You don’t ALWAYS have to buy heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. If your partner enjoys working out, than a protein bar would make a great gift too, nothing says “I love you” better than supporting their gains. There's nothing wrong with chocolate, it's just really unoriginal. If you want to show them you really care, treat it like a mini-birthday. 

When making reservations at a restaurant, pick one that isn’t too "high-class". You don’t want to be forced to try and pronounce ‘quinoa’ or ‘foie gras’ for the rest of the night. Don’t go for buffets unless you’re both in the mood for it.

If you aren’t a dinner person, a good alternative is something fun like mini golf (if you're boring) or going to an escape room. Just steer away from being overly competitive, you don't want your date to turn into a battlefield.

Pick a card appropriate for your relationship status. If you’ve just started dating, “I tolerate you” is too truthful. Go for something more sincere but light-hearted. Please don't get one of those corny Valentine's cards, unless they're a middle-aged woman. 

If your date plans a skydiving adventure as a first date, they might be trying too hard. You’re looking for a good heart attack (if that even exists), not the bad kind. This is lower on the list of red flags, as it can also show they really care about you, just executing it wrong.

If they forget Valentine's Day entirely, it’s a sign they need a reminder. Maybe set up a calendar alert for them next time? However, if you have to set a calendar alert over such an important event, that says enough in itself. How do you forget a day that's plastered everywhere for the entirety of February?

Also, if they spend the entire evening talking about their ex, it’s a clear sign they haven’t moved on. Politely excuse yourself and head to the dessert menu solo.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Treat yourself to something special, binge-watch your favorite show, or hang out with friends, you deserve it for putting up with yourself for so long.

Being single means you don’t have to share your popcorn or fight over the remote, but it does mean fighting off the loneliness. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

You could also organize a fun night out with friends. Valentine's Day can be about celebrating all kinds of love, not just the romantic kind.