For those of you feeling the pinch, just want to save a few, or don’t-buy-into-the-“holiday”-but-better-do-something-or-you’ll-be-in-BIG-trouble. . . it seems fit to brainstorm a few tips for the single, attached, and those in a long distance relationship! And lucky for everyone, it falls within a glorious 3-day weekend!

For the singles ready to mingle…or not…

- Get out some wine and board games and have a Scrabble-icious night with friends! The classic game of Sorry is also tons of fun and doesn’t necessitate a lot of strategizing when the wine sinks in

- Rent a gory/scary movie involving no gushy scenes and gorge on popcorn…whatever you do avoid a romcom. For that day, The Notebook, The Time Traveller’s Wife, and P.S. I Love You are NOT your friend!

- Ignore all the red, pink, and white! Sleep in, have a late lunch, and revel in the long weekend! Go President’s Day!

For spending time with your special someone…

- Instead of going out for a romantic dinner, go for a romantic brunch! Enjoy the lazy morning and spend less than you would on a lunch or a dinner.

- Pack a couple sandwiches and snacks (bring your pup if you have one!) and go on a hike! Surrounded by nature in a bit of a secluded spot can be more romantic than any 5-star restaurant! Just be sure to wear the right shoes!

- Cook dinner together! This one is way underrated. Look up recipes together and then venture to the grocery store hand in hand to grab all the essential ingredients. You can even make a ton so you have leftovers.

If your love is afar…

- Flowers are nice, but everyone underestimates a well written card Get over to a Walgreens and start hunting! There are 3D cards, hilarious cards, cards that hit on your inside jokes, and everything in between! Buy a bunch that you think he or she will love and send them all while stamps are still less than 50 cents! Have a theme, or have them open them on different days, be creative!

- If you can manage to find the words and don’t need the lovely assistance of Hallmark, pen an old fashioned letter. No notebook paper nonsense, at least use blank printer paper, or even a colored paper. Do some doodles, write a poem, or just say hi! Snail mail is uncommon these days and it is nice to get something your love spent a while handwriting just for you.

- Skype for the day! If both of you have Skype then it is completely free! Spend the Sunday virtually together with no cell phone or work or other distractions or interruptions. Even chat about what you will do next Valentine’s Day when the two of you get to be together

Valentine’s Day is about spending time with those you love whether it’s friends or sig others. It’s just like any other holiday! Have a blast this weekend and relax! And start getting excited for the 4 day week!