Think outside the box and have a special day with your loved ones. PHOTO: REUTERS
Yes, it is February and yes, the supposed day of love is looming above us all. While all the single ladies are planning a girls’ night to escape the lovey-dovey festivities, those in relationships are trying tirelessly to figure out how to make it special for their significant other.
We understand that the options are limited, but it is time to get innovative. Think outside the box to have a special day with your loved one(s).
If you think it is monotonous to just go out for dinner and have a meal that you can have any other day of the week. Here is what we think would make your Valentine’s Day more unique and special.
Make a four course meal with favourite ingredients
Ladies, and the rare species of kitchen-friendly men, three course meals are very 2008, so this year, be more creative with your meal choices. Don’t restrict yourselves to the usual soup/salad, entrée and dessert meal; make some pre-appetisers and an antipasti platter, and nothing is more delicious than some freshly baked bread. Give those cupcakes a rest and try making something new for dessert.
An activity that your significant other really wants to
do and you don’t
Relationships are about compromise and sometimes, understanding what the other person wants to do. Take this day to show your significant others that you are willing to put their interests above yours. Plan an activity that you are uninterested in, but know your husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend is passionate about. It’ll be extremely romantic and will express your feelings in just about the right manner.
Share a daredevil experience
Adrenaline rushes bring people closer together. You will be surprised how important an ingredient thrill is to the recipe of romance. So, this year, try something different. If in Lahore, one can try out activities at the X-Park, go for go-karting or rock climbing. Even ATV racing can cause the desired rush.
Areas neighbouring Islamabad offer activities such as paragliding, so it could be very special to get out for the day and check it out. Karachiites have an added advantage of the beach and ocean, so perhaps, you can experience deep sea diving and share a life-altering experience together.
Picnic for two during the day
The weather has been absolutely fantastic these days, so pack up that basket and head out to the park and laze around in the sun all day, munching on homemade goodies. Pack some of your favourite board games or plan some park activities that are interactive and that allow you two to bond with each other.
Charpai chilling on the roof
If day time relaxing is not your thing, fire things up with a bonfire, and set up an old school charpai on the roof and gaze at the stars all night long. You can also grab a telescope and make the experience more fun. For those planning a group hangout, you can’t go wrong with a rooftop barbecue.
Recreate a fun childhood game
We all loved games and the activities of our childhood and there is nothing better than a real throwback to a care-free time. How about you surprise your Valentine with a picnic in a makeshift tent? Take a few bamboo shoots and some sheets to create the structure and add some fairy lights and comfortable throw pillows to create a romantic ambience. We all love presents, but nothing says ‘I love you’ better than ‘do it yourself’ projects.
So, get out there, jazz up your special day and plan something that is more fun and exciting than the Valentine’s Day usuals.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 13th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (19)
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@Arslan: Yes, because Pakistani society is oh so pious and moral.
Furthermore, maybe women would rather choose on their own what they celebrate and how, as opposed to having men in their family decide it for them. I suspect this is a foreign and baffling concept to people such as you.
@Arslan: Your backward thinking hyped by the bollywood notion of the world is actually out of this world. As adults, women just the same as men have the right to make their choices (like it or not). It's sad that all you see are "objects" in actresses, models etc (perhaps you might wanna have yourself tested for misogyny) but these are strong willed women who chose what was best for themselves despite of what feeble minded people might think. Please just stick to maintaining the "morals" within your own confines. Oh and a Happy V-Day!
Wish all loving couples a hand in hand stroll in the gardens and beaches of Pakistan. Love is the natural religion of wo/mankind.
Our society is so much full of hates and fights that even the word LOVE is something negagive, naja-iz, seems to be like "based on obscene and nudity" for us. It is not the fault of LOVE its our that we feel it something as obscene and nudity
I say when we can so easily abuse , hate and kill at will in public why not show half that passion for love and affection. Dont Hindus and Muslims have love stories in their past history . Love is as old as humanity itself. Let's celebrate love. I am all for the big V day.
@shanzaykhan: you were being sarcastic right ?
@Mirza Try you theory at your Daughter or Sister. Not our society. Cheers to you too!
@shanzaykhan
Nothing but respect for you Man!
These so called open minded people who have destroyed our cultural values, the respect of our women and made them nothing more than an item used for advertisement, enjoyment and entertainment. In the form of Models, Actresses, Prostitutes etc. For those who still believe in celebration of this day. Would you chose the same for your Mother, Sister your Daughter or our generation to come? If yes than, sorry to say you are morally dead.
God Bless!
If only the haters used this much energy & resources (billboards etc.) condemning the suicide bombings instead of a Hallmark holiday.
Everything that makes a young couple happy is not allowed in our country. The best way is to go a little crazy but stay inside the safety of your home and away from acid throwers and killers. Of course there cannot be more beautiful sight in the world than seeing a young couple in love no matter what the occasion is. Cheers!
@Ahmed. These type of peopl are only born muslim and die muslim. They live all their life like wannabees.
Cheap ideas!
@shanzaykhan: "publication based on obscene and nudity which not only provoke erotic feelin"
Dirty minds can only think up of dirty thoughts. These activities are normal fun activities that even married couples can do. It does not say be nude or have erotic feelings for each other. If the filth has corrupted your mind and you cannot think of more then nobody will help you.
P.S I really don't care about Valentin'e day.
@shanzay khan If you & your friends don't want to celebrate Valentine then don't but do not deny others. So instead what are you doing to teach youth about reforming society! national development! education & most important the dignity of women. These are laudable goals but actions count louder than words. Many people have grandiose ideas but few actually commit to making these ideas a reality. Look around you to see visible signs that! very little progress is made to guarantee free education to masses, how to reform a society fill with loads of corruption, the dignity of women is being violated by shooting school girls going to school, acid thrown on women forces so in Pakistan we are a long way from achieving this goal.
@shanzaykhan: There's definitely no element of nudity in this article, and there are plenty of other articles that cover the subjects mentioned in your post. Plus you're making the assumption that Valentine's is a celebration of eroticism not love, two very different things.
I wonder if people actually know what Saint Valentine did or said or even who he was. Secondly, you spend your life like jews and christians or non-muslims, you be with them in the next one aswell(No it does not make you a non-muslim).
you are requested taht you published those publication which teach youth about reforming of society, national develoment, education and most important about the dignity of womens in societ rather than the publication based on obscene and nudity which not only provoke erotic feelin but also give practical lessons valentine totaly contradict with our values dont promot it please.