There are instances when the act of love is displayed as a grand gesture of sacrifice, where one promises to pull the moon out of the sky then serve it on a silver platter for one’s beloved. One could also express the act of love as if going to the ends of the Earth to battle the Behemoth, Balrog and Big Boss all under a minute, then return home with your well deserved, battle-earned booty to impress the Beloved.
Break this line of fantasy, and fall back right into the fact that sometimes those grandest gestures have nothing on the magic of mindfulness, the charm of thoughtfulness and the assurance of time.
Less than a week from now, the world will once again observe Valentine’s Day. It will again, like the previous year, be happening during the pandemic.
Couples are free to be creative this year when celebrating Valentine’s Day how they see fit. However, should one decide to look for some ideas for that simple yet meaningful date night, here are a few suggestions.
Prepare your own meals
This is not exactly what people who have been married for years have in mind. However, hear it out. How about this time, ask for each other’s “favorite dishes” and try to mimic how the city’s finest restaurants would serve them. Have a four-course dinner if you can, too: Soup, Salad, Entree and Dessert! Post your creations on Instagram for fun’s sake.
Netflix and chill
We’re not talking about getting snuggly in bed here. In fact, should you have access to your own private vehicle, get out on the road and find a place to “camp or hang out” and enjoy the night breeze while watching a movie on your laptop. Don’t forget to pack a ton of snacks! This could be a hassle or that curveball you guys need to change the game.
Gifts galore
A few days before Valentine’s Day, prepare a list of five gifts that each fall into a particular category. It could go something like, “favorite chocolate” or “something that reminds me of him/her” etc. The idea is to treat it like a guessing or getting-to-know-you game. Set a price limit, too! Then on Valentine’s, the couple exchange gifts while drawing the categories from out of a box like a raffle. Record the entire thing and post on TikTok if that’s your thing. Just remember to have fun!