January is hitting its mid-way point and the festivities of the New Year are about to hit its second wave of celebrations; that’s right, Valentine’s Day rears it’s beautiful heart-shaped head and has already marked people’s calendars with a lovely little heart emoji.
Stores have already stocked out a few of their Valentine’s Day treats which include the cuddliest of teddy bears, chocolates and cards. I’ll admit; I buy it all for the one I love topped off with a bouquet of roses. I can already hear my dad’s voice as he says “What do you be buying all that for? Money-making scam” while my Mum argues “Ah, it’s only for a day, it’s romantic”.
Yes. It is romantic. Very. A day filled with love and affection and dinner dates to restaurants, cinema dates and walks by the beach. However, what if you wanted to do something different this year? Here’s a little something that will inspire you to do something different this year on V-day.
Puppy love
Personally, there is nothing better than going into a pet shop on a regular day, but why not make that day Valentine’s Day especially if your significant other loves animals. Looking at pets together proves to be a close bonding time for couples especially when the pet shop allows you to hold their rabbits.
Often times, the talk of pets or the possibility of getting one together is great for adding strength to the relationship. When my boyfriend and I bought our first hamster, Pipsqueak, we found it brought us closer together; it became our responsibility to look after the little bean. It was like we became parents. It was a commitment. And it was romantic.
Star-crossed lovers
Call me cringey or corny or a complete love sap, but this is my ideal romantic date; a small picnic under the stars, but don’t forget a blanket because the weather still proves to be cold in February. Wrap the blanket around both of your shoulders and star gaze; be sure to keep a look out for any shooting stars. You could get creative with it and create your own shapes and constellations from the location of the stars.
Sing it for the world
It may come across as embarrassing or make you self-conscious, but why not see if there’s any karaoke or open-mic nights coming up in February. I’m no relationship expert, but for new couples, this could break the ice and have you feel more comfortable with one another; laughs will be shared and a great time will be had. Nothing breaks the ice as clean as that. You don’t have to have an X-Factor voice, but only a sense of adventure, a desire to have fun and be silly together in a cringey duet.
