Ultimate Guide to Valentine’s Day

February 14th is a landmark day for many and expectations are high. But year on year it is so easy to get it wrong. DESIblitz have compiled a handy list of do’s and don’ts to make your Valentine’s Day a perfect one.

Desi Couple

"Nothing says cliché like a generic Valentine’s card and some lingerie."

Valentine’s Day is celebrated all around the world on February 14. Also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, it is romantically associated with Saint Valentine of Rome.

The origin of Valentine’s is far from romantic. It is thought that in the Middle Ages, Saint Valentine was imprisoned for wedding soldiers who were forbidden to marry and ministering Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire.

It first began to be associated with courtly love in the 18th century where lovers would exchange cards, flowers and heart shaped confectionery.

Today it hasn’t changed much; your typical Valentine’s gift is usually all of the above plus lingerie and perhaps some chocolate if you’re lucky.

Valentine's Day

With so many people living such busy lives and so many celebrations each year, it can be easy to let this day of love be just another typical day, or even worse, slip your memory.

Not to fear though, DESIblitz has all the do’s and don’ts for Valentine’s Day, so get out a pen and paper and start making notes.

Don’t Forget!

The worse thing for any partner is to find out their other half has completely forgotten about Valentine ’s Day. That means no gift, no dinner, and no romantic surprise. So put it in your calendar, February 14th highlighted with a big red heart and block letters: VALENTINE’S DAY!

No TechnologyDo Avoid Technology!

This is pretty obvious, but unfortunately you have to spell it out for some people.

Remember a night of romance is NOT associated with being glued to the telly or your phone, so throw away technology for the night and enjoy some quality time together.

Don’t go on a first date or a blind date!

It can be tremendously awkward going on a first date, or worse a blind date and not knowing the person. Even if you meet someone really nice close to the date, it’s too much pressure and confusing in terms of expectations.

You might just end up regretting it. Instead schedule a date before Valentine’s so you’re not surrounded by couples kissing and cuddling.

Do have a Romantic Dinner!

You can’t go all day without eating, so when it is time for dinner make it something special, even if it’s a small gesture.

Try cooking up a special and intimate meal, or take your partner out to a fancy restaurant, but don’t take them to Nandos – that’s a big NO!

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Don’t ever Talk about Exes!

This is the Number One rule in dating and relationships. Unless you’re planning on ruining Valentine’s Day for both of you, don’t bring up past partners – they’re in the past for a reason. Keep the conversation solely on your partner and your day will surely go well.

Do be Spontaneous!

What better way to kill the romance than by doing the same thing you always do on Valentine’s Day? Being spontaneous is a great way to surprise your partner, but don’t take it too far.

Spontaneity can come in small acts, for example being creative and making a gift if you’re not a very hands on person, or taking your partner out for a picnic if the weather allows for it.

But don’t get swept away in the romance, it can be easy to find yourself shopping for a pair of earrings and end up buying an engagement ring. Only propose if it is sincere and something you both know you want.

Don’t have Unrealistic Expectations!

It’s nice to imagine being whisked away around the globe with your loved one, but be realistic; not all people can afford such luxuries and sometimes you need to prioritise kids and work. But that doesn’t mean you can’t put this down on your wish list.

Women Shopping For Valentine's Day

Do Bring a Gift!

This can be a nightmare for the brutal cynic, but even if Valentine’s Day isn’t something your passionate about, your partner would appreciate you even more if you put aside all those hated emotions to buy them a gift.

Because at the end of the day who doesn’t love a gift? Whether you have made it or bought it, it’s always the thought that counts.

Don’t Fall for Clichés!

Nothing says cliché like a generic Valentine’s card and some lingerie, or even worse kitchen appliances! Lingerie can be a nice gift, but it can be a horrible disaster if you get the wrong size or buy something too suggestive or not to her taste.

Valentine's CardPractical gifts such as a blender or a rotimatic – although may sound romantic, are a huge no, no one wants a roti maker for Valentine’s. So beat the clichés, think out the box and be creative.

Do Remember it is just One Day!

As lovely as it may be to get swept off your feet on the most ‘Romantic Day of the Year’, do remember it is just one day.

Don’t expect breakfast in bed every day, or an unexpected surprise trip to Paris. Keep things in perspective, don’t stress or be upset if things don’t go as planned, you still have 320 days of the year left for romance.

Now that you have the memo you can start planning your day, follow our handy ultimate Valentine’s Day guide and fingers crossed it all goes well.

But don’t feel left in the dumps if you happen to spend cupid’s day single, the number one mistake most people make is contacting an ex. So just go ahead and delete any traces of them, you don’t want to wake up the next day with regrets.

Keep in mind Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples, go on a night out with your friends and enjoy the single life, enjoy being in love with yourself – who said it was all about loving someone else? Remember you have to learn to love yourself before you can really love someone another.

Wanderlust at heart, Fatimah is passionate about everything creative. She enjoys reading, writing and a good cup of tea. Her life motto is: “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” by Charlie Chaplin.


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