Valentine’s Day will be different this year. 1. There’s a pandemic, so most people would opt to stay at home rather than go out to celebrate. 2. If people do go out, there will surely be some traffic on the road. Chances are you and your SO are torn between staying in and going out. The thing is, Valentine’s Day isn’t about fancy meals. It’s about spending time with your partner and celebrating the loving relationship you have. So if you’re wondering how you can make staying in for Valentine’s Day more special, here are five simple ideas to consider.

1.     Order in from your fave restaurant.

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If you and your partner have a favorite restaurant for your dates or special occasions, you can still enjoy their menu at home. A lot of restaurants are offering delivery or self pick-up options so you can still indulge on V-Day. Just be sure to check if they’re accepting pre-orders ahead of the 14th, since a lot of people may have the same idea!

2.    Cook a meal together.

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On a budget? You can still have a lovely meal together. Plan your menu and hit the groceries the day before Valentine’s so you have ample time to prepare. If you’re feeling a bit experimental, you can look up cooking videos on YouTube for a new dish you want to try. You don’t have to do it alone. Ask your partner if they would be interested in trying to cook a new dish together and delegate the various tasks. For example, he can chop the veggies while you prepare the steak. Communication, working together, and quality time—the makings of a great relationship foundation.

3.    Enjoy an indoor picnic or breakfast in bed.

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There’s a lot of food-related date ideas in this list, but since most V-Day dates circle around dinner, we really can’t help it! If you’re staying at home for Valentine’s Day, you may be tempted to have a candlelit dinner. May we suggest an alternative? Try celebrating in the daytime with an indoor picnic, or even breakfast in bed. A classic but still a very special way to celebrate your relationship.

4.    Make plans for your future.

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Our present situation may be a tad confusing, so why not look to the days ahead? Take the chance to sit down and really put into words what you want to achieve together in the future. Do you want to travel? Is buying a house one of long-term goals? And *gasp* perhaps it’s time to broach the idea of taking the next step in your relationship? Now that would make V-Day truly special.

5.    Create your own spa experience.

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Finally, you can bust out your skincare collection to create your own at-home spa. We all know how soothing it is to just spend an hour pampering yourself through facial masks and massages. Your SO will probably enjoy it too!

Remember, quality time is more important than all the gifts and expensive meals. Take the chance to show your affection for them. We’re sure they’ll appreciate that the most.

Follow @belobeauty on Instagram.