Valentine’s Day can be kind of stressful. Even when your romantic partner is a super chill kind of person, they can get a little upset if you don’t at least make an effort to do something special on the day. And whether you’re a new couple or have been together for years, the pressure is there. If you’ve never done something together or you’ve done just about everything you can think of, you’ll want to make Valentine’s Day 2023 special.
But fear not! There are plenty of Valentine’s Day activities you can do that your partner will enjoy. From big events to intimate evenings, there are so many ways that you can make your partner smile when the 14th of February comes around.
But First: Remember This
Before you make plans for a romantic Valentine’s Day, make sure your significant other hasn’t been working on something big, too. Surprises are great, but make sure your surprises are of a reasonable size.
If one of you buys tickets for a touring Broadway show and the other buys concert tickets for the same night, one of you will have wasted a fair amount of money. The same goes for surprise plane tickets or any other big ticket item.
If you want to do something big and flashy for Valentine’s Day 2023, you may want to spring the surprise early. This is especially true if your gift will require your partner to get time off of work or renew their passport.
There is an easy way to avoid confusion without sacrificing the joy of a surprise. Let your partner know ahead of time that you are planning something for Valentine’s Day. Then you can drop hints in the days leading up to the holiday. Include a few hints that will misdirect your partner’s guesses and they will still be blown away by your plans.
Some couples will alternate who is in charge of the big plans on Valentine’s Day. Some will split the day, with one partner handling the morning’s fun and the other planning out a special evening.
The important thing to remember is that, just like any other part of your relationship, communication is key to a great Valentine’s Day.
But let’s say you aren’t planning ridiculously expensive things to do for Valentine’s Day. Let’s say you want to do something special but reasonably priced. We’ve got some ideas to help you out.
Going Out for Valentine’s Day 2023
Planning a night out this year can be a little challenging, if only because Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday and the chances are good that both you and your partner have to work during the day as well as in the morning.
However, if you can get the day off through planning or by playing hooky, there are lots of great things to do during the day. And there are a great many options at night, too. So here are some suggestions for a few Valentine’s Day events you can make happen.
Go Dancing
Is there anything better than getting dressed to the nines with the person you love and giving yourselves a great night on the town? Many venues will have special events on the day that are geared towards couples, so you can have some cocktails and focus on the way your partner moves with you.
Go Out to Eat
Eating together is a great way to form memories with your partner. Getting Valentine’s Day reservations at your partner’s favorite restaurant will mean a lot to them. You can also look for a fancy place you’ve never been to before so that you can share a brand new experience.
However, reservation books fill up pretty quickly on Valentine’s Day. So you may not be able to get a reservation at an upscale place. It can be just as fun to get all dressed up and grab a burger at your favorite fast food joint before grabbing a special Valentine’s Day dessert. The important thing is that you’re together.
If you’ve been with your partner for a few years, it can be fun to recreate your first date. Maybe you went to a local bar for pub food and a couple of drinks. Fill the jukebox with music you remember from that night, and bask in the memories together.
Go to a Show
This can mean a few different things to different couples. If you have young kids, just getting a babysitter and going to a movie can be an incredibly refreshing event. Getting to see a movie that doesn’t feature talking animals while it is still in the theater is a rare experience for many parents.
If your partner has been talking about wanting to see a particular movie for a while, getting tickets to it can show them that you’ve been listening to them and want to give them what they want.
Live theater can be an unforgettable experience as well. From an improv show to community theater to a touring production, many cities will have a variety of options available to you. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have a unique experience.
You can also check to see if a band or singer your partner loves is doing a concert near you. If you go this route, make sure that they haven’t already gotten tickets for themselves.
Go for a Walk
Sometimes the destination isn’t as important as the journey together. Maybe you go for a hike in a local park or nature preserve. Maybe you go around your city playing tourist. Taking in the sights and sounds around you as a couple will help make very special memories.
Staying In for Valentine’s Day 2023
Sometimes, where you go is not nearly as important as who you’re with. Staying at home with the person you love can be relaxing, intimate, and romantic. Here are a few ideas for things to do for Valentine’s Day that don’t require leaving the house.
Do a Movie Marathon
You don’t have to go out to watch a great movie or two. Pop some popcorn and stock up on your favorite treats, cuddle up on the couch, and get to watching. There are a lot of options for the kinds of movies you pick for your marathon.
There may be a new romantic movie you can watch together to get in the mood for certain other Valentine’s Day activities you can watch together. Or you could each choose one of your favorite movies to share with each other. Or maybe you want to watch some of this year’s award show season favorites. Whatever feels right for you.
Do a Special Meal
Not every great meal comes from a restaurant. Cooking for your partner can be extremely romantic. You can make their favorite dish or cook them something brand new that you think they’ll love. What’s important is that you’re letting them relax after a long day and serving them something special.
You don’t even need to confine your cooking to the evening. Making your significant other a special breakfast can also be meaningful. If you do cook as a gift to your partner, though, make sure you also do the dishes. You don’t want to give them the gift of a chore.
Do Something Spicy
One of the great benefits of staying in for Valentine’s Day 2023 is that you can be as naughty as you want to be with your special someone. Wearing something special and sexy for your partner is a move that will never go out of style. There’s a reason the trail of rose petals to the bedroom is a classic.
Trust Your Love
There are a million ways you can make Valentine’s Day 2023 special. The key is to focus on what your partner likes. Make their happiness and enjoyment your priority, and you can’t go wrong.
That can mean a big night out on the town or some nice Valentine’s Day gift baskets. Trust in your love for your significant other and don’t get frazzled if you have to adapt your plans because something unforeseen came up.
As long as you’re with someone you love, you’ll have a great Valentine’s Day.