Aah, Valentine’s Day…that time of the year where red roses, chocolate boxes and badly-stuffed teddy bears holding hearts with cheesy love messages flood the shopping baskets of love-filled hopefuls and obliged partners.
Celebrating this day can be a little tricky, especially if it’s your first Valentine’s date. As the nerves build up, you might find yourself worrying about what you should or shouldn’t do? HDI Youth Marketeers posed the question to the kids and teens of their Junior Board of Directors, and they had some interesting advice. Here are their top six ‘no-go’ zones for Valentine’s Day.
DON’T show up empty handed
We know that this might go without saying, but even if you consider the day to be ‘over-rated’, your Valentine will probably be expecting something from you on the day, be it flowers, a chocolate, or even a hand-made romantic card. It’s important not to show up to your date empty handed. “You don’t want your date regretting ever saying yes to being your Valentine, do you?”
DON’T buy a gift card
Despite being a popularly regarded ‘fail-proof, safe’ gift, gift cards and vouchers can come across as thoughtless and effortless. Unless there was a specific hint for one, abandon mission!
DON’T try be Shakespeare
The hopeless romantic might argue this one, but according to our JBoDers, a Valentine’s Day poem is not the right way to kick-start your romance. Although it’s traditionally considered the ultimate in being romantic, to youth it could come across as lame, desperate or “too much, too soon”.
DON’T forget to wish ‘bae’
An obvious one, but you’ll be surprised how many people actually forget to wish their significant other a happy Valentine’s Day. If you’ve been with your partner for a long time, you could get away with it (probably not), but if the relationship is as fresh as crispy lettuce, you want to diarise it and wish your partner a happy day. Extra points if you post something on social media!
DON’T go for quantity over quality
It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s important to put a little extra effort in seeking out the perfect gift for your partner, and not just what’s easily available. “The quality of your gift determines the quality of your relationship,” they say.
DON’T be a loner
Don’t have a Valentine? No need to panic. The day celebrates all love, not just ‘romantic’ love, so you could spend it with your loved ones, family or friends.