Valentine's Day is just around the corner. You either see it as a cringfest or a romantic day centred around love, sorta like marmite, you love it or hate it. If you're in the first category then I’m not sure why you’re here but enjoy the read!

What even is Valentines Day anyways?

Before all the sweets, roses and extreme influencer's videos gifting cars to their significant other there was Lupercalia. It was a festival of fertility #spicy, to celebrate the beginnings of spring in ancient Rome. Back in the day they didn’t have tinder so you would get matched with a partner in the same way that Hogwart students are placed in a house. That's right, a bunch of women's names would be put in a hat and then a man would pick one out, and they’d get it onnnnn. A bit sus if you ask us but hey we’re just relaying the facts we didn’t come up with it.

Later, in 496 A.D, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with Saint Valentine's Day. The day was named after Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest come matchmaker who was martyred in the 3rd century. According to Google, a reliable sauce, Saint Valentine was like Paddy Maguire in Take me out who illegally married people #nolikeynolighty. Marriage was illegal at the time because the Roman emperor wanted to make sure he had enough men in his army.

Over time, Valentine's Day evolved into the holiday we know and love, or don’t love, if you're in the first category and have made it here. The first written Valentine's message is believed to have been sent by the Duke of Orleans in 1415, while he was a prisoner in the Tower of London, watch out Paris ‘the city of Love’, London is coming to steal your title. Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world as a day to show love and affection to romantic partners, friends, and family, but you already knew that part.

In light of all of this we wanted to share some ways you can show your BAE that they are the best!

1. Take a romantic walk together. Whether it's through a park, along a beach, or through a city, a walk can be a great way to spend time together and enjoy each other's company.
2. Have a picnic. Pack a basket with food and drinks, and find a quiet spot to enjoy a romantic meal together.
3. Watch a movie or TV show at home. Get cozy on the couch and watch a romantic movie or TV show together.
4. Take a dance class together. Many communities offer free dance classes, such as ballroom dancing, salsa, or tango.
5. Have a game night. Pull out your favorite board games or cards, and spend the evening playing together.
6. Have a spa day at home. Give each other massages, take a relaxing bath or have a DIY at-home spa session.
7. Have a DIY photo shoot. Take turns taking photos of each other and create a memory album.
8. Go on a scavenger hunt. Create a scavenger hunt with clues that lead to a special surprise or a romantic destination.
9. Go stargazing. Find a spot away from the city lights and spend the evening looking at the stars and enjoying each other's company.
10. Write love notes. Write love notes to each other, hide them around the house, and have fun finding them.
11. Buy a couple of M.Y.O crafting kits and get crafty together!

Remember that the most important thing is spending time together and showing your love and affection. You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a special Valentine's Day.