Dang, is it me, or does it feel like just yesterday we said Happy New Year, and somehow we’re already at Valentine’s Day?! Haha, Valentine’s Day pulled up a little too quick this year, and if you’re like me, you probably need some creative ideas to celebrate your significant other. Valentine’s Day is super special to me this year because this is the first time in a long time that I’m spending it with someone who makes me better. I mean, of course, like most of us, I’ve spent Valentine’s Day with exes in the past, but this year feels a lot more intentional, being that I’ve evolved so much in myself and my perception of love over the years.
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, exes and relationships, if you didn’t know, I’m in a long-distance courtship which whew chile, is cute on Instagram lol, but in real life, it ain’t no joke! Being in different time zones, having busy schedules, working in the media industry, and having Christian standards to live up to can be exhausting and stressful at times. Yet, it’s also a blessing because we tend to be more intentional with prioritizing each other, creating a safe emotional space for us both, and it limits distractions.
Y’all probably are going to think I’m crazy, but before meeting my significant other, I prayed to have a partner who’s long-distance only because I know I lack discipline in some areas (especially being a celibate Christian woman who loves sex), so I figured it would help me focus on myself, and my career without being up another my man all the time. Although these things are true, I’m not going to lie I love the idea of being able to pull up and do spontaneous date nights after a stressful day at work. I also at times feel left out when bae goes to events and runs into my friends in his city or tells me how much he wishes I was there. All in all, I’m grateful, and I’m learning in life that you have to adapt and make the best out of what you have. I know God has a purpose for everything and nevertheless, I’m grateful for my long-distance relationship.
BlackLove.com Related Articles:
How I Knew Cupid Shot Me
Best Valentine’s Day Memories From the Black Love Community
Galentine’s Day Vibes: How to Enjoy Valentine’s Day With Your Besties
Anyone in a long distance relationship can relate that being in one requires you to have the capacity to get out of your comfort zone and show up for each other in ways that aren’t tangible. So if you can’t physically be with your significant other this year, yet you still want to show up for them, try these creative Valentine’s Day Ideas:
VIRTUAL MOVIE DATE
My fav! I’m not a big TV person, but I love watching movies and actually going to the movies theaters. If you have a movie you want to watch together, old or new, have a virtual movie date! Download the free browser extension called Teleparty and watch a movie together on your favorite streaming service. Or binge-watch Black Love Doc episodes on the Black Love+ App. You can share your screen via Zoom and boo love while watching there. Make it a complete experience, pop some popcorn, buy your favorite candy, and pour a glass of wine!
R&B PAINT & SIP ON ZOOM
My toxic trait is, I want to listen to “Let It Go” by Keyshia Cole on repeat, haha. Although I can’t relate to the lyrics in that song in this season of my life I remember when there was a time I could. Regardless, it reminds me of my love for R&B music! Create a dope playlist of your favorite songs, order a paint and sip kit online for you and your significant other (make sure it arrives on time!), light a candle, get a bottle of wine, and paint and sip together to your favorite jams. I haven’t tried this idea yet, but I’m saving it for a random weekend when bae and I want to spend quality time together while doing something a bit active while away from each other.
DOORDASH DINNER FOR TWO
DoorDash is lowkey my weakness, ahaha. The convenience of food being dropped at my doorstep is probably why most of my money goes to food. Amen anyone? But seriously, host a virtual dinner date and order from the same restaurant while in different places. This can sounds kind of weird at first but it actually is a cool way of connecting through the screens. You can even go as far as setting up your space to look and feel like sit down restaurant and get dressed like you’re at one too! Don’t forget to create a cute reservation itinerary on Canva and send it to your significant other on some “be ready by 8pm” vibes. I’m on a different timezone with my significant other, so it makes it hard to do this, but it’s def an idea I think we’ll try one day!
SURPRISE CARE PACKAGE
I love thoughtful surprises. Some people may say I’m still in the cupcake stages of my relationship but my boyfriend always seems to finds small thoughtful ways to surprise me. I’d encourage you to send your significant other a surprise care package! You can find custom made ones online to send with a cute note or you can create your own by filling it with their favorite snacks, a small gift, a note and other nick knacks and send it off. Then boom on Valentine’s Day they’ll get a personalized gift that speaks from your heart. I’m doing this, and bae has no idea what’s coming but I’m pretty sure he’s going to be impressed with the gift I have up my sleeve!
And if you’re not in a relationship, I encourage you to spend this Valentine’s Day with your girls. In the past, I’ve spent more my Valentine’s Day with my parents, best friends and even my cousins. Overall, I see this holiday as a holiday to express how much you love someone regardless if they’re your significant other or not. The great thing about these ideas above is that you can do these ideas with your significant other, friends, or family and they’re also ideas you can use all year round.
Most importantly, don’t forget to do something for yourself on Valentine’s Day. So many times, we think about going all out for others and keeping up with Instagram’s measures of this holiday that we forget to show ourselves some love. Since I’m spending this Valentine’s Day 2,000 away from my babe, I decided to get some girls together and have a Galentine’s dinner at a cute, chic restaurant in West Hollywood. After I spend time with bae, I’m pouring into myself by spending time with ladies who pour into me and inspire me to become a better version of myself and vice versa. Don’t forget to love yourself this Valentine’s Day because you too freaking deserve it.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION