February brings a whole new vibe – the New Year resolution hustle is almost over, the cold is fading (if you're in the North, you know the struggle), and, let's face it, the relief of not messing up the year while writing the date anymore (we've all been there). But wait, there's something else stirring in the air, and it's not just the changing seasons.
We're diving headfirst into the territory of love – yes, it's Valentine's Day. Now, while it might be a Western import, we've all grown up with the awareness of this day hanging over us like mistletoe. From slyly passing a rose to your high school crush (and getting caught) to trying to plan secret rendezvous without your parents catching a whiff, us Indians have had a fascinating relationship with V-Day, especially since openly expressing love isn't exactly our traditional strong suit.
Sure, Valentine's Day is all hearts and flowers for some, but let's acknowledge the flip side. Not everyone's got all heartwarming memories associated with the day. Some have a collection of just awkward, not-so-pleasant or simply non-existent memories. Holiday blues? Yep, they're a thing, and Valentine's sadness isn't an alien concept either. Do a simple Google search and you'll be bombarded with unverified stats claiming it's the gloomiest time of the year for some. It's like there are as many articles on dealing with Valentine sadness as there are on how to actually celebrate the day.
“Valentine's Day? Nah, not really my thing. I have no lovey-dovey memories or romantic tales associated with the day. I'm just riding the solo train, and always have been. While everyone's hopping on the love wagon, I’m like, 'Cool, just me and my pizza”, you know? But hey, I love the single life, it's drama-free. Who needs all that mush anyway?” says 22-year-old Rashi when I asked about her feelings about the V-day. Truth is, she's not alone. This feeling is shared by many – those going through rough breakups, still searching for their person, or simply not into the lovey-dovey showcase. Love's got no rulebook, so why should the day dedicated to it have one?
In a world that often equates Valentine's Day with grand gestures and romantic escapades, not everyone fits into that mould. For people like Rashi, and many others, February 14th isn't about candlelit dinners or elaborate displays of affection towards your partner. Love comes in various shapes and forms, and your celebration of this day dedicated to love shouldn't be boxed in either. I'm here to guide you on how literally everyone deserves to celebrate this day in their unique way, and I'll help you navigate how :)
Valentine's Day Ideas for everyone : Couples and more
People tend to narrow down Valentine's Day to couples, but let's debunk that myth. Love speaks a universal language that goes beyond romantic pairs. Now, let's chat about couples first – no one wants to leave anyone out, right?
As much as I want to advise y’ll to “step away from the clichés”, I still believe that you should explore cute ideas that resonate with your unique connection – whether it's sunny day picnics or crafting personalised scavenger hunts, or simply a cozy "Netflix and Chill" session - no judgments here, at all! A cozy date at a book cafe might be the epitome of a perfect day for some, while others may crave outdoor adventures. Dive into activities you both enjoy, be it bowling games, fruit picking escapades, or indulging in wine tasting sessions. The key is to celebrate your bond in a way that feels as original as you are.
Expressing love isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. Encourage handwritten love notes, surprise breakfasts in bed, or even a spontaneous dance party in the living room. It's all about those personal touches that scream, "This is us."
Gifts can be a medium to make your significant other feel special and show that you care. Feeling a bit lost on what to gift? No worries! Check out That Sassy Things' specially curated self care gift boxes. They're here to add that extra dash of spice and intimacy for your special someone. Discover why our gift boxes are the ultimate valentine's day gifts in our blog "Why our Giftboxes are perfect for this Valentine's Day?" – your guide to making this occasion truly unforgettable.
Trending and fun valentine's day ideas for all
Let's jump into the category of platonic love. Dedicate this day to anyone - your family, your friends, your favourite cousin, and even your pets.
Friendships deserve a celebration that goes beyond friendship day. After all, your friends are your chosen family.
You can make this day extra special for your friends by planning things you love doing together, whether it's a game night, a movie marathon, or being creative with a DIY project. Strengthen those bonds with shared laughs and inside jokes. Round up the squad for group activities like dumb charades, fun games, or a friendly cooking competition. Platonic love is totally worth raising a toast to!
You might not believe it, but back in my small-town school, they encouraged us to celebrate 'Mata Pita Poojan Diwas' on Valentine's Day. We used to chuckle about it, but now I'm thinking, why not? Even though they aimed to shield us from Western culture, the idea doesn't seem half bad if you think about it from a different perspective. If we love our family or parents, why not give them a shout-out and celebrate them too?
Craft a day filled with family-friendly activities – bake together, play board games, or have a movie night with homemade popcorn. Encourage togetherness with activities for all ages. Whether it's a day at the park, a family photo session, or a simple homemade dinner. Just focus on making memories that last.
When talking about family and friends, don't forget our furry pals! Treat them to a special day – maybe a new toy, a long walk, or an extra play-session hour. Explore pet-friendly parks and find bakeries which make treats for pets.
Now if you're the solo type or far from fam and friends, no worries! You deserve to celebrate yourself. Self-love is crucial, and who knows you better than you?
There's a quote by Bell Hooks from the book All About Love that I deeply resonated with when I first read it 2 years ago.
“One of the best guides to how to be self-loving is to give ourselves the love we are often dreaming about receiving from others. There was a time when I felt lousy about my over-forty body, saw myself as too fat, too this, or too that. Yet I fantasised about finding a lover who would give me the gift of being loved as I am. It is silly, isn't it, that I would dream of someone else offering to me the acceptance and affirmation I was withholding from myself. This was a moment when the maxim "You can never love anybody if you are unable to love yourself" made clear sense. And I add, "Do not expect to receive the love from someone else you do not give yourself”.
This changed my perspective on my expectations about love. Isn't it true? We all anticipate that seemingly perfect love story to unfold, trying to find someone who will genuinely love us, all while not fully embracing and expressing love for ourselves. Let this day serve as a reminder that you can be the best person to love you better than anyone else.
Plan a solo date at your fave restaurant or cafe, or pamper yourself with a spa day. If you can't go out, cook a meal or order in, and enjoy a feel-good film. Take time for yourself and your hobbies – pick that paint waiting in a corner of your shelf or learn a new guitar tune.
Simple activities such as journaling, meditating, listening to your favourite music, dancing alone in your room, all these can be perfect ways to practise self love too! Have fun, and include our products in your special day celebrating yourself too:)
Remember, love has no limits, and this Valentine's Day is a perfect chance to revel in the joy of connections and relationships that make life extraordinary.
----
About the Author
Unnati is your friendly neighborhood wordsmith, doubling as a classical music enthusiast. She's into all things gender, pop culture, and cinema. Oh, and don't be surprised if she drops some political wisdom – she is heavily into national politics and current affairs too. With a liberal arts background, she brings that extra flavour and nuance in her writings.
