10 Valentine's Day dates that practically plan themselves
Key Takeaways
Listen up, doctor: You’re one week away from a critical deadline. In just 7 short days, we will arrive at a date so critical to your romantic life that it’s second only to your anniversary. (You do remember your anniversary, don’t you?). A week from today is Valentine’s Day. Do you have anything planned?
All of the hand-wringing and rationalizing about it being a corporate holiday won’t save you from the wrath of a spouse or significant other if you do nothing. And phoning it in with the old flowers-and-chocolate routine could be even worse. Here are 10 doctor-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas that practically plan themselves.
Recreate your first date
Think back to where you had your first date. Maybe it was a movie or a quaint Italian restaurant. It doesn’t matter. Whatever it was, do it again.
Take 10 minutes out of your day to make the reservation or purchase tickets. If the place you had your first date is in another state, choose a similar venue. Wear clothes that are similar to what you wore. Bonus points if those clothes will make you look like you rolled out of the bargain bin at your local Salvation Army. Who doesn’t love a sense of humor?
Did you pick your significant other up before the date? Do the same, and play music from around when you started dating. Add any additional context clues that you’d like, recreating the memory of the event that began your relationship.
Book a micro vacation
Have kids? Call your babysitter ASAP and get them lined up to cover Valentine’s Day for you. Now, do a quick Google search and find the most upscale hotel you can afford. Make sure it has a spa. This is where you’ll be spending the night. Ask that there’s a bottle of chilled champagne waiting in the room after you check in.
Now, clear your schedule for the next day. You and your significant other will be spending it in as deep a state of relaxation as possible, enjoying all the hotel spa has to offer. A night away from the kids and a day being pampered will work wonders.
Day hike with picnic lunch
Maybe you and your significant other are more of the outdoorsy types. Again, clear your schedule for the 14th. Do some research here to find a trail suitable for a day hike. Now, prepare a packable yet delicious lunch to take on your hike.
If there’s no time to cook or you’re just plain terrible at it, there’s nothing wrong with packing a gourmet deli lunch. Just make sure you’re bringing food that will impress your significant other. Be careful with alcohol. Many national and state parks and forests forbid you from bringing in beer, wine, or liquor. Do your research in advance.
Go ice skating
‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, warm jackets, and winter scenes from Hallmark greeting cards. Create your own by taking the one you love ice skating. This is a viable option if your plan to take your activity-loving partner gets rained or snowed out.
A trip to your local ice rink and some time spent doing laps hand-in-hand will go a long way in warming their heart. Just don’t hold their hand if you’re going to spend most of your time falling onto the ice. It’s probably best that you don’t spend Valentine’s Day in the ER.