Here are our top 5 suggestions for a Valentine’s Day where you can share the love, whether it’s romantic or full of other joys.

Make Someone’s Day

Rather than worrying about getting the perfect present for one person this Valentine’s Day, why not carry out some small and simple acts of kindness to spread the love far and wide? This might be as simple as paying for the coffee of the person behind you at the till, donating to a charity, or telling a stranger that you rate their style.

You could make the day of an elderly friend or relative by surprising them with a call or visit, or even by sending them a small but personal gift. If you have children in your family or social circle, you might take them on an unexpected ‘date night’ to see a favourite movie, or stay in with hot chocolate and treats for a pampering session.

If you’re an animal lover, you might even want to make some doggy’s day by picking up some toys at the pet shop and taking them down to your local animal shelter! Everyone likes to be thought of, so doing something small but special is a great way to show your love.

Make a New Connection

Do you want to know a top dating site secret? Almost everyone is hoping that you’ll send the first message! Reaching out first when online dating can feel like a nerve-wracking experience, and it’s very easy to overthink what to say. So this Valentine’s Day why not take the stress out of someone else’s experience and reach out to them first?

Our tried and tested tips for success with your opening message include mentioning something you have in common, and asking a friendly question based on what they say in their profile. It’s easy when you know how, and on Valentine’s Day you have a ready made greeting!

February is always one of the busiest times of the year on Christian Connection, so there are bound to be new people waiting to say hello. Why not read our guide to sending great messages to help you get started?

And if you really are too nervous to send the first message, we’ve got you covered! Send a wave, or check out our ‘reactions’ for another first contact option.

Treat yourself – and love your local community

Valentine’s Day can mean big business for many, but don’t forget about local and small community businesses who’ll be extra grateful for your support.

If you want to show yourself some love on Valentine’s Day (you deserve it!), why not visit a small local coffee shop for a beverage and a brownie rather than heading to the usual chain? Get yourself some flowers, or for a longer-lived option splash out on a brand new houseplant from a local garden centre or plant shop. Or head to a local spa for a pampering session.

Now you can spoil yourself and feel good about doing it – and chat to new people you meet along the way!

Spend ‘Palentine’s’ with friends old or new

Palentine’s Day is a well established tradition for the many people who choose to show love to their friends each Valentine’s Day. Why not head out with your buddy group to that extra-fancy restaurant you’ve always wanted to go to and choose whatever you want from the menu. There’s no need to worry about spilling spaghetti sauce when you’re out with pals! Or choose a chilled-out friendship date and spend it on your couch with a box set or video game.

You could take the Palentine’s theme one step further and spend the day making new friends. Look for a local meetup group for one of your hobbies or interests and sign up to attend. Or opt to host or attend one of Christian Connection’s member-hosted Meetups (check out the CC homepage) where you’ll meet new friends and maybe even find someone to spend next Valentine’s with. Meetups can be hosted online or in person, and it’s easy to get started as a host.

Whatever you’d like to do this Valentine’s Day there are sure to be others who’d love to join you.

Take the plunge and plan a date

While there are so many ways to share love with others on Valentine’s Day, we can’t ignore the traditional romantic choice. If you’ve been chatting with someone on Christian Connection for a while and think there could be a spark, or if you’ve already met up once and know you’d like to see them again, this could be the perfect time to set up a Valentine’s Day date.

We have all kinds of date ideas and suggestions to help you make the experience a memorable one, so there’s bound to be something that speaks to both of you.

And if you’re not quite at the date stage yet, why not have a getting-to-know-you chat or video call? You could even have a laid back ‘distant date’ and watch the same movie together or have a meal while you chat.

Remember, there doesn’t need to be any extra pressure just because it’s Valentine’s Day. Any day of the year can be special when you meet the right person, so if you haven’t found your connection yet, this could be the time to make sure your profile and photos are updated and showing you at your best – here are some of our top tips – and then to let love happen when the time is right. Remember, God’s timing is always perfect!

We hope you have a loving Valentine’s Day, however you choose to spend it. And remember that if the best way to show love to yourself is to ignore the day this year and let it pass by, that’s completely valid too. On Christian Connection we’re here to support you all year round – and remember, you are always loved.

How will you share the love this Valentine’s Day?

Looking for more Valentine’s Day advice and blog posts? Click here to visit our archive