Graphic by Bell Jackson By Ashlee Hall, Lifestyles Editor
With New Years in the rearview and spring fast approaching, the dreaded by some and loved by others- Valentine’s Day is upon us again. Whether you are in a committed relationship, single or somewhere in-between, here is my guide on how to make the most of your Valentine’s Day.
There is more to this ambivalent holiday than Dove chocolates and stuffed teddy bears. Instead of focusing on elaborate gestures and buying gifts, focus on celebrating the love around you, romantic or platonic.
For those of you who will be spending the holiday with someone you love, remember that it is okay to celebrate your relationship from home. I recommend cooking together. Don’t be afraid to try a recipe that poses a challenge, take this chance to learn a new skill together.
If having to wash dishes completely ruins the romance for you, order your favorite takeout and play a card game that challenges you to learn more about your partner. I suggest “We’re Not Really Strangers; Couples Edition.”
Fighting the Valentine’s Day crowds would be an act of love, so if you are willing to brave the chaos, I suggest trying something new. You might stumble upon your new favorite restaurant and a new tradition.
If you are going to be spending Valentine’s with your friends this year, having a Galentine’s-themed dinner party is, personally, my favorite way to celebrate the occasion. Order in or cook your favorite meal and curl up on the couch with your friends and a good rom-com. Can I recommend “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days?”
Small gestures oftentimes mean the most. My best friend handmakes me a card for my birthday every year, and they are my favorite over any card from the store. The idea of taking the time to handmake or write something for one specific person is a sweet gesture that money can’t buy.
At the end of the day, it does not matter if you are going out, staying in, spending the day with a partner or with your friends. Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating the love in your life, in any shape or form. Call your mom, pet your dog and literally stop and smell the roses.
A perfect quote for Valentines Day comes from the movie “Love Actually.”
“If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling that love actually is all around.”
Ashlee Hall is the lifestyles editor for The Alabamian. She is majoring in mass communication with a concentration in multimedia journalism with minors in public relations, social media administration and food and nutrition sciences. In her free time, she enjoys reading “Southern Living Magazine,” curling her hair and making niche Spotify playlists.
