Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and while some of us are counting down the days to heart-shaped everything, others just want to curl up with some snacks and ignore the whole thing. There’s an unspoken set rule to how Valentine’s go or how it’s meant to look. You know, the teddy bears, chocolates and all that “red” madness.

However, at Unruly, we do things differently and we decided to toss that out the window and make our own rules? So be it a picture-perfect relationship, flying solo, or somewhere in between, here’s some unsolicited advice coming your way.

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For the Relationship People

Dos

1. Keep It Personal

We can definitely tell when you are doing too much especially if it's for social media. You don’t need to buy flowers that cost more than your rent or book a fancy dinner reservation that’s impossible to get. Make it personal by doing things that define your relationship outside the fancy stuff. Regardless, stick to what rocks your boat.

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2. Get Creative With the Love Gestures

It’s the thought that counts, right? So, skip the traditional flowers and chocolates for a second and get creative. Write each other a letter, make a playlist of songs that remind you of each other, or set up a cute scavenger hunt with memories from your time together. That’s the stuff that really counts, not the price tag.

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Don’ts

1. Expect Perfection

We many times  fall into the trap of social media perfection. You know the posts—flowers, candlelit dinners, and couples that look like they belong in a rom-com. Don’t stress if your day doesn’t match up to that. Valentine’s Day is all about enjoying the little moments, not trying to recreate a Hallmark movie. Just enjoy the moment!

2. Go Overboard with the “Love Bombing”

Here’s a little tip for the new lovers: don’t go overboard with gifts, flowers, and texts all in the first 5 minutes of Valentine’s Day. It’s sweet, but you might come off as a bit too intense. Keep it chill. A little bit of love goes a long way.

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For the Singles

Dos

1. Date Yourself!

There’s absolutely nothing wrong in taking yourself out, which you should make time for often and not just Valentine’s.  Use the day to spoil yourself. Have a spa day, order your favorite food, or catch up on that show you’ve been meaning to watch. This day is all about loving YOU. And if you’re not in a relationship, that’s more than enough to celebrate.

2. Celebrate Your Friends

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just about romantic love. Spend the day with your friends! You all could come together and have a “Galentine’s” or “Palentine’s,” it’s a blast to hang out with the people who’ve always got your back. Order food, play games, and just enjoy being together.

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Don’ts

1. Feel Pressured to “Couple Up”

Just because it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you have to go on a hunt for a date. Do not entertain people just for the sake of not being single. If the vibe is not right, do not force it and it’s very okay to say no. Love will come when it’s meant to, eventually. Truth be told, there is a lot of peace of mind attributed to being “Single”.

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2. Let Cynicism Take Over

Sure, Valentine’s Day can feel a bit commercialized, but do not let that turn you into a Valentine’s Grinch. It’s okay to appreciate love in all forms: romantic, platonic, family. So maybe put down the snarky memes for a second and let yourself enjoy the positive vibes. You know what? Maybe throw in one weird observation about that couple’s ridiculous outfit or outrageous gifts. No harm as long as it’s not demeaning right?

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Take all of these with a pinch of salt (or maybe not) at the end of the day, however you spend your Valentine’s is great. If it’s sleeping all through or picking out the perfect red dress for a dinner date, it’s your call.

In true Unruly style, forget the rules, embrace the chaos, and just enjoy yourself!  There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate, make it your own and have fun!

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