_Cela is a sophomore journalism major at MU. She is an opinion columnist who writes about daily life for The Maneater._
Trudging through an already lonely year, February comes right around to highlight that loneliness with a barrage of all things pink, red and heart-shaped. With masks covering faces and COVID-19 in the air, it’s hard to tell if individuals have room or the capacity for love at a time like this. Quarantine-related trials and tribulations in 2020 brought couples together and forced them apart.
Organizing a date for Valentine’s Day can be difficult for couples when navigating social distance and long distance. For those dealing with long-distance, when being physically together isn’t possible, necessity breeds invention and other activities present themselves.
Some long-distance friendly activities are virtual scavenger hunts, cooking the same recipe over Zoom, doing a presentation night, online karaoke, Netflix party, Spotify Group Sessions or engaging in a multitude of other activities. Those inclined to write could take a page from Lara Jean in “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” and send a love letter to one — or five — recipients.
Additionally, even couples in the same zip code face challenges when planning a Valentine’s Day date night. With the cold weather and a lack of indoor activities, finding what to do can be difficult. While restaurants are a traditional go-to, safety regulations limiting in-person dining and COVID-19 concerns may make them unappetizing.
Instead of going out to eat, order takeout and support a small local business. Buy matching pajamas and indulge in a lazy day inside. Adventurous couples can brave the cold and snow to hike trails or stargaze at night. Bundle up and bring blankets to drive out to the McBaine bur oak tree, otherwise known as “Big Tree.” Cold winter nights with clear skies are the perfect condition to go stargazing.
No two couples celebrate their affection for each other the same way. Ultimately, spending quality time with a significant other is the true gift of Valentine’s Day, and any activity can be made special with the right intent and delivery.
If roses and romance don’t seem appealing, no worries. Although it isn’t an official holiday, celebrating the increasingly popular “Galentine’s Day” is another option.
Originating in a 2010 episode of the TV show “Parks and Recreation,” the character Leslie Knope creates “Galentine’s Day” on Feb. 13 as a way to celebrate her friends. Finding inspiration in the show, many people adopted the practice and began celebrating Galentine’s Day. Today, there are Galentine’s Day themed cards, quotes and gifts available to purchase to celebrate the special someones in life.
However, Galentine’s Day is not just for gals, it’s for any group of pals who want to celebrate their friendship. In a time where human contact and communication is precious, seize the opportunity to shower special humans with affection, however that may manifest.
If Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day aren’t interesting, take time to engage in some self-love. At the very least, take advantage of the bundles of goodies on sale Feb. 15. Participate in some self-care with a face mask, good book, sex toy, takeout, mani/pedi or online shopping. If some feels are in order, take a night drive and blast “Driver’s License,” “Good Days” or any song that inspires intense emotion and rolling the windows down.
Think of February as the month of all kinds of love: familial, friendly and romantic. Recuperating from the holiday season and looking ahead to the spring, check in on family and friends. Look inward to oneself and evaluate headspace, emotional bandwidth and energy levels.
_In pursuit of racial and social equity, The Maneater encourages its readers to donate to Facing History and Ourselves. Facing History helps classrooms and communities address injustices of the past and teaches students to stand up to bigotry and hate. Donate at: https://give.facinghistory.org/secure/give_
_Edited by Sofi Zeman | szeman@themaneater.com_
