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How To Make Valentine’s Day Your Own
Have you ever noticed how polarizing Valentine’s Day is? The holiday puts you firmly in one of two categories: in a couple or single. If we’re in a relationship, we’re taught to expect grand gestures of romance—fancy, expensive dinners, heart-shaped chocolates, roses—and quite honestly the pressure of being romantic can lead to disappointment. If we’re not attached to someone, we’re sent the message that we’re not whole, and it’s easy to feel incredibly lonely or like we’re failing personally.
Here’s the thing: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be like that. Instead of accepting the traditional take on the day, let’s Make It Our Own. I pulled together a few tips to help you redefine February 14th so it can be a meaningful and fun holiday for everyone.
1. Acknowledge everyone you love—including but not limited to your significant other. My favorite way to do this is by giving handwritten notes to friends and family members. I learned this from my mother. Every year, she sends me the sweetest Valentine’s Day card in the mail. I also love a good excuse for a craft session, so I use the holiday as a way to be present with my kids as we create a Valentine’s project together. Whenever we do this, I remember my grandmother, who used to talk with such fondness about making valentines for friends in grade school.
2. Stay away from restaurants with overpriced fixed menus. The “romantic” ambiance feels forced, and the food tends not to be that tasty. Instead, cozy up at home and make our Salmon En Papillote and Chocolate Truffles—maybe for you and a partner, maybe for you and your closest friends.
3. Make plans with people you love. Spend time with the people who fill you up and bring you joy. In college, my single girlfriends and I used to dress up in black and go out dancing together on February 14. No boyfriends, no fancy dinners, and not a rose petal in sight. We always had a blast.
4. Take solace in the knowledge that even people with significant others dread the holiday. Honestly, the least romantic nights of my life have been dinners with my husband Chris on Valentine’s Day. The rebel in me can’t handle the forced romance. I always prefer those really authentic in-between moments that are on no one else’s schedule. Chris proposed to me on a random Wednesday night, totally out of the blue. I was in my pajamas, the engagement ring was missing two diamonds, and it was hands-down the most romantic moment of my life.
5. If you’re lonely, tell someone. Call your mom, schedule a tea date with your best friend, and have an honest conversation about how you’re feeling. Like anything, acknowledging and accepting the feeling is the first step to moving beyond it, so reach out to people in your trusted inner circle for help.
6. Remember, being in love isn’t the only way to get an endorphin high. Moving creates natural endorphins, so if you need a boost, take a barre3 class, go for a walk with your dog, or turn on music and just dance to get your serotonin flowing.
How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Do you embrace it in all its pink-heart glory, or do you ignore all the fuss? Whatever your strategy, I hope you’ll join us as we celebrate #Lovefest in our studios and online throughout February. We have so many fun things planned for you, including raffles, giveaways, tastings, and more. We’re here for you!
Have you ever noticed how polarizing Valentine’s Day is? The holiday puts you firmly in one of two categories: in a couple or single. If we’re in a relationship, we’re taught to expect grand gestures of romance—fancy, expensive dinners, heart-shaped chocolates, roses—and quite honestly the pressure of being romantic can lead to disappointment. If we’re not attached to someone, we’re sent the message that we’re not whole, and it’s easy to feel incredibly lonely or like we’re failing personally.
Here’s the thing: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be like that. Instead of accepting the traditional take on the day, let’s Make It Our Own. I pulled together a few tips to help you redefine February 14th so it can be a meaningful and fun holiday for everyone.
1. Acknowledge everyone you love—including but not limited to your significant other. My favorite way to do this is by giving handwritten notes to friends and family members. I learned this from my mother. Every year, she sends me the sweetest Valentine’s Day card in the mail. I also love a good excuse for a craft session, so I use the holiday as a way to be present with my kids as we create a Valentine’s project together. Whenever we do this, I remember my grandmother, who used to talk with such fondness about making valentines for friends in grade school.
2. Stay away from restaurants with overpriced fixed menus. The “romantic” ambiance feels forced, and the food tends not to be that tasty. Instead, cozy up at home and make our Salmon En Papillote and Chocolate Truffles—maybe for you and a partner, maybe for you and your closest friends.
3. Make plans with people you love. Spend time with the people who fill you up and bring you joy. In college, my single girlfriends and I used to dress up in black and go out dancing together on February 14. No boyfriends, no fancy dinners, and not a rose petal in sight. We always had a blast.
4. Take solace in the knowledge that even people with significant others dread the holiday. Honestly, the least romantic nights of my life have been dinners with my husband Chris on Valentine’s Day. The rebel in me can’t handle the forced romance. I always prefer those really authentic in-between moments that are on no one else’s schedule. Chris proposed to me on a random Wednesday night, totally out of the blue. I was in my pajamas, the engagement ring was missing two diamonds, and it was hands-down the most romantic moment of my life.
5. If you’re lonely, tell someone. Call your mom, schedule a tea date with your best friend, and have an honest conversation about how you’re feeling. Like anything, acknowledging and accepting the feeling is the first step to moving beyond it, so reach out to people in your trusted inner circle for help.
6. Remember, being in love isn’t the only way to get an endorphin high. Moving creates natural endorphins, so if you need a boost, take a barre3 class, go for a walk with your dog, or turn on music and just dance to get your serotonin flowing.
How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Do you embrace it in all its pink-heart glory, or do you ignore all the fuss? Whatever your strategy, I hope you’ll join us as we celebrate #Lovefest in our studios and online throughout February. We have so many fun things planned for you, including raffles, giveaways, tastings, and more. We’re here for you!
