Valentineâs Day can present a minefield of awkward interactions for online daters. Whatâs worse is thereâs a ton of conflicting information online. A lot of the social rules have quickly become old-fashioned and out-dated.
Thatâs why weâve done the research on modern online datersâ likes/dislikes and general expectations around the Valentineâs Day season. And, today, we bring you these definitive dos and donâts!
DONâT:
Donât purposely schedule a first date on V-Day
Apparently, the internet is full of old-school, grandmotherly types shouting, âBe sure to find a date for Valentineâs Day!â Please do not do this.
Valentineâs Day is a holiday wrought with expectations of l-o-v-e. First dates should never be so much pressure! Rather, the best first dates feel light-hearted and non-committal (like a quick coffee on a Tuesday).
DO:
Do play it cool if you accidentally schedule a first date on V-Day
According to one 20-something female:
âI had an accidental first date on February 14th. In text, it was just like, âHowâs Sunday?â I literally didnât know it was Valentineâs Day until, on the train, everybody around me was holding red roses. I was so embarrassed. But I got to the gallery, he didnât have flowers or anything, and it was just like a regular date.â
Do acknowledge the holiday if youâre talking to someone on a dating site/app
But keep it light, casual, chill! Just because itâs Valentineâs Day does not mean that youâre at a place in your relationship for sensual romance.
Meet the holiday where your relationship is. Like, if youâve been talking to someone on Bumble for a day or two prior to February 14th, itâs okay to say, âHappy v-day!â Or to make a joke about it, if you have the opportunity. Maybe you have funny memories of valentine exchanges in elementary school? Those are fair game.
Do give a small gift to someone youâve been seeing for a few weeks/months
If youâve been seeing someone, but itâs still really early in the relationship (like you-havenât-deleted-your-Tinder-profile-yet early), itâs okay to make a date for February 14th.
If youâve been seeing the person for a few weeks, consider making them a silly Valentineâs Day card or something similar, but stay away from real gifts and anything too serious, expensive, or formal.
If youâve been seeing the person for a few months, a small gift of candy or flowers should do it. No clothes, perfume, cologne, or jewelry, though. These can come across as overly eager to get to something more.
If youâve been seeing the person for a few months AND ITâS GOING REALLY WELL, you can be super slick and gift the person another date with you! Think: not-too-expensive concert tickets; a ball game; a restaurant youâve been meaning to try. This is a step up from candy without feeling awkwardly over-the-top.
Well I hope these tips help you keep the awkwards at bay this conversation heart season! Weâll see you back on Photofeeler with the pic that makes you secretly feel sexy.
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