If you haven’t already realised: Valentine’s Day is soon-to-be upon us. For those loved-up couples, it’s time lavish your significant other with chocolate, oysters and champagne. For the newly-single, perpetually-single or for those who simply choose to shun the soppy messages and flowers, there is no avoiding the dreaded day. Whether you’re looking for last minute Valentine’s Day inspiration or dateless and without plans, Lifes & Style is here for you.
VALENTINE’S GUIDE
There is no better way to declare your love this Valentine’s Day than by showering your significant other with flowers, chocolate and a candle-lit dinner. However, like birthdays, Valentine’s Day quickly becomes repetitive. If you’re trying to avoid the clichés or simply tired of the predictability, pilfer some of Life & Style’s out-of-the-box ideas:
- Hold the roses
Red roses may be the universal symbol of love, but they are also predictable – besides, roses make her sneeze. Try swapping the traditional bunch of flowers, for something a little different. If you’re looking for something to symbolise your everlasting love, instead of roses that wilt and die after a few days, consider gifting your loved one with a bonsai tree. If your date is more into reading than topiary, make an origami flower bouquet from books that remind you of her (think more Wuthering Heights than 50 Shades). However, if your loved one has more of a sweet tooth, substitute the flowers for a candy bouquet.
- Will you be… my volunteer?
Valentine’s Day is undoubtedly a celebration of love, so skip the fancy meal altogether and extend that love to those less fortunate. Volunteer with York Foodbank, (the Gateway Centre, Front Street, York, YO24 3BZ) by either distributing food parcels to people in crisis, or donating food. Alternatively, volunteer at an animal shelter, tutor a child or at your favourite non-profit. No matter your personal passion, it’s easy to make a big difference this Valentine’s Day!
- You must be trippin’
Few things are more romantic than surprising your loved one with a spontaneous trip away. We aren’t suggesting whisking your significant other off to Venice for the weekend (although that would be nice!). Instead wrap up warm, hire a rowing boat and sail down the Ouse with flask of hot chocolate.
- Rise and Shine
A picnic at sunset screams cliché, so turn the idea on its head. Break the same old routine, by waking up early, packing breakfast and climbing Clifford’s tower. There’s not a better way to start your day.
ANTI- VALENTINE’S GUIDE
If you won’t be spending the day exchanging tacky gifts or staring longingly into your lover’s eyes, there are plenty of other ways to spend Valentine’s Day. You don’t have to resort to calling the ex to fill this day with meaning (trust us, you will only kick yourself come the 15th). Instead use this opportunity to feel good about yourself, and Life & Style is here to show you how:
- Put on a rom-com
We don’t advocate spending your evening vegetating on the sofa, crying into a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and waiting for Noah to come and build you a white house with blue shutters. Instead, grab a bottle of overpriced wine at Nisa and take this opportunity to laugh at Hollywood’s pathetic drunk-in-love characters and unrealistic notion of love. Thank God rom-coms are purely fictional. Although Richard Gere romantically climbs the fire-exit, roses in hand, to seek his Pretty Woman’s forgiveness, trust me in real life turning up unannounced at someone’s house is not cute – it’s creepy.
- Go paintballing
Or do something else equally adrenaline-fuelled and adventurous. Do something out of the blue, something no one does in February (like jumping out of a plane). Why spend the day curled up on the sofa feeding your significant other child-like mouthfuls, when you could run around shooting people? Plus, when running for your life, you won’t have time to think of your dickhead ex. Or if they do come to mind, use your fellow paintballers as target practice – I promise it will be cathartic.
- Get some action
Unlike your monogamous counterpart, you are not chained to a singular person. Embrace your freedom by pulling whoever you want, be it 0 or 10 people. For those wishing to hook up with as many people as possible, head straight to Willow. Those wanting to evade being prayed upon: stay away from Willow.
- Treat yourself
Rather than feeling sorry for yourself that; i) you’re all alone; and ii) no one loves you. Use the money you would have spent on buying gifts, and spend it on something that makes you happy. Whether it’s going to the spa with friends, burying yourself in a book or 10 vodka-and-cokes at Phats.
- Do anything you bloody well please.
Because you can. Simple as that.
Single life is one of life’s greatest pleasures. As before long you’ll be voluntarily shackled to another person. You’ll soon be ordering pudding to share and being embarrassingly cute whilst feeding each other. Enjoy single life whilst you can, because I’ll tell you something: half a chocolate pudding is not nearly enough.