At the risk of being part of a minority, I’m going to admit it: I am a major supporter of love.
There. I said it.
There’s so much about it to enjoy, and being in love is one of the best (and worst) feelings I’ve ever experienced.
Although we should celebrate love and all of its many splendors throughout the year, February 14 asks us to celebrate it in a big way.
Valentine’s Day is also one of the most worrisome days for many of us, as we’re never exactly sure what’s too much and what’s not enough.
You could also want to spread your wings and try something different this year.
Another fear is the fear of being broke. That’s okay.
Many people have this fear, but don’t worry: That’s what the Internet is for.
Here are a few ways to make the day special without breaking the bank:
1. Try out crafts.
I’m really big on crafting because I like seeing my hard work pay off.
Last year, I was unsure about what to do for my boyfriend. But as I was cruising my Pinterest boards, I saw a "how to" on dreamcatchers.
I knew right then that it was what I was going to do.
It was really hard and took a lot of time, but I know he appreciated the sentiment behind it and how much effort I had put in just for him.
If you want to do something different, hit up Pinterest or YouTube for easy, fun ideas that will have your significant other talking about them for weeks.
(Just avoid dreamcatchers because they're very hard.)
2. Be sentimental.
Gifts can sometimes be really hard for Valentine’s Day.
You want to make that person happy, but you also want to give a good gift.
Don’t overthink it. Go out and look for something that has sentimental value for the both of you.
You could buy the movie you saw together on your first date, get some popcorn and candy and recreate the entire night.
You could get tickets to a show featuring an artist you both discovered together, or go play laser tag like you did one rainy Friday night when you realized you were in love.
It’ll show you pay attention and remember the moments -- both big and small -- that are important in your relationship.
3. Utilize Groupon.
Seriously.
I know it sounds lame, but for those of you who want to do something fun and different but are on a bit of a budget, Groupon is a really great tool to have in your arsenal.
There are so many different ideas for restaurants and activities, like couple's massages, ice-skating, arcades and indoor skydiving.
If you’re scoffing at the idea, you’re seriously missing out.
4. Write it down.
People seriously underestimate the power of a well-written love letter.
The idea sounds a bit antiquated, but it’s a practice we need to bring back. We live in a time where it’s easy to just assume how one feels through memes and #MCM posts.
We underestimate how much it would mean to our partners to have a tangible representation of our feelings for them.
It can incite deeper feelings and remind you how much you care.
Although it can be hard to sit down and pour out your feelings, it’s a rewarding gift that is full of love, but easy on your wallet.
5. Make dinner.
Instead of fighting with the crowds of people on Valentine’s Day, do one better and make dinner at home.
Find something you both love, or impress your significant other with your culinary skills.
You could either give it a solo effort or make it more interactive by cooking together. It’s a fun date that keeps the noise of a packed restaurant away.
Not to mention, it can make for a fun conversation.
It could also lead to a future of trying new food together.
Plus, if you’re smart about your list, it will cost way less than the “specials” restaurants have for the lover’s holiday.
6. Be present.
This should seem like a no-brainer, but when you’re together on this day, tuning everyone else out is important.
This is a day to celebrate your love for one another, no matter how silly you might think it is.
It’s important to let your significant other know he or she is important to you and a priority. Your time together doesn’t need to involve your phones or anyone else.
It’s a simple way to tell each other you can tune everything else out and enjoy one another’s company.
Guess what? It doesn’t cost anything.
So shut your phone off this Valentine’s Day.
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from going all out with balloons, cards, chocolates, concert tickets, dinner or a night he or she will never forget.
But let’s remember the day is about the two of you, your love and the life you are sharing together.
Tell each other you love each other and why.
It doesn't matter whether your relationship is fresh or has years behind it. It never hurts to compliment each other and shower your relationship with love.
No matter what your relationship status is, I hope you’re reminded that you’re loved this Valentine’s Day.
