Call me a MAFS bride because I probably won’t be finding love this season, but I will most definitely be finding the best chocolates, worst rom-coms, goofiest dating app profiles, and cutest date ideas.
No matter what your relationship status is this Hallmark holiday, here are 14 things to keep you busy or keep the tears at bay.
1. Play Putt-Putt
Nothing says love quite like getting hot, sweaty, and deeply frustrated with the sand pits. Like a steady lover, Victoria Park and its commitment to themed Putt-Putt experiences never disappoint. Click here to find out more.
If you want to swing at something with a bit more vigour, the driving range next to the Putt Putt course has some Valentine’s inspired targets for you to hit (I hear you can aim at the winged man himself, so take your best shot).
2. Buy Sex Toys or Lingerie
Valentine’s Day is prime time for sex store discounts, so get in on the fun! Enjoy the discounts and buy yourself something that makes you want to stay in with some candles on. Or, something that makes you need to Google instructions. Or, something that simply makes you feel good in your own body.
If you don’t know where to start, Lovehoney is an accessible, queer-safe, student-friendly online sex toy store with discreet packaging.
3. Do Your Laundry
It’s always a great day to do your laundry. Get those socks off the floor and into the washer.
4. Have a Movie Date
Alone, with a friend or with a partner, watching a movie with some snacks is a guaranteed good time.
If for some reason you would like to spice this classic date up, you can go to W Brisbane’s rooftop pool cinema, and watch a film from the comfort of a squeaky inflatable pool recliner while cocktails float on trays around you. Learn more here.
In a less-audacious attempt to get out of the house, you can also enjoy some romantic movies outdoors with Moonlight Cinemas in Roma Street Parkland. Learn more here.
5. Set Up Dating App Profiles
If you’re not on the apps but are thinking about it, grab a drink and a snack and sit down to curate your profile as if you were on a date with yourself. Find your best photos, pick your favourite profile prompts, and let the flirting commence!
6. Go Grocery Shopping
Valentine’s Day is a great day to go grocery shopping because the in-love people won’t be taking up space at the registers with their shared toiletries and talk of splitting bills. And if you go late enough you might even be able to get the first serving of discounted heart-shaped chocolates.
7. Engage with Sexual Wellness Content
Regardless of what your sex life looks like, sexual health is important for your overall happiness and comfort. Engaging with content that makes you think about your sex practices, sexual beliefs, and desires is a great way to celebrate the holiday of love. You can listen to a podcast, watch Ted-Talks, or read sexual wellness books.
8. Go Dancing
Leave the stress of trying to appease societal expectations of romance on the dancefloor. This dancefloor can be found in an establishment in the Valley, or can also be the carpeted floors of your student accommodation bedroom. Alternatively, ask a friend with a rickety share house to host a small gathering of friends so that you can all dress in your best (or worst) outfits and scream the anthem that is Mr Brightside together.
9. Go Try Out That Restaurant You’ve Been Meaning To
You’ve been looking for a special occasion. This is the special occasion. Go forth.
10. Attend a ‘Verb’-and-Sip class
‘Verb’-and-Sip classes come in many forms, and all of them are worth it.
Check out these Valentine’s themed Clay and Sip and Paint and Sip classes.
11. Create a Bucket List
Take a moment to think about all the things you’d like to do and write them down. This can be sex-related, relationship-related, or just life-related. Then, and here’s the really fun part: take turns sharing with your friends or romantic interests. You might steal an idea from them or inspire them in some way, and you’ll definitely get closer than ever before.
12. Shoot Your Shot
It’s one of the best days of the year for it. Almost as good as New Year’s, with the excuse of a drunken text. What’s the worse that can happen? Getting rejected won’t make you more single than you already are
13. Write Love Letters
For yourself, for your pets, for the people in your life that you love, maybe even for the people in your life that you don’t. Writing love letters is an ancient art form and a fun creative writing exercise for any day.
If you feel inclined to share it with the world, you can do so through QUT Love Letters.
14. Stay In and Binge Watch Pedro Pascal Edits
After all, it is just another Tuesday.