Best and worst V-day
2013-02-11 08:48
Some love it, some hate it and some just feel nothing at all about it (or so they say), but the truth is that everyone secretly wishes to be shown/given some token of love on Valentine's Day.
If you're the romantic type you probably have it all planned out already, but for the rest, we've put together a little list of best and worst case date scenarios for each type of relationship status. Feel free to add your ideas in the comment section below.
Singles
So, you've been trying to convince the entire world all day that you're totally fine and happy as a lark being all autonomous and independent and stuff. But with little red hearts dangling from every shop front and red roses being shoved under your nose on every corner, the veneer is bound to wear a little thin by the time evening rolls around.
Best idea: Heading to your favourite bar or club with other single friends
What better way to release the romantic stress than a fun night out with your favourite single friends. Alternatively, invite them all to your house for a laugh-filled dinner with loads of cocktails, wine or champagne.
Worst idea: Staying home alone watching The Notebook
Given the way your day went, it's not surprising that you're keen to just head home, crawl under the covers and drool at the gorgeousness that is Ryan Gossling hanging from a Ferris wheel. But, you know what, that's lame.
Relationship hopefuls
It's finally been confirmed by a source more reliable than your ever-so-loyal best friend: the person you've had your eye on for a while now, actually kind of has their eye on you too. Pretty amazing when that happens, right? In a moment of craziness you decide to pluck up your courage and ask them to hang out on the so-called most romantic day of the year. What to do?
Best idea: Casual dinner and a movie
The worst possible thing for a budding relationship is pressure. Keep things simple by meeting up with your love interest at an understated, but pleasant restaurant/bistro/coffee shop with great food and maybe a bit of a view. It's probably going to be a bit awkward. If it's unbearable, call it quits after the meal and head home to watch The Notebook by yourself (hey, you tried, right?). But if it's awkward in a pleasant sort of way, suggest going to watch a movie afterwards (preferably something not too romantic).
Worst idea: Dinner and a DVD at your family home
Sweet idea, one your parents and siblings probably find greatly endearing, but no. Having to meet the family and spend an evening (not to mention, Valentine's Day evening) before you're actually a couple is too much pressure if ever there was any.
Newly dating
They call it the honeymoon phase for a reason. If you're still floating around on this luxurious little cloud, you could probably spend the day picking up rubbish next to the N1, but still find it the most romantic thing ever. However, here's an idea if you want one. Use it, don't use it.
Best idea: A romantic picnic at your favourite outdoor spot
It's the quintessential romantic thing to do and it never gets old. Pack a proper old-fashioned picnic, checkered blanket and all and head to a spot you both enjoy or one you'd like to introduce them to. Of course the ideal would be for it to be a little private at least. If you're in Cape Town, Table Mountain is always a winner and they have a pretty cool special going!
Worst idea: An outing to the mall, with the odd stop at jewellery stores to look at rings
Just no. No to the mall. No to hinting at anything more than just enjoying each other's company. No.
Steady long-term
The two of you have been together for a while now - enjoyed a few exhilarating highs, but also faced a few ugly lows. In truth, Valentine's Day just isn't really that significant to either of you, but why not make the most of it, right?
Best idea: A candle-lit dinner on your balcony
Or in your backyard, or at your kitchen table... whatever the layout of your home is like, spend a quiet evening in away from all the crowds. It's the best way to reconnect and enjoy each other's company.
Worst idea: A double date with newlyweds
Granted, a rather unlikely scenario, but one to be avoided at all costs nonetheless. Having to face friendly jests about when questions will be popped and that sort of thing is barely stomach-able on any other day of the year, much less so on Valentine's Day.
Engaged
It's a wonderful time in any relationship, a time of preparation and anticipation and all of that. But, the fact that none of your loved ones are going to admit, is that you're a little bit stuck in a wedding planning rut.
Best idea: Heading into the wild for a weekend
Break away from the looming planning deadlines, venue stresses, unfinished invites and disastrous bridesmaid outfits and just rediscover the person you're going to marry once more. Check out our list of seven great romantic nature spots around the country.
Worst idea: Doing wedding stuff
Thinking of just sacrificing Valentine's Day for a greater cause of love. That's okay, we guess, but do you really want to spend the evening working out if Aunt Deborah and Gran Jones are on speaking terms for the seating plan? Really?
Married
If all has gone well for you, your marriage should be a happy, safe place where you can just be yourself and bask in the adoration of your other half. But sometimes this becomes a comfort zone, and that's not necessarily a good thing. Pull up your socks and put some passion into it again!
Best idea: A scavenger hunt adventure
Whether you set it up in your backyard, your bedroom, around your city or even in one of our country's many beautiful nature reserves, an Amazing Race type treasure hunt is sure to spark some intrigue and feed the imagination. Something every marriage needs.
Worst idea: Having a quiet braai at home
Like you did last Friday, and the Saturday before and also on Tuesday and Wednesday the other week. Nothing wrong with it, it's just boring. And you don't want to be that boring married couple, do you?
New parents
Since the moment you found out that your life would be enriched with the pitter patter of little feet in a few months' time, it's really been your soul and only focus... and rightly so. But, your little one's a healthy, happy little cutie of a few months old now, so why not treat each other to a proper Valentine's date?
Best idea: A fancy, dress-up dinner
Because when last did you actually spend more than just a couple of seconds on your make-up and hair? And, just because your other half hasn't complained about the stubble around your mouth, it doesn't mean it should be a permanent fixture. Check out our round-up of great Valentine's specials around the country.
Worst idea: Spur with the kids
Don't get us wrong, we love Spur! But, cow skin seats, a happy birthday rap and screaming kids all round is the antithesis of romantic. That's all.
Empty nest
You're the epitome of symbiosis, and that's fantastic, but hey! You've got a this fantastic opportunity to get to know each other all over again. Go big.
Best idea: Dinner and a theatre date
It doesn't have to be anything fancy or over-the-top, just an opportunity to wear something other than jeans, stripey t-shirts and crocs and enjoy the cultural sides of yourselves you neglected for so long.
Worst idea: Doing nothing at all
Just because you've been together for a lifetime, it doesn't mean that you should take each other for granted. Grant yourself the opportunity to be frivolous and indulge in all the Valentine's madness.
