(This is an archive story, please refer to the byline for journalist’s name)
By Gabriella Vidana
Valentine’s Day is arguably one of the most loved and hated holidays of the whole year. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, there always seems to be some sort of pressure to thrive on this day. Some see it as a celebration of love, while others see it as a fake, Hallmark holiday. Whatever your perspective is, here are some of the do’s and don’ts of Valentine’s Day that can be used to conquer the sometimes stressful holiday.
While there are a lot of ways that you can mess up this special day, here are some of the do’s of Valentine’s Day that will help you survive.
Do make sure that if you have a significant other, you both agree on whether or not the two of you want to celebrate. One of the most awkward things that could happen is if you get your significant other a gift and they don’t get you one or vice versa.
Another do for this holiday is to do something with your friends if you are all single. Just because Valentine’s Day is seen as the day of love doesn’t mean that it has to be all about romantic love. Even if this just means watching Netflix with friends or going out to eat, go ahead and find a way to celebrate with all your loved ones.
If you really want to succeed during this holiday, do make sure that you listen to what your date wants. Not every girl is going to want a box of chocolates, so be careful to look out for any hints that they may drop about what they want.
With all these do’s for Valentine’s Day, comes a lot of don’ts. Here are some things that you definitely don’t want to do during this special day.
When buying gifts for your date, don’t just buy them crumpled up flowers that you found in the clearance bin of the dollar store. Buy them something that they deserve and would want to show off to their friends.
You also don’t want to waste money on something extravagant when it's the thought that really counts with the gift. Just because something is expensive doesn't mean that it will be the best gift for your date. Sometimes it is the homemade gifts or the gifts that come from the heart that matters the most.
Finally don’t buy something crazy or over the top if the person is not into that kind of thing. You are going to want to avoid buying your shy girlfriend that five-foot teddy bear if she hates attention and dragging it through the halls, is going to give her anxiety. Make sure when picking out the gift for your date to get them something that suits them and personality.
With all the pressure that Valentine brings it is important to remember one thing, it’s just like every other day of the year. Putting too much pressure on yourself or overthinking it is going to take all the fun out of the holiday. Hopefully, these do’s and don’ts help lead to a successful holiday.