an excuse to have a NCMO;)
Try booking a spa day or pedicures, take them out dancing, try roller skating or ice skating (and definitely go for that hand hold), rent an e-scooter and explore downtown, or sign up for a couple’s yoga class.
Try to think outside of the box with this one, and always make sure everyone involved is comfortable with plans! Remember that even if someone’s love language is physical touch, it’s always important to ask for permission and receive consent before engaging in physical touch.
You should always feel comfortable and safe on dates. Here is some great advice to help make sure you feel that way!
Acts Of Service
Acts of service are some of the most underrated ways to make anyone in your life feel loved and taken care of!
If you’re not sure where to start here are some simplistic service ideas; cook their favorite dinner for them, drop off their favorite drink or treat, help take a stressful task off their plate (this could include laundry, dishes, getting their car oil changed), or even helping them study for an upcoming exam.
Whatever you’re doing should be about the person you’re serving. It might not be pretty or glamorous, but it will most definitely make them feel loved.
Remember that service can be a great way to create happiness in your own life as well! “As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness”-Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Giving and Receiving Gifts
Everyone appreciates a good gift, so if you’re not exactly sure how to make your Valentine’s date feel special, this is a safe way to make that happen.
When in doubt, go the traditional route. You can’t go wrong with flowers or their favorite treat. If you want to go above and beyond, try to think of something more personal. This could include a photo album of your favorite memories together, something specific to a hobby or interest they have, or tickets to a concert, show, or movie you know they would love.
Most importantly, don’t overthink it. Everyone appreciates effort!
Words Of Affirmation
If your Valentine values Words of Affirmation the most, we’ll give you a hint, the prewritten message inside the greeting card you bought is never enough.
Break out that ballpoint pen and write them a heartfelt handwritten note or get crafty and heart attack their door. If writing isn’t your biggest strength, don’t worry, creating a playlist of songs that remind you of them or making a social media post about how special they are to you will do the trick too.
Try not to over complicate it, it’s in the name. It only needs to affirm your special feelings for that special someone!
Follow Your Heart
You know best what will make your special someone feel loved – even if that special someone is you! Follow your heart and go with your gut, even if it feels cheesy. (If there ever was a time of year to embrace the cheesiness, it’s definitely now.)
Remember, it doesn’t need to be Instagrammable. If you focus on choosing authentic ways to celebrate that are true to you, your Valentine’s Day will be one to remember.
Lauren Wertner
Lauren is a marketing intern for Mutual, where she is getting to live out all her copywriting dreams. She is currently a marketing student at Utah Valley University and will be getting her degree there this year. She’s obsessed with her internship and loves getting to be a part of a company focused on helping people find their eternal companion (and loves recommending it to her single friends even more)! You can find her at www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-wertner
