By Janet Adeyemo

Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the special bond between two people who care deeply for each other. It is a day to show your appreciation and love for the one you care about, whether that be a partner, a family member, or a friend. While the day may be known for giving cards, flowers, or candy, it is ultimately about expressing your affection and gratitude for the person you are celebrating.

Over the years, the self-love movement has become a testimony that celebrating love does not have to be romantic, proving that our self-worth and love does not need to come from others but from finding contentment in ourselves.

Some persons are at phases in their lives when they struggle to appreciate themselves or sustain friendships yet they are coupled in an erotic relationship.
While finding the right partner is gold, it is more honourable to bloom in self-love and bond with close friends. This, will help in building a sustain interaction with your spouse, when you choose to having butterflies in your belly over the one who steals your heart.
As the valentine day approaches, there are certain boxes to tick before you send that gift to your lover, if you have a spouse.
Yes! There are boxes to tick if you are single with no one to hold in your arms while having a mushy- mushy dance through the night.
First, do you love yourself?
Do you love the human being you are becoming?
Do you look in the mirror and wonder, “Earth is so lucky to bear my existence?”
Secondly, How sincerely happy do you feel amidst your circle of friends?
Do have act friendly but not sincere?
Life is beyond the hugs and smiles.
Are you acting ‘you’?
In the spirit of the original purpose of this day of love, here are certain ways to celebrate the day.

20 ways to celebrate valentine alone

1. Have a spa day with your favorite products.
2. Make a homemade dinner.
3. Watch a romantic movie.
4. Take yourself out for coffee.
5. Have a picnic in your living room.
6. Go for a drive to explore a new area.
7. Bake a special treat.
8. Take yourself out for a night of stargazing.
9. Take a virtual yoga class.
10. Read a book in a cozy spot.
11. Write a letter to yourself expressing your love and appreciation.
12. Create a vision board of your goals and dreams.
13. Spend the day exploring a new hobby.
14. Visit a local art gallery.
15. Take a long walk and enjoy the scenery.
16. Make a scrapbook of your favorite memories.
17. Put together a puzzle.
18. Create a playlist of your favorite love songs.
19. Try a new recipe.
20. Spend time with your pet.

20 ways to celebrate valentine with a friend

1. Go on a picnic in the park.
2. Have a movie marathon night.
3. Make homemade valentine cards to exchange.
4. Have a fondue night with all your favorite dippable treats.
5. Have a game night with Valentine-themed games like Scrabble or Jenga.
6. Go for a hike or nature walk.
7. Bake and decorate Valentine-themed cookies.
8. Take a cooking class together.
9. Spend the day volunteering at a local shelter or food bank together.
10. Have a craft night and make Valentine’s Day decorations.
11. Go bowling with a Valentine’s Day twist.
12. Have a wine tasting night and sample different wines.
13. Go to a karaoke bar and sing your favorite love songs.
14. Have a spa day and get massages, facials, and manicures.
15. Make a list of all the things you love about each other and read them aloud.
16. Go to a local museum and explore the art galleries and exhibits.
17. Take a dance class together.
18. Have a picnic on the beach.
19. Go for a horseback ride.
20. Take a road trip and explore a nearby city.

20 ways to celebrate valentine with family

1. Have a movie night – watch your favorite romantic comedies or classic love stories.
2. Have a Valentine’s Day themed dinner – make heart-shaped pizzas or other Valentine’s Day
   treats.
3. Have a picnic in the living room – spread out a blanket and enjoy a Valentine’s Day themed picnic
   with your family.
4. Play a game – play a game like charades or Pictionary with a Valentine’s Day twist.
5. Make Valentine’s Day cards – make homemade cards for each other and exchange them.
6. Have a Valentine’s Day photo shoot – dress up and take family photos in a special Valentine’s
   Day setting.
7. Make a Valentine’s Day dessert – bake a special treat like heart-shaped cookies or cupcakes.
8. Have a romantic dinner – cook a romantic dinner for your family and enjoy it by candlelight.
9. Have a scavenger hunt – hide Valentine’s Day themed items around the house and have a
   scavenger hunt.
10. Have a karaoke night – sing your favorite love songs and have a dance party.
11. Decorate the house – decorate the house with hearts and other Valentine’s Day decorations.
12. Have a Valentine’s Day craft night – make Valentines for each other or a special Valentine’s Day
    gift.
13. Have a Valentine’s Day dinner party – invite your family over for a special dinner.
14. Have a Valentine’s Day bake-off – bake your best Valentine’s Day treats and have a taste test.
15. Have a Valentine’s Day spa night – give each other massages and face masks.
16. Watch the sunset – find a spot with a beautiful view and watch the sunset together.
17. Have a Valentine’s Day themed treasure hunt – hide special Valentine’s Day treats around the
    house and have a treasure hunt.
18. Go for a walk – take a romantic stroll around your neighborhood.
19. Write love notes – write special love notes for each other.
20. Plant a family tree – plant a tree together as a symbol of your family’s love.

20 ways to celebrate valentine with your spouse

1. Set up a romantic dinner at home with candles and music.
2. Take a drive and find a beautiful place to watch the sunset together.
3. Make a scrapbook with all of your special memories.
4. Cook your partner’s favorite meal.
5. Enjoy a luxurious spa day together.
6. Take a romantic walk and explore a new area together.
7. Recreate your first date.
8. Have a movie marathon of your favorite romantic films.
9. Write love letters to each other.
10. Go to a comedy show or concert.
11. Visit an art gallery or museum together.
12. Get dressed up and go out for a night on the town.
13. Take a dance class together.
14. Create a personalized treasure hunt with clues.
15. Have a picnic in the park or a nearby beach.
16. Exchange thoughtful gifts with one another.
17. Play board games or video games together.
18. Take a cooking class together.
19. Go on a weekend getaway.
20. Plan a surprise Valentine’s Day adventure.