Heart shaped chocolate boxes. Roses. Candlelit dinner. Teddy Bears holding hearts. These are signs that Valentine’s Day is soon approaching, which comes to either the dismay or the excitement of some. Couples rejoice at the thought of another event to celebrate their romance together, while singles scramble to find a date or keep to themselves. On the contrary, there are also plenty of single people who get together with their friends and do something together. If you happen to fall into the former category and don’t know what to do with your special someone for Valentine’s Day, or want to do something that’s not cliché, here are my suggestions for you:

1. Instead of eating out, cook dinner at home together

Image courtesy of Bridebox

If both you and your significant other are in good standing with each other’s parents, consider staying home and making dinner together. Not only will this allow you and your partner to have complete control over the dinner course and atmosphere, but the time you spend together can lead to a better relationship. Couples that cook dinner together, stay together (excuse the cheesy saying).

2. Go to a gym and exercise or go jogging

Image courtesy of Fitbie

Another great way to boost your relationship is to go to your local gym and exercise together. Studies show that couples who exercise together have improved efficiency in their workouts and also have increased emotional bond, due to the imitation of symptoms one experiences when they are infatuated (eg. sweaty hands, racing pulse, shortness of breath). If done outside of a gym, it can be done free of charge anywhere, at any time, assuming the weather allows it.

If you are single but still want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your friends, don’t worry, I have ideas for you too:

1. Invite friends over for a movie night

Image courtesy of Pixshark

While this should be a no-brainer, it would be a fun thing to do on Valentine’s Day. In spirit of the holiday, a romantic movie would be ideal, but not necessary. Prepare or order food before starting the movie to complete the theater experience and enjoy!

2. Go ice skating with friends

Image courtesy of Newsday – Long Island

This is a great wintertime activity. Ice skating with your friends for Valentine’s Day can be a fun group activity, but make sure to be safe. Only go skating at designated ice rinks because most frozen bodies of water that you encounter can be comprised of thin ice, and you don’t want to experience the chilling surprise underneath. If you don’t know how to skate or you’re inexperienced, you can hold onto your friends to keep from falling.

Whether you’re single or in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is a great holiday to spend time with the people who matter to you the most. I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day and four-day weekend.

Sincerely,

Jethro