Valentine's Day 2026: History, Psychology & How to Celebrate on Your Terms

The Annual Dilemma

It's that time of year again. The pressure to have the "perfect" evening can be overwhelming, whether you're in a long-term relationship, a fresh romance, or flying solo.

The Commercial Trap

Let's be honest: for many, Valentine's Day is just annoying. There are plenty of people (couples included!) who are absolutely grumpy about the whole thing. It’s hard not to feel cynical when every commercial is designed to make you feel inadequate—like if you don't buy this diamond or that chocolate, you aren't loved enough.

If you hate the forced romance, you are not alone. It is perfectly okay to opt out completely and treat it like any other Tuesday.

For Couples: Splurge vs. Save

Going Out: If you're looking to splash out, venues like Leeds Minster are hosting special candlelight concerts (check out "Valentine's Piano by Candlelight"). It's romantic, atmospheric, and definitely memorable.

Staying In: There's no shame in a home-cooked meal. In fact, it can be more intimate. Grab some high-quality ingredients from the local market, light some candles, and save a fortune.

For Singles: Celebrate You

Valentine's isn't just for couples.

Galentine's/Palentine's: Get the group together. Check out the Events on our site for dates that are perfect for dancing with friends.
Treat Yourself: Use the money you would have spent on a date to buy something you actually want.

How should we react?

It’s easy to be cynical if you’re not participating, but try not to rain on anyone else’s parade. If your colleague gets a giant bouquet, be happy for them. Joy is scarce enough—let people enjoy the cheesy romance. If observing it triggers loneliness, just mute social media for 24 hours.

References

Most Romantic Films for Valentine's Day

Whether you're planning a cozy night in or looking for inspiration, here are some of the most romantic films to watch:

Classic Romance

Casablanca (1942): "Here's looking at you, kid." Timeless wartime romance with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
The Notebook (2004): The modern classic that launched a thousand tears. Bring tissues.
When Harry Met Sally (1989): Proof that friends can become lovers. That deli scene, though.
Pride & Prejudice (2005): Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen's smoldering chemistry in the English countryside.

Feel-Good & Fun

Love Actually (2003): Multiple love stories intertwined. It's cheesy, it's brilliant, it's a Christmas/Valentine's crossover.
Amélie (2001): French whimsy and charm. Audrey Tautou plays a quirky Parisian matchmaker.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999): Shakespeare meets 90s teen romance. Heath Ledger serenading on the bleachers = perfection.
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011): Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and Steve Carell in a smart rom-com with actual depth.

For the Cynics

500 Days of Summer (2009): A realistic (and sometimes painful) look at modern love. Spoiler: It doesn't go how you expect.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): What if you could erase someone from your memory? Mind-bending romance.
Blue Valentine (2010): Raw, honest, and heartbreaking. Not for the faint of heart, but deeply moving.

LGBTQ+ Love Stories

Call Me by Your Name (2017): Luca Guadagnino's stunning coming-of-age love story set in 1980s Italy.
Carol (2015): Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in a beautifully shot 1950s romance.
Love, Simon (2018): A heartwarming teen rom-com with a modern twist.

Valentine's Day Jokes (Because Why Not?)

Lighten the mood with these groan-worthy Valentine's jokes:

Q: What did one volcano say to the other?
A: "I lava you!"
Q: Why did the banana go out with the prune?
A: Because it couldn't find a date!
Q: What do you call two birds in love?
A: Tweethearts.
Q: Why do skunks celebrate Valentine's Day?
A: They're very scent-imental.
Q: What did the calculator say to the pencil on Valentine's Day?
A: "You can count on me!"
"Roses are red, violets are blue, I'd rather have tacos than be romantic with you." (For the cynics!)

Conversation Starters for Your Date

Stuck for things to talk about? Here are some Valentine's Day conversation starters that go beyond "So... you come here often?"

Deep & Meaningful

"If you could relive one day of your life, which would it be and why?"
"What's something you believed as a child that turned out to be completely wrong?"
"If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be?"
"What's a cause or issue you're passionate about but don't often talk about?"

Fun & Playful

"What's the weirdest food combination you secretly love?"
"If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack of your life, what would it be?"
"What's your most embarrassing moment that you can laugh about now?"
"If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?"
"What's something on your bucket list that would surprise me?"

Getting to Know You

"What's a skill you've always wanted to learn but haven't yet?"
"What does a perfect weekend look like for you?"
"What's a book, film, or show that changed your perspective on life?"
"If you could switch careers tomorrow with no consequences, what would you do?"
"What's the best advice you've ever received?"

Just For Fun

"Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or a hundred duck-sized horses?"
"If you could be any fictional character for a day, who would you choose?"
"What's your go-to karaoke song (even if you never actually sing it)?"
"If you won the lottery, what's the first ridiculous thing you'd buy?"

The Verdict

Do what makes you happy. Don't buy into the commercial hype if it stresses you out. A walk in the park with a coffee is just as valid as a 5-course tasting menu.