As we get older, Valentine’s Day looms larger and larger.  Either we are with some­one spe­cial and feel the angst of mak­ing the day extra spe­cial or we are alone and feel worse because we have nobody to cel­e­brate with.  It doesn’t have to feel this way.  With a lit­tle fore­thought and plan­ning, Valentine’s Day can be fun for every­one.  Review our tips below to help add a lit­tle fun to your Valentine’s Day.

• If you have a spe­cial some­one, talk about Valentine’s Day with them.  This is not a time to make assump­tions.  Maybe your part­ner is really into Valentine’s Day or maybe not.  Maybe you are.  By talk­ing it over, both sides will have an under­stand­ing of the other’s expec­ta­tions and then can plan accordingly.
• If you don’t have a spe­cial some­one at the moment but are think­ing about ask­ing some­one, don’t wait until the last minute.  There is noth­ing worse than being turned down and then not hav­ing a backup plan.  By ask­ing the per­son ahead of time, you now have time to make plans to cel­e­brate or cre­ate a backup plan to spend time with friends.
• Valentine’s Day this year is on a Mon­day, which isn’t always the best day to cel­e­brate.  By plan­ning ahead you can turn it into a week­end event or just cel­e­brate a day or two early.  This will help beat the crowds and can lead to bet­ter service.
• Gift giv­ing doesn’t have to be extrav­a­gant.  Every woman would love a lit­tle blue box from Tiffany’s, but if that’s not in the bud­get this year then find some­thing per­sonal and spe­cial.  Remem­ber, it’s the thought that counts.
• Flow­ers and choco­lates are Valentine’s Day sta­ples but don’t break the bank try­ing to impress.  A sin­gle rose can declare love just as well as a dozen roses but doesn’t cost nearly as much.
• You don’t have to be alone on Valentine’s Day.  Some of your friends may not have sig­nif­i­cant oth­ers, so plan an out­ing for that evening so that you are not alone.  Have a bowl­ing night or a movie night.  Spend­ing time with friends can be just as reward­ing and can help fill any void you may be feeling.

Plan­ning ahead can remove the anx­i­ety from Valentine’s Day.  Talk­ing with your part­ner about Valentine’s Day plans will help ease the stress from both of you and will lead to an improved cel­e­bra­tion.  Also, if you are sin­gle plan an event with friends because they may be sin­gle as well and the com­pan­ion­ship will ben­e­fit you both.