Valentine’s Day isn’t going to be what it used to be this year. Like every other special calendar day, the pandemic has got in the way.
Granted, not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day. Some love it and build up to it as if it’s Christmas; some think it is an over commercialised non-holiday. But with restaurants, pubs, shops and cinemas shut, it is predicted each person celebrating Valentines is to spend only £23, a 34% drop from last year which saw people spend on average £35, a survey by Finder.com found. So it isn’t just us going through it, shops will be feeling the effect too.
Whether or not you plan on celebrating it at all or not, it can feel an odd and annoying day when social media is often flooded with posts about it and inboxes are full from clothing sites and gift sites encouraging you to buy, buy, buy. So when this divisive day arrives, we’ve pulled together some things to keep in mind.
It’s not about the money
If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day and doing gifts, there can sometimes feel like there is a pressure to spend as much as you can or think about who spent more. But this time, things might be tougher. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) stated that unemployment in the UK has risen to 5% and 1.7 million workers are now unemployed. You don’t need to splash the cash! If you can spend the day together, that is a gift in itself as so many people can’t. If you can’t see each other, being able to video call and all the wonders of technology can make the day special too. I think in these times, just tokens to show you care and you think of each other is so valuable. I’m happy when my other half brings home a bottle of Fanta for me. So take that pressure off yourself.
It Is Just Another Day
For many, it is just another day and always has been. It is only something, if you make it something. People are still going to work (or working from home), still homeschooling and the world is still turning. This day might be the perfect day to finally clean out the coffee and tea cupboard or it might be the day you just focus really well at work. Or the perfect day to finally watch that series you’ve wanted to binge.
Protect Your Mental Health
Valentine’s Day might be special to you. But it can feel like you can’t spend it how you want it. This could be for a load of different reasons but it isn’t uncommon to be feeling low these days. The pandemic is bringing a lot of problems, stresses, and loss, so do look after your mental health. If you need to take it slow, take it slow. Don’t fall down the rabbit hole of searching toxic things and people online and take that Zoom call, or don’t. Whatever you think will really help. Be kind to your mind.
It’s good to date yourself
This leads nicely on to my next point. Date yourself. Put yourself first today. Take the time to cook a good, substantial, wholesome meal and watch your favourite film or TV show. Take that long bath or shower and use the best body scrub and body butter. These are all acts of self care and it shows your body some much deserved love and nourishment.
Distance makes the heart grow fonder
If your relationship has unfortunately been kept apart by Miss Rona, think about how great it will be when you can finally see and touch each other again. It’s frustrating now, but that moment of first seeing each other…it’s going to be wonderful.
Social media is a staged highlight reel
Nothing worse than seeing people happy when you’re not. So just put your phone down! An Instagram photo only captures a 3×4 sized snapshot of someone’s life. It doesn’t tell the whole story or their full emotions so it is impossible to truly compare your Valentine’s to someone else’s through social media.
Remember your friends!
Friends are great! They might be in the same boat as you on Valentine’s Day, whatever that boat looks like. Maybe it isn’t a day to spend with your other half, maybe it’s time to give your mates some attention. Send them a cute card or message to let them know you’re thinking of them.
This video exists.
