valentine’s day is a day to celebrate love - whether that love is a longtime spouse or a lifelong pal. (hey, galentine’s day is a thing for good reason.) and what better way to do it than go sit at a crowded restaurant + pay major moolah for a pricey prix fixe dinner? yeah, totally kidding. we’ve actually thought of several things that are way better - five, to be exact! all of them up the health factor for heart day + they are all guaranteed to make you + your sweetie smile. no valentine? no problem! grab a girlfriend + give one of our alternative v-day options a go.  

[try a new workout class or sport]
curious about golf every time the hubby heads out to the course? set up a valentine’s day tee time for just the two of you! been wanting him to try yoga with you? take a candlelight class together. after all, the couple that sweats together stays together. exercise-induced endorphins mean the mood is happy, romantic attraction is at a high thanks to the physiological effects of a joint sweat sesh, and enjoying a workout together can actually even strengthen your emotional bond. all this, plus an accountability buddy to keep your fitness goals on track?? sounds like a win-win to us!

[take a hike]
working out together isn't your thing? well, if you’re fortunate enough to live in an area where hiking in february is an option, you can still get a sweat going AND romance each other at the same time! not only will it give you a chance to get outside + breathe in some fresh air, you’ll get in some good, quality time with your partner with no electronics to distract you. bonus: because of the uneven terrain, you’ll also use muscles that don’t often get their day in the sun.

[make a themed dinner]
whether it’s all heart-shaped foods, or pink everrrrrything, work together in the kitchen to create a delicious valentine’s day dinner that’s as delicious as it is adorable. getting in the kitchen together strengthens your relationship in many ways, including improving your communication skills, teaching each other, learning from one another, practicing new techniques together. and what’s more bonding than enjoying a wonderful meal that the two of you created together?   

[pucker up at a picnic]
again, maybe don’t try this in february if you’re smack-dab in the middle of polar vortex country, but if temps allow where you live, why not pack up a romantic meal-to-go + head outside for a valentine’s day lunch? it’s more affordable, it’s a change of scenery + it gets you out in nature. you’ll soak up vitamin d, your mood will immediately improve + you’ll have uninterrupted time with your love.

[volunteer to spread the love]
have so much love for your sweetie that you could just burst at the seams?? lots of people (or even furry little friends) could use some of those overflowing love in their lives. whether you volunteer your time at a soup kitchen or an animal shelter, doing it together will not only strengthen your bond, it’ll help brighten other’s valentine’s days as well. and what better way to really realize and celebrate how lucky you both are to have someone to love?