Social media tends to give the false perception that Valentine’s Day is the day of the year in which every person on earth enjoys the most romantic date night ever with the person of his or her dreams. Though it would be nice for that to happen, it is simply not a reality.

We wanted to share the many different ways in which the Catholic-Link team will be celebrating Valentine’s this year to help relieve the pressure you may feel to live up to the sometimes unreasonable expectations social media places on us. We are a very diverse team of people from all corners of the world and at different stages of life.

Check out our plans and share yours with us in the comments!

Love Note From Gode | God’s Love & Valentine’s Day

“When is Valentine’s day again? 😉 That probably covers it. I think the most fun I had was going to the cinema with some friends one year. In all seriousness, it’s a Tuesday so I’ll probably be at the gym (and hopefully it will be a little bit quieter than it usually is).” –  Alex Farmer

“I’m doing Crossfit and maybe hanging out with some friends. In Latin America Valentine’s Day is known as the day of “love and friendship” so going out with your friends is also pretty common here.” – Marigina Bruno Henrique

“My husband and I have learned that Valentine’s Day is not the best for a date night. The restaurants are crowded, babysitters are hard to find, and our kids are so hyped up on sugar from their classroom parties that even if we did find a babysitter, she would probably never come back! Instead, we feed the kids an early dinner and take the time to talk with them about the meaning and source of love. I write down Bible verses about love for each one of them to read and we talk about what we love about each other. Once we get the kids to bed, Jared and I begin our in-house date night. We’ll order take out from our favorite restaurant and then enjoy watching a romantic comedy while cuddling on the couch in our PJs. Chocolate covered strawberries are always a must-have at the end of the night!” – Becky Roach

“Call me cranky (but not a hipster), but I’ll be protesting the inauthenticity and shameless commercialization of what is actually a proper saint’s feast: St. Valentine 😉 (half-joking). The best way to celebrate would be going to Mass with my husband and then dinner together at home.” – Winnie Walter

“Well, judging by my calendar, February 14th will be a day of Philosophy lectures and dissertation writing, how fun. I’ll see friends in the evening, but nothing out of the ordinary. (Maybe I’ll wear my red socks… Martyrdom is love!)” – Benedict Hince

“I secretly really love the idea of Valentine’s Day even though I’ve never done anything major for it. It’s refreshing to see people being expressive about their love, especially in Britain where we can be quite reserved! It brightens up a cold and dreary month. I love any excuse to organise a celebration or party, so I will make sure that I do something fun with my friends, probably involving cake and we’re also definitely going to celebrate Galentine’s Day the day before (Parks and Rec!) I’m also sending my extremely cute puppy dog a card, my mum will (hopefully) find it hilarious, and Lily will enjoy destroying the envelope.” – Ruth Baker

“Does eating at least half of a heart-shaped box of chocolates count as a plan?” – Jennifer Dabovich

“Of course, my wife and I have our ordinary, day-to-day displays of affection for one another, and we also get annoyed at the commercialization of Valentine’s Day – but that doesn’t mean we can’t do things to elevate our love for people on special occasions, like we do on their birthdays, baptism days or anniversaries. Plus, it’ll be a great opportunity for the children to see a non-commercialized example of celebrating love. And, of course, to see that their dad thinks their mom is worth it!! So, I’ll persuade my wife to take the day off work; she loves a good, leisurely breakfast of croissants and coffee, perhaps brought to her in bed, but she’s not fussy about where she eats it; we’ll make an effort to look good for one another before heading out for Mass; afterwards we’ll dig out our wedding photos and order of service to show the children – undoubtedly that will get some conversations going; will I buy flowers? Probably – but lilies, as they have special significance related to the birth of our first child, Susannah, and I’ve always bought lilies to have in the house ever since; at some point we’ll go to our favorite coffee shop and plan dinner – we love cooking and that’s something which always brings us together. We’ll go shopping for ingredients and head home to prepare – sharing a whisky or two as we cook. Perhaps the children will eat first, so we can have a quiet romantic meal. Oh, and of course, fresh linen on the bed … ;)” Samuel Baker

“I love St. Valentine’s Day! My grandmother used to send us assorted chocolates every year so we knew we were important and loved. Now that I’m married, I am going to continue my tradition of writing sweet and funny things that I love about Ryan on a deck of cards, so that’s one thing that makes him a great man of God per card in the deck. I’ll call some important people in my life to make sure they know they are loved, like my big brother! Then, I’ll be sure to feed Ryan one of his favorite meals because he is a typical guy and loves food. I will also be sure not to force him to workout (running, push-ups, abs…) like I do normally, which he’ll definitely appreciate. He also has something planned, but he won’t tell me what it is! He planned our first date, which was a walk in the park and a lightsaber battle, and he’s continued his streak of good, unusual, nerdy celebrations. I’m sure whatever his surprise is will be something special! Happy St Valentine’s Day, everybody! You are loved!” – Genevieve Perkins

“I have Godspell rehearsal, so romantic ????”  –  Alanna Burg

Remember This…

Whatever your feelings are about Valentine’s Day and the way it is promoted in our society, I hope you find time to celebrate the love of God. Use this day as an excuse to show someone how much you love them.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. – John 15:9-17

Catholic Valentine’s Day Resources

14 Fun Ways To Spend Valentine’s Day When You’re Not In A Relationship

Valentine’s Day Reminds Us That We Are Loved

A Love Story In The Time Of Quarantine

How Real (Catholic-Link) People Spend Valentine’s Day

A Few Of Our Favorite Catholic Valentine’s Gifts

Love Isn’t What You Say, It’s What You Do

QUIZ: What Should You Give Up For Lent?

Which Lent Resource Is Best For You? Possible Quiz Results