Valentine's Day and COVID-19: How to Celebrate Love in a Pandemic

Valentine’s day can be enough pressure all on its own; the struggle to give a gift or experience that not only delights your partner but also holds up in comparison to theirs. You guys seen one of those scenes where she gives him a pack of underwear and he hands her the Limited Edition Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie novel she’d raved about? Yikes!

Now, add to that the Covid-19 pandemic and its implications on the scope of things that can be done on V-Day. The coronavirus has tainted pretty much every aspect of life and the fact that you’re alive and well enough to think of celebrating Valentine’s Day is not to be taken for granted. Stil in that mood, here are some of the things you can do this February 14 while making sure to stay safe amid the pandemic.

Go Virtual

Come on! You had to know this would be first on the list. Covid-19 has taught us -- albeit cruelly -- that many activities can be carried out virtually. If you and your loved one happen to be separated geographically or you’re held back by travel restrictions, try a virtual date for Valentine’s day. Take it beyond the usual video call, though. Make an effort with appearance and ambiance. Light a candle or put on that mood music that you both like so much. Wear your partner’s favorite outfit or accessory. Order the same meal or cook together virtually before sitting down to your meal. Tiffany Haddish and Common did the whole virtual date thing, so it can’t be that bad, right? I’ll be the first to tell you a video call can never equal being with the one you love physically, but hey, desperate times call for… You know the rest.

Create your own 5-star dining experience

In many parts of the world, dining in is still ruled out at restaurants. If you fall in this category, or if you just want to do the safe thing and reduce the number of people you come in contact with, bring the restaurant home. Place an order for your favorite food and go as big as you can on transforming your space. Break out the good china and silverware. Find a nice table cloth and some candle holders if you have. Break the meal into courses and watch a YouTube video or two about making drinks. If you have kids, you can add some more fun to the whole thing by making them your waiters for the day. Lead your partner to the table and hold out their chair as you would do in an actual restaurant. Okay, by now you get the gist. Just bring the restaurant home.

Treat each other to a spa experience

Thank God for the internet! Google “Spa at home” and you’ll be surprised how much information there is on how to have the ultimate spa experience in the comfort of your home. For Valentine’s Day, buy the oils, the face masks, the scrubs and any other thing that catches your fancy. In fact, if you’re up for it, you can use DIY masks and scrubs and enjoy bonding with your significant other while making them. Massage each other and maybe chill with a bottle of wine -- or whatever works for you -- afterward.

This is for the social butterflies who have missed the interaction with other adults.

Make the most of your Netflix subscription

I can’t be the only one who has Netflix and wonders if they’re watching enough to justify the monthly fee. In any case, let this not be you on Valentine’s Day. If you and your partner are into movies, Netflix and Chilling wouldn’t be a bad idea. There are tons of movies and series on there, and because it’s the season of love does not mean you have to watch a Rom-Com or Hallmark movie. Watch whatever works for you both. For couples who don’t have the same movie interests, though, you might want to skip Netflix.

Recreate your first date

This is a switch-up on No. 2, but it makes the occasion so much more fun. Especially for couples who have been together a long time, your first date is most likely a distant memory. So, take a walk down memory lane and relive the heartwarming emotions by re-enacting that day as much as you can -- Clothes, hair, location, each person’s words, etc. If you have kids now, you can make a movie of the whole thing and ask them to rate you and your partner’s first date etiquette.

Hang out virtually with other couples

This is for the social butterflies who have missed the interaction with other adults. If you and your partner would enjoy it, you can set up a double date with another couple over Zoom or Skype, order some food and enjoy the conversation. Or you could watch movies together on Netflix’s Teleparty, or take a creative craft course. The options are limitless.

This is where I drop my pen, but there are tons of activities you can do this Valentine’s Day. At the end of the day, what really matters is that you have fun with your significant other and celebrate the love you share. Just remember to put in some effort and things should turn out fine. After all, what’s Covid-19 in the face of LOVE?