Planning for a wonderful Valentine's ahead can ease the pressure of finding the perfect gift.
Once couples start to post their celebrations or plans, it can be overwhelming.
Luckily, you don't have to sit back and compare yourself with others when you have the plan to sweep your sweetheart off their feet.
1. Start now
Make a budget now for that day. Even if you hope to have money by then, put aside funds. Chances are you will have spent your January salary by Valentine's.
Find activities or items you find suitable for your partner or both of you in advance.
The past two months or so have been queued with activities that take the spotlight off intimacy.
With attention drawn to Christmas, school holidays, the new year, and taking children back to school, among other activities, it is hard to find the time to connect.
This is the perfect time to start rekindling that connection with attention, thoughtful actions and gifts, hanging out, talking, and working on yourself to boost attraction.
Plan out your days to make enough room for the both of you.
Ask questions that may give clues on what to do together or for them.
2. Learn to prepare your partner's favourite food(s)
Hit cooking class and learn how to make your partner's favourite foods. You can create a four-course indoor dinner for both of you.
They'll appreciate your effort and your personal touch.
Get creative and experiment while you have time. Find out what you need and plan out the surprise with other activities and gifts you might have planned.
There's nothing wrong with splashing the cash for your partner, but don't let the money do the loving for you.
Get your hands dirty too. Enjoy something you have not had the chance or time to do in a long time.
3. Follow your gut
Get inspired, and don't let the Valentine's Day staple of flowers and dinner tie you down.
If you have shared many Valentine's before in your relationship, you might run out of ideas or opt to do the bare minimum to 'get it over with.' For new couples, you might feel stranded by what to do.
There are so many ways you can spice up the routine.
You can document your unique relationship story in a piece of music, a performance, a book, or art, among others. The ideas are endless for each person and relationship.
Since these take time, you can get started now.
4. Put their name on something
Personalize something(s) for them. In relationships, pet names tend to replace our real names.
This makes it much more special when we significantly acknowledge our individuality and identity and that of our partner.
Create or get something you know will be meaningful and personalize it for them.
Valentine's Day will always be here, but love is not guaranteed the same way. Work on a happy relationship more than a memorable Valentine's. However, both are possible together.