It always feels like a lot of pressure when Valentine’s Day inevitably comes around each year. If you’re with a partner, you instantly feel the need to define the relationship and struggle to find a present that is the monetary equivalent to the strength of your feelings. However, if you’re single, you feel like society expects you to either sit alone watching He’s Just Not That Into You, crying into a pint-size tub of Ben & Jerry’s with a bottle of the second-cheapest Rose your nearest shop had to offer or to go out looking for that one night stand who will distract you from the curse of being alone on Valentine’s Day. However, there is one way to circumvent these expectations while still staying true to the theme of love, and that is to celebrate platonic love. Often, the love between friends is severely underrated, however, they are the ones who will be there while you are crying into said tub of ice cream, and they are the ones you go to after that regretful one-night stand. Here are three great ways to show your bestie how much they mean to you this February 14th.
Date Night
Dates aren’t just for couples anymore, and platonic love will thrive off of a little appreciation. Organise an evening out with your friend – try that new restaurant you’ve been eyeing up, or go and see that film that was just released in the cinema. Getting dressed up for each other is a great way to show respect and care for your friendship, without worrying whether your date will see your food baby! Go dancing together, have cocktails and sing karaoke badly, and – most importantly – have a great time celebrating your friendship. The night will feel all the more special spending it with someone you are truly comfortable with.
Day Trip
Make ‘Pal’entine’s Day extra special by planning a trip out with your best friend. Huddle up on the beach in a warm coat with some hot chocolate and take in the sea breeze. Or explore a local town or city and take pictures celebrating each other’s great outfit choices. If you fancy a more sophisticated day out, have a wander around a museum or art gallery – the National Art Gallery and Natural History Museum in London are free to the public and can take hours to do properly. Another idea is to do a coffee and bookshop tour of your local area – make it a challenge to walk into every coffee and bookshop in your town. Not only does this support local businesses, but you might also see a new side to your streets, and find a new favourite shop while you’re at it!
Night In
If going out is too high maintenance for you and your ‘Pal’entine’s Day partner, why not plan the ultimate night in? Gift-giving is a great way to honour friendship, and by setting a £2 limit you can also introduce a bit of challenge that gives way to some pretty inventive ideas. Treat yourselves to your favourite takeaway meal, open a bottle of wine, and put on a film to veg out in front of. A night in to relax and unwind together could be the perfect way to celebrate your friendship, especially if you are both on-the-go sort of people. It can often be difficult to allow yourself to do nothing, but if your best friend is right there next to you, you can give each other the validation you need to have an unproductive, luxurious night of peace and quiet.
While these are guidelines to a great ‘Pal’entine’s Day celebrating platonic love with your friends, remember that every form of love is valid, and so is every way of honouring that love. If the only love you want to celebrate is your love for your bed, I promise you there will be thousands of people who are doing the same. Be kind to yourself and others this February 14th, and most importantly, have fun!
Check out more Entertainment Now lifestyle news, reviews and interviews here.
