My first Valentine’s Day with a serious boyfriend was last year. We spent the night cooking our own dinner, playing Minecraft on his apartment couch and rotting in our pajamas. And yes, we are still happily together over a year later.
Contrasting this with my friends who demanded a fancy dinner and expensive gifts, yet still broke up with their significant others a month later, I think I won the lottery.
What did we do differently?
Well, we know each other. Even then, when we were only three months into dating, we knew each other. We knew we’d both prefer a nice home cooked meal that we worked on together (I watched and handed him utensils while he did the cooking), and we knew we both would enjoy a cozy night of quality time gaming (yes, he picked a seed with the cherry blossom biome just for me).
Now, I’m not saying I don’t like to dress up and get treated nice – his bank account knows this all too well, but all my favorite memories of us together are nights like this.
At the end of the day, it will always be the little things. Me buying him medicine when he’s got the flu. Him memorizing my Cook Out order and buying it for me on the go. Remembering each others’ favorite colors, artists and snacks. These are the things that build a relationship.
This year, our plan looks exactly the same: cook, play games and spend intentional quality time together. Oh, and probably watch the new Captain America movie, since we’re both huge nerds.
So couples, remember that sometimes all it takes is a tiny thoughtful gift and a smile. Being there for who your partner truly is will always mean more than flashy gestures.
Arts & Life Editor
