'LOVE IN LOCKDOWN' EPISODE 11: 'A PANDEMIC VALENTINES'

      
'A Valentines from home can still remain a Valentines of love'

Valentines Day, celebrated annually on the 14th February, is a day of expressing affection and celebrating love. It may not be the same this year whilst locked down and unable to have events or surprises booked, but it can still be a day of acknowledging and appreciating those you love.

Whether you are in a relationship, single or happen to be spending this Valentines day alone, it can still be celebrated within your four walls. It doesn't just have to be a day of romantic love, but friendship and family love to. Particularly during this ongoing pandemic, a day like Valentines is a useful reminder to tell those you love that you do, to check in on those you care about and to take time to appreciate those that also care about you. A day to spread a little joy. 

FOR THOSE IN A RELATIONSHIP:
If you're spending this Valentines with a Valentine and you're able to see each other, there are still things you can do together to celebrate your love. Although it may be frustrating that you cannot celebrate in a way you may usually, remember that acknowledging the love you have for another is about enjoying the time you spend together. There is no standards or pressure, you don't have to earn or prove your love, just share and celebrate it. You can still show the one you love how much you love the pants off them from home and with very little budget.
Start the day off with breakfast in bed.
Cooking a meal together and sharing a bottle of your favourite Tesco wine, or if you just want to put your feet up then you could order your favourite takeaway. Or last minute order a hamper or DIY cooking kit.
Bake something together or make it competitive with a bake off in your own kitchen.
Set up your own kitchen bar and become cocktail makers for the night.
Go for a lovely stroll through your home town, get some fresh air and sunshine.
Pack up a picnic and drive, set up in the boot of your car with a nearby view.
Watch your favourite film or make your way through a series, bring the duvet down to the sofa accompanied with some snacks and nibbles.
Get dressed up as if going out, staying in but treating it as if out.
Or get dressed down, stay in your pyjamas and dressing gown and laze about together.
Relive your favourite gigs online or turn up the volume on your favourite album and dance the night away. Concert or club in your front room. Vinyl's, CD's, Alexa or Spotify. Or there are many online or tickets daily on 'Gigs Guide'.
Virtual Quiz or Bingo is available online, or play a few games together. 'Design My Night' has lots to offer, including Virtual Bingo: Design My Night 'Bingo'
If you're in a relationship and unable to see each other, Facetime goes a long way. Send a card and a little gift in the post, celebrate your love from afar and know that when reunited you can celebrate double as hard.

FOR THE SINGLETON'S:
For those that are spending this Valentines single, you don't have to be down in the dumps, feeling unloved or hard done by. Firstly, there's more to love than romantic love. Reach out to your friends and family and let them know you're thinking of them. Facetime, call, message or send a little gift there way.
Another idea is to share the love within a friend group, typically known as 'Galentine's' or ‘Palentines’, friends celebrating the love they have for one another rather than partners. Although it's greatly known to be 'girls' coming together, it can be any friends. You could gift each friend, or you could treat it a little more like 'Secret Santa' so one friend is designated with another, set a budget and it's a surprise what and who your valentine is when something's successfully delivered to your door.
Alternatively, to celebrate the love in your life, you don't need to spend anything. There's power in words, communication and simply telling those you care about that you love them, miss them, you're thinking of them and appreciate them.
Set up a zoom call and get some drinks on the go, play some games or alternatively just have a big catch up and chat away. Get dressed up together for a night out on Zoom.

FOR ANYONE ALONE:
Although the term 'love yourself' is thrown around like it's going out of date, it's important and to be practised. Valentines is a day to also appreciate yourself. Congratulate yourself, be proud of you and who you are. Even if you are physically alone, know that you are loved. Spend the day as you wish, doing what makes you happy within the realms of what we're able to whilst in lockdown. 
Watch your favourite film or series, listen to your favourite music, have a long overdue bath, go on a slow refreshing walk, engage in your favourite hobby, eat your favourite food, lay in without setting an alarm, put on a face mask, engage in whatever feels good and fills your heart with love, passion and endorphins. 

Happy Valentines Weekend x   
                       

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