7 Ideas to Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Military Spouse Way

Simply mention the words “ Valentine’s Day ” and you might find yourself in the middle of a division you had no idea existed! From the “ I hate Valentine’s Day ” camp who believe V-Day is a stupid made-up holiday promoted by greeting card companies, flower vendors, and candy makers and only serves to put pressure on relationships…to the swoony, starry-eyed, can’t- wait- to-tell-you-what-I’ve-planned DIY’ers… to the not-single-by-choice group who find it an obnoxious reminder that everyone seems to be part of a couple but them, you may not be prepared for how strongly people feel about hearts, Cupid, and chocolates.

But whether you love it or hate it, February 14 will soon be upon us. And whether your spouse or significant other is home or away, I offer you the following… 8 Ideas to Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Military Spouse Way

1. Ignore it completely.

Seriously! Can’t see your special someone today because they’re TDY or deployed? Or is your spouse around but neither of you really give a flip about Valentine’s Day? Then ignore it and treat is as just another day. No harm, no foul. (Unless you post a sour diatribe about it on social media, in which case the lovers among us will likely roll our eyes just a bit.) And you might want to avoid restaurants on Feb. 14 as it’s one of the busiest days of the year.

2. Love all things red, pink, and heart-shaped? Then do it up big!

Embrace your inner Cupid and go all out with no apologies. While you might not be able to fill a room with a thousand roses a la Kim and Kanye , check out this list of the “ 100 most romantic restaurants in America ”—maybe one is near you! Some other ideas to make the day special: set up a beer or wine tasting tour for two, indulge in a spa day, cook together if that’s your thing with gourmet, expensive ingredients you wouldn’t normally buy (All Recipes can get you started with their complete Valentine’s Day menu ), or throw a big party for all your fellow Valentine’s Day loving friends.

3. Have more love than budget?

Then stay out of the buying frenzy and instead, keep it simple. Minimize your expectations. For instance, adore red roses but can’t afford a dozen? A single red rose is classic, romantic, and sweet. Buy one bar of special chocolate instead of a whole box. A handwritten note from the heart will have more meaning than any greeting card ever could, and a lipstick message on the mirror and a dinner “in” of favorite foods can be just as romantic as a night at a swanky restaurant. And don’t miss the military discounts available on items as varied as movie tickets, jewelry, and clothing.

4. Embrace the cheesy side of Valentine’s Day .

This is one day where you completely embrace the cheesy, goofy side of love without explanation! One Valentine’s Day, I came out to my car after a meeting to see the driver’s seat filled with balloons, a giant teddy bear, and chocolates. Yes, I was cheesing all day after that! The memory of knowing that my husband made time to secretly stop by while he knew I was busy lasted long after the flowers faded.

5. Is your spouse deployed or TDY?

This may not be your most romantic year ever, but here are a few ideas to mark the day:

Make a video of your family with JibJab ! Send a funny or romantic e-card. Have a Skype date. Open care packages or gifts together if you can. Even a simple “I love you” while seeing the other’s face will be a gift today. For the away military member, remember that ordering and setting up flower or other deliveries online is a piece of (hopefully chocolate!) cake. Focus on your kids: make it fun by taking them on a “date” for a special dinner or movie, or bake cupcakes or a new treat together.

6. Gather the gals.

For the ladies--if you’re going to be alone but still want to get out, celebrate in the spirit of Leslie Knope of the TV show “Parks and Rec” and host your own “ Galentine’s ”! According to Leslie: “Leave the husbands and boyfriends at home and just kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus, frittatas!”

7. Going out alone not your style?

Can’t stomach seeing all the happy couples cozying up together? Invite a few friends over for a game night, crafts, or simply a chat and a bottle of wine. Or if you’d rather be alone, no time like the present to binge watch all those episodes of Downton Abbey on Netflix! In your pajamas, of course.