Valentine’s Day. The day when hopeless romantics celebrate love, others celebrate their independence, and some just enjoy a very typical day. Here are a few fun ideas to help make February 14 perfect for you.

Valentine’s: This one is for you. 

Love is in the air, so show off that special someone. What better way than to take them out and grab a delicious bite at Acre, Hamilton’s, Amsterdam, The Depot, or The Hound. The great news is that each one takes reservations, so no need to rush to dinner or impatiently wait with other couples for a table. Just walk in, sample that special Valentine’s Day menu, and enjoy! 

Looking for an activity to do with bae? How about an escape room? Being locked in a room with bae and working together to escape sounds pretty romantic to me! And even if you can’t break out, at least you didn’t break up!

Want a night for yourselves with no distractions? Stay in! Cook dinner, watch movies, and enjoy each other’s company. A simple dinner recommendation is anything heart shaped (obviously). Maybe have breakfast for dinner with heart shaped pancakes and a side of heart shaped bacon. For dessert, make some heart shaped cookies or do chocolate fondue with heart shaped fruits. After dinner sit back, grab a blanket, light a candle and watch The Notebook, Titanic, or Crazy Stupid Love.

Galentine’s: Will all my independent ladies in the room please stand up? 

Looking for an excuse to dress up and hit the town with your girls? Most of you are thinking about dinner reservations, and by all means, you know I’ll be eating too. But, what if you switched it up this year? Go see a movie! Not your style? Then grab your girls and do some karaoke. Sing Sing Karaoke is close by. You can scream your hearts out and play a little tambourine on the side. 

Stay in. Have a movie marathon that includes all your favorite rom-coms. Be sure to maximize your snack selection with Auntie Anne’s heart shaped cinnamon sugar pretzels, heart shaped donuts from Dunkin or Krispy Kreme, and Pizza Hut’s heart shaped pizza. It’s also a new year which means a new you, so why not host a game night? Get games that will make you laugh until you cry like Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme, or The Voting Game. Doesn’t laughter trump love anyway? 

The number one quote for today (and every day, honestly): “Treat yo’ self”! Think of the one thing you have been wanting to do, but couldn’t justify doing, and just go DO IT! Grab a deep tissue massage, a facial, or get your nails done. Not only is it relaxing, but you deserve it! After countless hours of studying, take some time for you. After all, we are all just trying to get a little R E S P E C T. If you’re not sure where to go, try out Pretty Please Nail Salon, Nail Boutique and Spa, or even Spa One Eighty.

Typical Day: Just a normal day with the same ole’ routine!

Anything, I repeat, anything on campus! Go to The Rec for a workout, go to Mell to study, or play games in the game room. Let’s be honest, everyone else will be otherwise occupied, so this could be the perfect time to take advantage of that empty squat rack.

Why not get together with some friends? Go see a movie, go to Good Times for bowling, or stay in and just chill. Better yet, go play laser tag at CyberZone. Laser tag not only shuts you in a room with your friends, (away from all of the PDA) it also gives you a toy gun and vest. A little competition is great for getting rid of all that “anti-Valentine’s Day” angst.

But most importantly, avoid contact with anything pink, red, or decorated with hearts! 

Regardless of your view of February 14, it’s a holiday to enjoy! Whether it’s with your best girls, that special someone, or just your regular routine, there are plenty of options in Auburn to keep you busy! So, Happy Galentine’s, Valentine’s, and February 14, Auburn. 

Photography by Anthony B.