Rather than just suggest one or two “love hacks” on Valentine’s DAy, we’re going to serve up 14 of them for you. Plenty of choices for you to pick from so that you and your Valentine can have a great evening – and without having to invest a bunch of time in the planning in the process:
1. Karaoke Night
If you’re feeling brave – and vulnerability isn’t an issue for you – heading out to your local karaoke bar for a night of singing and dancing is not only a unique dating idea, but it’s also a way to relieve tension from the work week. You also get a chance to strut your stuff in front of your date – whether by sohwing off your pipes or bringing the camp to the forefront with every song you perform.
2. Movie Matinée
Going out to the movies isn’t exactly a novel idea, but what if you and your sweethear were to skip work and hit the theatre for a matinée? The movie will be less crowded, and you’ll feel as if you’re ahead of the game when it comes to Valentine’s Day plans.
3. Tea Night
Tea houses are gaining in popularity all over the world, so why not spend some time in one with your date in one? You can experiment with teas you’ve never had the chance to try before, and you won’t have to keep the drinking in check – as opposed to hitting the bar where you run the risk of drinking more than your fair share and not feeling “up” for work the next day.
4. An Evening Picnic
The weather may not cooperate with everyone on this one, but if doesn’t mean it can’t be done. You can simply have it indoors under candlelight or spend it outdoors if the climate isn’t too cool. Regardless of where you have the picnic, it’s a classic date idea that can go over well no matter what you serve and when you serve it.
5. A Night at the Bookstore
While there aren’t as many around as there used to be, there’s nothing quite like exploring a bookstore with your date. You can discover new books that might appeal to you and you may discover what books your date enjoys as well.
6. Skating
Another great bonding experience is hitting the rink with your date, whether it be the ice rink or roller rink. Even if you can’t skate very well, you’ll find that your date might be impressed with your willingness to go out and do something that you may not be all that great at.
7. A Bed & Breakfast Excursion
This date idea is for those who are in a relationship where spending a night away from home could add some sprak into things. It’s like taking a mini-vacation without having to stray too far, allowing for a quick getaway and return to work the next day.
8. Check out a Comedy Show
Laughter isn’t only the best medicine, it can also help spur on the romance. Going to a comedy show – be it standup, sketch or improv – is a great way to break the ice and have a great time in the process. Just make sure that you don’t sit in the front row – that area is right in the line of fire of those on stage.
9. Visit a Cocktail Lounge
If hte earlier idea of going to a tea house isn’t your cup of…well…tea, then perhaps a cocktail lounge is more your kind of thing. These lounges are typically quiet and dark, allowing for some privacy for you and your date – and you’ll also be able to hear each other better than in most bar-type settings.
10. Take in a Concert at Home
Concerts are few and far between these days – espeically in my city – but you can always throw on a concert on television or on the Internet and enjoy one in the comfort of your own home. It’s less expensive, and you get to pick the artist you and your date would love to watch perform.
11. Movie Night
Again, this isn’t the most novel of ideas, but it’s something that is easy to do and can be done at home or in a movie theatre. It’s also not the least expensive option, but it’s one of the best options if you want to “love hack” your Valentine’s Day experience.
12. Take in a Cooking Class
It’s said thst a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so why not take a cooking class to see if that’s the case? You learn a skill, get a meal out of it, and you both can bond over the preparation of a meal.
13. Hit the Gym
This is another great bonding experience, and it’s one that’ll do both your bodies some good. And it’s likely that the gym will be not as full as usual at this time of year – because (traditionally) the resolutions by so many have been abandoned by now.
14. Build for the Future
Taking the time to step back from the day and think about where you and your date are going – whether you have been together for a while or are just getting to know each other better – is something to consider. You can even do this in conjunction with any of the above suggestions so that you can start building for the future right away.
Conclusion
Whether you’re into Valentine’s Day or not, these date ideas are worth keeping handy so you can mix it up when you’re planning your next date with that special someone. Happy Valentine’s Day! (Photo credit: Valentine Hearts via Shutterstock)
