For many people, Valentine’s Day isn’t all about love and heart and cuddly bears. Love for some people isn’t idealistic and gushing romance. People don’t always choose love songs for their own couple song, many opting for something that means something personally. With that said and Valentine’s Day fast approaching, how can you celebrate an alternative Valentine’s Day? Let’s take a look!
Do You Celebrate At All?
One of the first questions to ask if whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day at all? Why should we all celebrate love for our partners on the same day? Maybe you can celebrate on another day of the week that Valentine’s Day falls or maybe even another month! Maybe you don’t need to celebrate at all!
Something You Love
Why is Valentine’s Day associated with chocolates and flowers? What if that isn’t anything to do with your relationship? Just because they’re advertised on the TV and in the shops, it doesn’t mean you have to buy them. Do something you love to celebrate your love. Go back to where you met. “But we met in a dodgy club twenty years ago?” Go back there, reminisce! If you love hiking, go to the Lake District and walk up a fell together before enjoying a flask of tea and a sandwich with a great view. Restaurants put on special Valentine’s Day meals but the price is hiked because they’re cashing in on the day of love. Choose what you want to do and enjoy your own alternative Valentine’s Day.
Gifts You Need
Chocolate makes you fat. Flowers wither and die. Why not spend that money on something you actually need. I remember we put some cash towards a dishwasher one year and a new fridge the next. To be fair, it’s a gorgeous red Smeg fridge freezer so it is traditional Valentine’s Day colours! We use it though, it’s something we needed and is still being used today.
Spend Time Together
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we so often fail at the small stuff. Spending time together is something that can get overlooked, opting to go to Wednesday night football or scroll through your phone on the sofa instead. One great idea is to simply put phones away and dedicate a night to each other. Pop a film on the TV, snuggle on the sofa, enjoy time in one another’s arms. You don’t have to visit fancy restaurants and buy expensive bottles of wine to make memories. I’m a big fan of experiences over things, so instead of buying gifts, why not cook together, or take a cooking class together! These are the things you’ll remember!
It’s Not For Everyone
Remember that Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone. There are people out there who are single and those who are widowed. They won’t be looking forward to Valentine’s Day so why not spend the day with them, as friends. You don’t have to buy into all the lovely-dovey nonsense that we see advertised. You can enjoy your own alternative Valentine’s Day, with your loved one, doing things you love, in your own way. What are you top tips for an alternative Valentine’s Day? Let me know on Twitter!
