Here are some ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day free of romantic pressure:

• Don’t limit yourself to tradition. No matter how many ads you see for diamond jewelry or fancy cologne, despite how many boxes of chocolate and bottles of wine you walk past in the stores, nothing says that you have to buy traditional Valentine’s Day products to have a romantic holiday. By the same token, there’s no reason you can’t celebrate a fulfilling holiday without investing in expensive traditional Valentine’s Day experiences like eating out and taking trips. Be creative. If you have an idea that doesn’t fit the mold of what’s traditionally considered romantic, go ahead and pursue it anyway. For example, maybe you and your spouse are looking forward to choosing materials for a home improvement project you plan to work on together. In that case, you both might actually enjoy spending Valentine’s Day shopping at hardware store, however unromantic that might seem to others.
• Ask instead of assuming. Don’t worry about trying to figure out on your own what to get your spouse for Valentine’s Day. Rather than just working from your assumptions, ask your spouse what best communicates love to him or her. Although you may think your husband will enjoy eating out at an elegant restaurant, he may actually be hoping that you’ll spend a quiet evening at home. You may look forward to surprising your wife with a new silk nightgown, when what she really wants is a handwritten love letter. Before making your Valentine’s Day plans, ask your spouse to let you know what specific ways you can make the holiday special for him or her. Be willing to sacrifice what you think would be best for what your spouse would enjoy the most – even if you don’t relate to your spouse’s choices. Keep the focus on honoring and blessing your spouse rather than indulging your own desires.
• Notice what you already have. Realize that you and your spouse don’t have to do something wildly romantic together in order to appreciate each other. Take the time to consider some of the many ways your spouse acts in love toward you every day, and use Valentine’s Day to express your appreciation – both by letting your spouse know that you notice what he or she does for you, and by making a concerted effort to bless your spouse through small yet meaningful acts of affection (such as giving him or her a massage) and service (like taking over one of your spouse’s household chores when he or she is especially tired).
• Celebrate the greatest love of all. Remember that the greatest love story isn’t about you and your spouse, or any other couple, no matter how romantic. Even Saint Valentine served the One who is the source of all love – Jesus. And the love Jesus has for you and your spouse is greater than even the most exciting romantic thrills you can experience together. So ask your spouse to join you in prayer this Valentine’s Day, letting Jesus know how grateful you are for His love in your lives, and loving Him back through your worship.