STORY:
Valentine’s Day for Couples: Straying from the Norm
Article by: Chris Kullstroem

If you’re in a relationship, those jewelry and restaurant commercials are going to try to hit you hard this Valentine’s Day with the idea that the deep feelings you have for one another just won’t be expressed without an expensive dinner and fancy, glittering gifts. But not everyone sees the holiday that way.

Many couples who want to do something new this Valentine’s Day have already done the dinners and gifts, and may no longer be interested in the holiday because they are at a loss for other ways to celebrate it. The holidays, however, are what you make them, so make Valentine’s Day into a day that is special for the both of you in your own way.

Here are some ideas to try for a new way to celebrate the day:

Out into the Snow
Do you enjoy the outdoors in the wintertime? Head out for a nice, quiet hike or an afternoon of cross-country skiing in a state park. Not as many hikers venture out into the snow, so the two of you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery in peace. Or head out to a local ski resort for downhill skiing or tubing. You can also plan for a day of ice skating at a local lake or pond. Bring along a camping stove for hot chocolate or your favorite soup to warm up after a day of fun.

Dinner de Vous
If both of you like to cook, take your favorite cookbook and pick out new recipes for dinner and dessert. Spend Valentine’s Day creating your new dishes and sit down to enjoy them with your favorite movie, another couple, or even a couple of couples! For dessert ideas that just speak Valentine’s Day, try baking a cherry pie or strawberry shortcake together. Remember to save those dirty dishes for another night so both of you can just relax and enjoy your time together. If neither of you are the cooking type, order your favorite take-out: pizza, Chinese, Mexican or subs, and pick up that strawberry shortcake at the local grocery store.

Movie Hop
Play movie critics together and head to the theater and movie hop, seeing two or three shows in a row. Spend the afternoon indulging in popcorn and DOTS...but moreso, indulge in each other. You could also rent a few classics and enjoy movie night together in the comfort of your own home. Let him pick one movie and her pick the other. That way a good balance of what eachother likes is achieved.

Creative Gift
If you like to exchange gifts, think of something you both have been wanting to purchase but have been putting off, and buy it as your gifts to each other. This can be anything from satellite radio or high-speed internet to mountain bikes or snorkeling gear! Exchange your special gifts for Valentine’s Day rather than flowers and candy. Or, if you’ve both been wanting to take a long weekend vacation, make the reservations and plan your trip.

The Romantic and the Not so Romantic
If she really wants the night to be special but he’s not so into it, compromise. Let her put candles around the living room while he chooses the pizza. Tell him you want your gift of candy and flowers, but buy him that new computer game he’s been looking at. If one person in the relationship is a romantic but the other is far from it, work together so that both of you can look forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day while bringing to the other what they really want.

With each new Valentine’s Day, think of ways both of you enjoy- or would enjoy - spending time together. Make new traditions and share ideas with friends and family so Valentine’s Day will always be special for the two of you.