It’s that time of year again when shelves are lined in red and overflowing with teddy bears and over-sweet chocolates in heart-shaped boxes. And while Valentine’s Day is often split between lovers and haters, holidays can be a great time to have some fun. So here are some ideas for how to spend this year’s day of love from your friendly neighborhood sex therapist.
If you are solo: Self-love is important.
- Make your body feel good through movement! Whether that’s going to the gym, a yoga class, or just a quick walk, appreciate what your body has done for you thus far. We often get hung up on what our bodies look like; movement can be a great way to take pleasure in how they work.
- Indulge in some luxury. Give yourself some love with a long bath, an at-home spa day, or a mani-pedi (yes men can have spa days too). A holiday is a perfect excuse to treat yourself to something extra fancy.
- Make yourself feel sexy. Go buy some sexy lingerie for yourself; feeling good under your clothes can give you that extra boost in confidence. And if lingerie isn’t your thing, buy yourself an outfit that makes you feel amazing.
- Spend time with loved ones. What better way to celebrate love than to be with the people in your life who give love to you year-round. Spending time with friends or family can be just as fun as spending it with a romantic partner.
- Orgasms! What’s a Valentine’s Day list written by a sex therapist if it doesn’t include something sexy? Nothing says self-love like a little self-pleasure. Mix it up with some new toys or light some candles and seduce yourself.
If you have a partner or partners:
- Try something new together. Emotional intimacy and quality times are the backbones of romance. Doing a new activity together can bring novelty and fun into the relationship. Plus, it lets you see one another in a new environment which allows you to connect and support each other. Maybe consider attending a paint and sip night or try ax throwing if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Make it a double date. Yes, a romantic candle-lit dinner can be a great way to spend the day, but if you’re looking to mix it up a bit, a double date can be a fun option. Seeing your partner engage and have fun through the eyes of another can bring a fresh perspective and ignite that spark.
- Make your own candies together. Store-bought valentines day candies, while cute, are a little…expected. Add a twist and make some sweet treats together. You can decorate and eat them up, and maybe end dessert with another round of….dessert *wink wink*.
- Can’t go wrong with a thoughtful gift. Gift giving is harder than it looks but the key to any good gift is having the person in mind. Instead of getting some generic flowers, grab their favorite bouquet of lilies or pick up their favorite dumplings all the way from Chinatown.
- Try a new toy or fantasy together. Of course, we have to end on a sexy note. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to pick out a new toy to try together or experiment with a fantasy you’ve always wanted to try. Connecting sexually and approaching your partner(s) with curiosity about their pleasure is a classic for a reason.
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy the day and enjoy yourself because you deserve to feel amazing, holiday or not.
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