How to Navigate a New Relationships During Valentine’s Day

Roses are red; violets are blue; are you in a new relationship, and don't know what to do?

Navigating Valentine's Day when you’re in a new relationship can be a challenge- your romance is only beginning to blossom, and you don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on the ‘L” word so early on. With Valentine’s being the holiday designated specifically to grand gestures of love and affection, it can be unclear what to expect from your new S/O. This can lead to feelings of confusion and pressure to make the day special, even if the relationship is still in the early stages.

Those in a "situation-ship" may struggle with defining the nature of their relationship and whether they should celebrate Valentine's Day at all. On one hand, acknowledging the holiday could signal that the relationship is becoming more serious. On the other hand, not celebrating could lead to hurt feelings or misunderstandings.

As a professional matchmaker, I know how much stress and anxiety the anticipation of this holiday causes for those who are casually dating, just met a match, or are in the beginning stages of a relationship. With February 14th right around the corner, I want to share my top 5 pieces of advice I have given my clients over the years to help them navigate this tricky holiday. 

1. Talk about your expectations.

The first step in navigating a new relationship during Valentine's Day is to talk about your expectations for the holiday. This could include whether or not you plan to exchange gifts, what type of celebration you're interested in, and how you feel about spending time together. Having an open and honest conversation about your expectations can help ensure that you're both on the same page and prevent any surprises or misunderstandings.

2. Get to know each other’s preferences.

In a new relationship, it's important to get to know each other's preferences and tastes. This will come in handy when it comes to choosing a gift or planning a celebration. Ask your partner what their favorite colors, hobbies, and interests are, and keep those in mind when you're planning your Valentine's Day celebration.

3. Keep it simple.

When it comes to Valentine's Day, it's easy to get caught up in the hype and feel like you need to do something big and elaborate. However, it's important to remember that it's still a new relationship, and you don't want to put too much pressure on each other. A simple dinner, a movie, or a walk in the park can be just as meaningful and enjoyable as a more elaborate celebration

4. Focus on spending quality time together.

Valentine's Day is ultimately about celebrating your love and affection for each other. Whether you're exchanging gifts, having a romantic dinner, or simply spending time together, the most important thing is to focus on spending quality time together. Take the opportunity to get to know each other better and enjoy each other's company.

5. Be thoughtful and considerate.

Finally, it's important to be thoughtful and considerate when it comes to navigating a new relationship during Valentine's Day. Whether you're choosing a gift, planning a celebration, or simply spending time together, take the time to think about what your partner might enjoy or appreciate. A small gesture can go a long way in showing your love and affection.

So, whichever type of “-ship” you are traversing the daunting waters of Valentine’s Day in, remember that open communication, a clear understanding of each other's expectations, and a willingness to compromise will help you enjoy the day in your relationship’s own, unique way.