Surviving Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is a tricky, tricky holiday, and being in college doesn’t make it any easier. No matter if you’re single, in a relationship, or somewhere in-between, the following tips will ensure you survive the day with as little discomfort as possible.
New Relationship
If you’re in a new relationship, there’s always that question of how big of a deal you should make the night. The main problem comes with the gift and knowing how much to spend. After all, you don’t want to look like a cheapskate, but if you buy something expensive the other person may think you’re taking things too seriously. Or, you both may feel really awkward if one person’s gift is obviously more extravagant than the others.
Solution: In a budding relationship, the best gifts are those which aren’t too expensive (less than $50), but come from the heart. For instance, you could find something that reminds the person of an inside joke the two of you share, a trinket reminiscent of your first date, or something reflective of your girl/boyfriend’s personality. These types of things say, “I understand you” and are much more meaningful than a generic gift.
What not to do: Unless you want to scare the other person off, steer clear of jewelry or overly sappy love letters. Keep it simple – let them know you care and are glad you are together, but avoid talk of lifelong commitments.
Long-Term Relationship
If you’re in a long term relationship, then you know the biggest problem you face is lack of effort. After so many years of being together, couples have done all the typical Valentine’s Day stuff, and face the temptation to treat it as just another day – don’t do this. Even if you both agree to “not do anything special,” this plan never works out quite right. Once the day actually arrives, one of the two of you will notice the flowers and chocolates other people are getting, hear of other’s dinner plans, and secretly wish you were doing something special too.
Solution: The good thing about long-term relationships is almost anything goes. Spend as much or as little as you want and say what’s really in your heart. The most important thing is to make the other person feel special and let them know, after all this time, you still love being with them.
What not to do: Simply buy a store bought card and sign your name.
Single
If you’re single, have no worries. Don’t let the day of romance get you down or make you wish you had a significant other. Feel grateful you don’t have to worry about giving gifts or trying to please someone else. If you want a box of chocolates then go buy some and feel happy you don’t have to share. Go out with other single friends, or stay in; it really doesn’t matter. The great thing about being single is you’re FREE, so relish in this and make yourself happy!
Solution: There’s really no problem here unless you’re feeling down. In that case, find some buddies and go have a good time.
What not to do: Watch a marathon of romantic comedies and wish you could find your happily-ever-after (FYI, it doesn’t exist in real life).
Have a Crush
If you’ve been crushing on someone, and haven’t done anything about it, you’re undoubtedly wondering if you should make your move on V-Day. It sounds romantic, but do you really want to have your first date on such a pressure-filled day?
Solution: Wait! By all means, do not make February 14th the day you ask someone on a first date. Doing so is willingly playing in a field of romantic land mines. Dinner, gifts, flowers, love, sentiments, ahhh!! … it’s all too much for people trying to get to know each other.
What not to do: Again, DO NOT ask your crush out for a date on Valentine’s Day. If you’ve waited this long then you can wait a few more days.
If you’ve had any catastrophic V-Day’s, let others revel in your misery learn from your mistakes by sharing your experiences below.
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Topic: Surviving Valentine's Day
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