Valentine’s Day - the Most Enchanting Day for Couples

There are different stories that surround the beginning, answering the question of how did Valentine’s Day start. The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to three Christian martyrs canonized by the Catholic Church. One was a bishop of Terni, and another was a man remembered for arranging secret marriages after Emperor Claudius II forbade these ceremonies for young soldiers. A third St. Valentine was a prisoner who allegedly sent a letter of love to his captor’s daughter. The other distinct possibility is the Catholic Church of early modern times built a tradition of commemorating St. Valentine’s Day in February to legitimize the pagan fertility festival of Lupercalia, which falls on February 15.

Whatever story you choose to believe, February is a month for lovers. It is bittersweet for people who are single, for those who have recently lost a loved one or been through a break, and equally stressful time for couples who feel pressured to find a new idea in a troubling time. Valentine’s is also hard for single people wishing they had a partner because society makes them feel like marriage is a more desirable social status. In fact, being single or partnered has its own advantages and drawbacks. But this is an opportunity to be grateful you have a companion when more than half the population does not.

In 2021, the Valentine’s Day agenda will differ for couples based on their location, their mental health, their economic situation, and their local government’s rules covering pandemic life. For example, if you can move freely around your community and wear a mask, you can plan more diverse romantic outings. If your community is locked down, you might have to plan something at home, and it might even occur between you and your partner over video chat. It really depends on where you are and what level of contact is permitted, which means the romantic month of February can be more stressful than usual for lovers who want to make Valentine’s memorable. Also, in the days preceding the holiday and the days that follow it, couples may suffer fights or breakups because their relationships cannot take this added pressure in a pandemic era.

5 Ways To Spend Valentine’s Day at Home

You’re thinking that you need to plan the ideal Valentine’s Day. This can feel like a lot of pressure on any partner when they are overworked and struggling for mental health and wellness in a difficult time. It’s one more thing on the mental checklist that keeps you awake at night when you’re so tired. Of course, there are millions of things to buy on Amazon or even at the nearest shopping mall. It’s not always the perfect gift that makes the difference because she already has nice gifts from past birthdays and Christmases. So, instead, try to be creative about how to celebrate in a pandemic without seeming trite or boring in your approach. Even planning a special meal with sumptuous recipes, she’s never tried is sure to impress. You can add extra details like a bakery-purchased dessert or expensive wine, but think about what she likes and dislikes.

Due to pandemic-related social restrictions, you might be feeling discouraged about Valentine’s Day. Don’t run out and waste money on chocolate, cards, cakes, cookies, flowers, etc., to make your sweetheart feel loved, cherished, and appreciated. What you need is a simple idea to implement with ease while not stressing yourself out in the process.

Create a candlelit dinner to savor in the dining room, in front of a romantic movie, or on folding tables in front of the fireplace.
Have a picnic in the backyard under the stars; blankets and tents always welcome! Bring the candles, wine, appetizers, entrees, and desserts outside. This includes planning to have a cooler filled with ice and disposable dishes for easy cleanup.
Make your own Valentine’s cookies. This means that you can go all out on finding the cookie mix, decorations, icings, and sprinkles. Scare up some materials to decorate cute little boxes, cards, or wrappers to save these creations for the rest of the week. Options are old greeting cards, wrapping paper, ribbons, packaging materials, and bows.
Order a meal from their favorite restaurant and have it delivered while she is in the shower. Have the oven ready to keep the food warm in case she decides to be in there for a long time.
Take her on a trip down memory lane. Plant pictures and mementos from your early years together throughout the house and enjoy each moment as she finds them. It’s a February twist on a scavenger hunt. Have her favorite chocolates or desserts waiting after she finds them all as her reward.

Developing a plan to include at least two Valentine day ideas will help you feel more at ease on Valentine’s, which sets the stage for the amorous evening you both desire.

Have Valentine’s Day Backup Plan

Your picnic idea might not work if it rains or snows. Her favorite steak and seafood restaurant might mess up the delivery order. While these ideas are great, you can devise ideas to enjoy this holiday for lovers at home. Fortunately, home is where you’re safe, in control of your space, and best able to organize resources and put on a memorable evening. Romantic things to do on Valentine’s day are about being together and showing that you’ve put some thought into her likes. It’s not about spending too much money or wearing her out with all the running around.

Valentine’s Day Gift Buying Guide for 2021

If you’re seeking the best Valentine’s Day present for a guy or buying romantic Valentine day gifts for her, then you absolutely must read our tips. Couples who have been together for any length of time can trust these easy-breezy ideas below:

For the lady in your heart:

Personalized locket. Many advertisements focus on studs, earrings, anklets, and eternity bands. These expenses might exceed your budget. You can get a locket engraved with a special message for 2021 and include a flattering photo of yourself or you both together.
Vacation package. This larger gift she will be glad you finally managed to organize, but remember to purchase flexible travel options and optional trip insurance just in case the pandemic affects your plans.
Personal massage as part of a complete day spa package. It’s tempting to purchase the couple’s spa package, but she might prefer to spend glam sessions with her mom, her daughter, or her best friend. Let her choose how to use it.

Valentine Day gift guide for the gentleman on your mind:

An engraved designer watch. On the back, have a special date and message engraved for him to remember. This might not be the watch he wears every day but on special occasions.
Tickets for a favorite sporting match or concert in 2022. At this time, it seems far off, but we hope that the world will get back to a new normal by next year. Choose venues that have refund policies that will protect your expenditure.

Best Romantic Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day

You get one chance to pick up the perfect film to accompany your V-Day romantic dinner at the store or online or play Valentine’s day movies on Netflix. These 2020 romantic films will help you create the perfect sensual atmosphere at home:

Rebecca - starring Lily James and Armie Hammer - This romantic thriller is about the second marriage of a widower to a beautiful young woman after losing his first wife to a tragic boating accident. Then, a series of dramatic events unfold at his English estate.
The Secret - Dare to Dream - an unconventional love story starring Katie Holmes and Josh Lucas - Amazon Prime Video and Redbox - Two single people are brought together by chance, but it’s really a deeper loss in her life that brings her new love around.
Made in Italy - starring Liam Neeson and his real-life son Micheal Richardson - Estranged father and son get to work together to improve a rundown home in Italy. This film offers priceless views of Tuscany and more. Romance and comedy mix well in this family flick, making it a great date night movie.
After We Collided - starring Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin - This love story focused on the struggles of one couple and addressed whether they can stay together.

Any single entry from our list of 2020 romantic films will work, as the focus isn’t a film – it is your partner, your conversation, and the similarities you find between on-screen romance and your own love story.

Why Celebrating Valentine’s Day Will Strengthen Your Partnership

This couple’s holiday reminds us to personally honor our romantic partner. Often, we get complacent, assuming they will always be around, burdening them with too many problems, or expecting they will carry us financially or emotionally through our personal struggles. These types of mistakes will slowly drive them away, especially if they realize their needs for support are not being met. This Valentine’s Day, plan something different from previous years without stressing yourself out or spending too much. Your partner deserves recognition for his or her special contributions to your life. Simpler plans are better because fewer things can go wrong.