5 AF Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
When I was younger and single I assumed that everyone in a committed relationship spent Valentine’s Day receiving an endless amount of chocolate, flowers, wine, and romance. If I wasn’t in a relationship I would spend the day trying to find anyone to go with me to a bar so that I could sulk the night away by finishing off a bucket of Bud Light bottles. If I was in a relationship I always felt a little let down when it turned out that my night wouldn’t be anything like that romantic love scene from Love Actually (and probably also finished off a bucket of Bud Light bottles).
Now that I’m older, married, and a mother -Valentine’s Day means more like oh shit, I forgot to get the kids’ snack for their class together than it does let’s go on a romantic date. Regardless of how I feel about Valentine’s Day I still get a lot of questions about what to do for date night when you don’t drink. Having drinks seem to be the go-to for all things________(well, just all things). So what do you do if you don’t drink? Here are some of my favorite ideas (Covid freindly-because why would I dissapoint by sharing things that you can’t do because of Covid) for having an epic AF Valentine’s Day.
Order a nice meal in. Play some music, light some candles, or throw some Ylang Ylang in your diffuser and put your phone away. Talk to your friend, spouse, or partner and connect on a level that requires authenticity. You might find that sharing a sober meal is really fun when you’re able to think clearly. If you’re local to Louisville try this Valentine’s Day Take Out Kit from the Fat Lamb.
Sign up for An Evening of Self Love-have a warm cup of tea, be guided through a self-love meditation, and move your body. Do this alone or with a special someone. You won’t believe how good you feel after you spend some time working on you.
Go on a Night Hike. I love this idea of bundling up for a nightime guided hike followed by a cup of hot chocolate. This is a great idea to do with your kids or alone.
Instead of spending money on a piece of jewlery or a new shiny toy gift yourself or your loved one a learning experience-something that will last far longer than one day. Maybe that’s a yoga package or a writing class like this one. Or even spend the day diving deeper into Black History Month with something like this. Doing something like this as a couple helps provide support and sets you up with an accountability partner.
Watch a comedy together. There was a time in my life when a funny show or movie just didn’t do it for me. In fact, nothing other than drinking really did it for me (if you want to know why-just ask me). But now, when I watch something funny on TV I belly laugh. It feels so good to laugh and there is nothing better than sharing that laughter with someone. Choose a stand up show from Netflix, or a funny movie and let yourself be completely entertained. (Just make sure to have a mocktail or a fizzy water with you so you won’t feel the pressure to drink when you see the alcohol scenes-oh, and keep in mind that most of the celebreties making those alcohol scenese seem so great are sober).
Also, feel free to make the big V’day a non thing. If you want to spend the day not thinking about love then you do just that. Getting used to doing things without alcohol can be difficult. Take your time with it until you find things that work for you!
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