valentines date ideas

Get Ready Now for Valentine’s Day as a Single

February is just around the corner, so get ready for all things love. When you’re single, those red hearts, pink flowers and sweet nothings can be a trigger for loneliness, regardless of the reason you aren’t currently with a partner. Instead of getting anxious about Valentine’s Day or spending the month in a funk, prepare yourself for the barrage of advertisements and television shows.

Treat Valentine’s Day as Any Other Day

Shift the focus from love by ignoring Valentine’s Day. There’s no reason you have to celebrate February 14. Avoid movies and television shows about love. It’s the perfect time to try out a new genre to avoid the triggers that make you sad. This year, Valentine’s Day is on a Monday. You can simply keep up with your normal routine to make it seem like any other day.

Be Kind to Yourself

Ignoring Valentine’s Day isn’t going to be easy. You may want to explore some self-care strategies to keep the focus off the holiday and its sentiments. Make plans to do something that doesn’t keep you home crying over your relationship status. Invite some of your single friends over for a night of board games. Pamper yourself with a massage. Cook dinner for a family member. Plan a play date with the nieces and nephews. Send yourself flowers at work. Make your Valentine’s Day a celebration of you.

Go Shopping

Set a budget to buy something for yourself that you wouldn’t normally splurge on. Go somewhere to shop that is out of the ordinary. You can engage in some retail therapy without blowing your budget. Shopping for something special at the antique store with a limited budget can be just the distraction you need.

Do Something With Your Pet

Valentine’s Day is a great day to have a date with your furry four-legged friend. Take your dog to a new dog park or dog store. Go for a walk in a new park. Pick up a new toy for your cat. Have a photo shoot with your buddy. You might even cook something special that both of you can enjoy. If weather permits, go for a ride together. The important thing is to be with the one you love.

Brighten Someone Else’s Day

It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one alone on Valentine’s Day. Just look around and you’ll find many others who have recently lost their significant other. Remember the adage, “It’s better to give than receive.” Do an act of kindness for someone else who may be grieving a relationship on Valentine’s Day.

  • Give a gift basket with tea or coffee and some homemade treats.
  • Take someone out for dinner or a movie, or even both.
  • Send flowers.
  • Go to a museum for an afternoon.
  • Write a note thanking them for their friendship.

Get Off Social Media

Valentine’s Day is not the day to be checking up on what your exes are doing. Try to avoid social media for a day or two around Valentine’s Day. Plan other activities to keep from being tempted. Get an adult coloring book and new colored pencils. Bake something special. Start using a language app. Read a book. Work a jigsaw puzzle. Get your mind busy with Sudoku or crosswords.

Love Yourself

Valentine’s Day is a holiday that can be fun when you’re in a relationship. When you’re alone, it can be challenging. A relationship doesn’t define your worthiness of love. If you are spending this holiday alone, be compassionate to yourself. If you’re really struggling, reach out for professional help. There are many mental health resources in Canada. Don’t let the day get you down.

11 Fun Date Ideas for Active Couples

Hiking couple resting on rock overlooking town, rear view. date idea.There is nothing wrong with dinner and a movie, but variety is the spice of life and planning more energetic dates can be the means for enhancing your relationship. Many Canadians lead active lifestyles and spending time with your significant other doing something on the move may also help you connect at a higher level. Married and non-married couples can both benefit from these date ideas.

Warm weather

  • Hiking

Canada is a scenic country and taking a hike or a walk with your partner is an active way to spend quality time together. Sometimes having a conversation is not even necessary; just sharing the moment in a beautiful place can help strengthen your bond. Whether you enjoy mountains, oceans or urban landscapes, there are many superb hiking opportunities.

  • Biking

Biking is another suggestion for an active date. Getting your lungs pumping and legs pedaling with your partner may be the perfect choice for your relationship, and Canada has a wealth of bike trails. The western part of the country is ideal for mountain biking. There are also an abundance of top notch road biking trails from Vancouver to New Brunswick. Tandem biking can be particularly fun for couples.

  • Horseback Riding

For novices and pros alike, a horseback riding date can be a unique opportunity to spend time together. Take a guided tour or venture out on your own. If you want to up the intimacy level, ride on the same horse.

  • Tennis

A game of tennis really gets the competitive juices flowing. You can be a doubles team or face-off against your significant other.

  • Golfing

Golfing is typically a slightly less physical sport, unless you choose to walk the course rather than ride in a cart. As you move from hole to hole, there is a great opportunity to have meaningful conversations, often in a lovely setting.

Cold weather

  • Skiing

Canada has a number of famous ski resorts that are perfect places for dates. From the legendary slopes of Whistler and Banff to numerous other excellent resorts throughout the country, you are unlikely to be disappointed with the wide variety of options at your disposal. Lift rides are a great time to talk. Thrill seekers may want to try heli-skiing. Cross-country skiing is another way to get your heart pounding and enjoy some beautiful scenery. Fun après ski activities include relaxing before a fire or going for dip in a hot tub.

  • Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is another alternative for an active date. You are often alone in the snow which adds to the romance and intimacy of the experience.

  • Ice Skating

Skating is in an important part of life for many Canadians. Zipping and twirling around the ice, or simply holding hands as you leisurely move around the rink, is a wonderful way to enjoy quality time together. Even if you fall, it can add humor to the outing. 

Indoor activities

  • Yoga

Yoga helps build flexibility, endurance, patience and it clears the mind, all of which are beneficial for relationships. Taking a yoga class together may strengthen the bond with your partner.

  • Dancing

Going to a night club, concert or party is a great opportunity to dance with your significant other. For couples getting to know each other, observing your partners’ dancing skills may provide new insight into their personality. For married couples, dancing can be a way to reconnect. Dancing lessons are also an option for this activity.

  • Bowling

Bowling is probably not the sexiest of sports, but can be very fun. Getting a group of couples together for a bowling match may be the perfect way to spend an evening.

Mixing things up by going on active dates can help keep the spark alive, no matter how long you have been with your partner. There are plenty of alternatives for every season and interest.