Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and for most people, it can be a fun day celebrating love (or if you’re single, having some fun with friends such as with Galentine’s Day celebrations).
However, for those in a long-distance relationship, Valentine’s Day can be particularly tricky. If you’re in a long-distance relationship this Valentine’s Day, Lysn’s psychologist Nancy Sokarno shares her expert tips on how to survive.
Plan ahead
There’s a chance most people have fallen victim to leaving things til the 11th hour then scrambling at the last minute to get things sorted.
This can be particularly stressful if you live or work far away from your partner, as you need to factor in delivery times.
Thankfully, many places over overnight or same-day delivery so do some research and plan to ensure their gift arrives on the day. Check out local florist options in their area and see if you can arrange a bunch of flowers or chocolates for the 14th.
Show them your appreciation
Sometimes we take love for granted and forget to really tell our partners how we feel. Valentine’s Day is not the day to do this!
Make sure you go out of your way to show your love and gratitude for your partner and if you’re finding it hard to find the words, write it down.
There are some cute ways to take this to the next level, such as purchasing some Partner Appreciation Notes or buying a diary filling out your special dates and memories and also adding in some future dates for planned activities.
Enlist the help of friends and businesses
It can be tricky to arrange something particularly special on Valentine’s Day but don’t forget friends or local businesses who will want you to help you celebrate love.
Consider arranging something like a treasure hunt, where you treat your partner to some surprise gifts such as a free coffee from their local coffee shop or an appointment at the hair salon. Enlisting help can allow you to also enjoy the process along the way!
Have a virtual dinner date
While going out to dinner with your partner is something many couples look forward to on Valentine’s Day, if you’re long-distance, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
Spend some time planning a meal along with the step-by-step recipe instructions. Then, send this to your partner (bonus points if you can arrange to send the ingredients too)!
Spend Valentine’s Day evening on video chat and cook your meal together and keep that virtual date going while you eat! Whilst it’s not the real deal, a virtual date can be just as fun!
Play games together
Organise a fun virtual date over Zoom where you can play some games together that celebrate your love. You could plan a quiz asking questions about your relationship, play ‘truth or dare’, or even a cheeky card game.
Send a love letter
Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a surprise letter received in the mail. Write out a heartfelt letter to your partner showing your love and appreciation for them and then pop it in the post!
Expressing your feelings by writing a letter can be a heartwarming gesture and it is something your partner can keep forever.
Celebrate on a future date
Just because you can’t be together on Valentine’s Day, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate it in person on a future date!
Plan a date when you are both going to be together and celebrate love then. That way you don’t have to feel disappointed on Valentine’s Day because you have your own date to look forward to.
Nancy Sokarno is a psychologist at Lysn. Lysn is a digital mental health company with world-class wellbeing technology which helps people find their best-fit professional psychologist whilst being able to access online tools to improve their mental health.
