Luxurist Magazine

Love Out Loud: Make This Valentine’s Fun, Real, and Playful

Forget clichés and grand gestures—Valentine’s is about connection, laughter, and showing up with love. Here’s how to keep the romance alive with spontaneity, presence, and a touch of playful mischief.

Valentine’s Day: Be Fun, Be Present, Be in Love! 

By Gurjit Rana, Marriage Expert 

Ah, Valentine’s Day – the day that turns supermarkets into seas of overpriced roses and heart-shaped chocolates. Love it or hate it, you can’t escape it. But let’s not take it all too seriously, shall we? Valentine’s isn’t about fancy gifts or perfect dates; it’s about having fun, being present, and reminding your partner why you fell for them in the first place. 

Let me take you back to my teenage years – Valentine’s, circa awkward 16-year-old me. Picture this: a random guy, egged on by his mates, marches up to me in the school library. In front of everyone, he hands me a box of Milk Tray chocolates and a card. And do you know what I felt? Mortified. I didn’t even like him! The sheer embarrassment still makes me cringe today, but looking back, I admire the guts it took for him to do that. 

It takes courage to put yourself out there, to be bold about your feelings. And that’s what Valentine’s should really be about – not perfection, but intention. 

Fast forward to married life, and Valentine’s took on a new meaning for me. It became a moment of reassurance – a way to feel loved. Every February 14th, we’d exchange cards first thing in the morning, smiling like school kids. By lunchtime, fresh flowers would arrive, and for a while, it felt like magic. 

But there came a time when those little gestures started to feel hollow. When unresolved issues began to pile up, no bouquet, card, or romantic dinner could plaster over the cracks. That was a wake-up call for me. Valentine’s wasn’t about what my partner could do to make me feel loved; it was about what we could do to be in love again. I wanted that feeling every day! 

Become the Love You Seek 

Hence through my own inner journey I’ve discovered what I’ve been missing – Deep connected Love.  No present or person can give this to me.  It’s about how you show up. Before expecting grand gestures or sweet nothings, ask yourself this: How am I going to be love today? 

Too often, we focus on what we wish our partner would do – more gifts, more effort, more attention. But what if we flipped the script? What if, instead of waiting for love to come to us, we became the love we seek? 

It starts within. How do you want to show up in your relationship? With tenderness? Kindness? Compassion? This isn’t about grand romantic declarations; it’s about those small, everyday moments that make your partner feel truly seen and valued. 

When you lead with love, everything changes. You stop keeping score of who’s done what and start focusing on how you can bring joy and connection into your partnership. Love becomes less about expectation and more about intention. 

So this Valentine’s Day, try something different. Don’t look outward for validation. Instead, look inward and ask, Who do I want to be in this relationship? Then, express your love in ways that feel authentic and meaningful to you both. 

7 Ways to Keep Valentine’s Day Real, Fun, and Loving 

Now that you’ve started tapping into that inner love, here are some practical (and fun!) ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without falling into the commercial trap: 

  1. Be Like a Teen or 20-Something… 
    Remember those carefree days when you’d plan dates on a whim, with no schedules or responsibilities? Why not bring that energy back? 
    • Plan an unplanned day out – no itinerary, no expectations. Drive wherever the mood takes you, or better yet, turn up at the airport and book the next available flight. 
    • Can’t go far? Recreate the simple things you loved as teens or young adults: grab ice cream, play arcade games, or sit by the river with chips and gravy. 

  1. Do Something Wildly Unexpected 
    Want to break out of the Valentine’s rut? Do something completely out of character. 
    • Take a pottery class (yes, like the movie Ghost). 
    • Go indoor rock climbing or take a salsa lesson. 
    • Challenge each other to a karaoke night – bad singing is a bonus. 

  1. Focus on Small, Heartfelt Gestures 
    Big, flashy gestures might look great on Instagram, but love thrives in the little things: 
    • Leave a handwritten note on their pillow or in their bag. 
    • Cook their favourite meal, even if it’s a takeaway pizza. 
    • Give them a shoulder massage after a long day. 

  1. Be Present, Not Perfect 
    Valentine’s isn’t about grand declarations; it’s about being fully present. Put your phones away, clear your minds, and focus on each other. 
    Listen, laugh, and let go of small annoyances. Love is less about perfection and more about creating a space where you both feel seen and valued. 

  1. Create Memories, Not Debts 
    Save your wallet and focus on creating memories instead. Watch your favourite rom-com, dance in the kitchen, or go for a long walk. The best moments don’t come with a price tag – they come with laughter, connection, and a shared sense of fun. 

  1. Remember Why You Fell in Love 
    Take a moment to reflect on what brought you together. What did you love about them when you first met? Their sense of humour? The way they made you feel? Tell them why you’re grateful for them and watch the spark reignite. 

  1. Be Bold, Be Playful 
    That teenager with the Milk Tray might not have been my Prince Charming, but he taught me an important lesson: love takes courage. 
    Flirt with your partner like you used to. Send them a cheeky text, surprise them with their favourite treat, or leave a note that makes them laugh. Playfulness keeps the romance alive. 

Final Thought: Keep It Light, Keep It Real 

Valentine’s Day isn’t about perfection or extravagance. It’s about connection, fun, and showing your partner they’re your person. 

So, skip the pressure to make it “Instagram-worthy.” Instead, focus on making it memorable in your own unique way. Whether it’s a spontaneous adventure, a heartfelt note, or just holding hands on the sofa, it’s the little things that mean the most. 

Want more tips to rekindle your relationship or make this Valentine’s extra special? Download my free resource here https://marriageexpert.co.uk/25ways 

This Valentine’s, don’t aim for the perfect day – create a day that’s perfectly you. 

Gurjit Rana 
Marriage Expert | Helping Couples Rekindle the Spark 

share this article:

Facebook
X
Pinterest
LinkedIn

write on luxurist:

Discover More in This Exclusive Category

Subscribe To Our Newsletter