Happy (Sad) Valentine’s Week! Today, we are going to be giving students dating advice. This article is brought to you by the best of the best: the AnchorNews staff, who are SOOOOOO knowledgeable on dating (really, the single ones and ones in DEEP situationships).

Onto the topic of asking people to be your Valentine. Even if you are dating, you still have to ask them to be your Valentine. Don’t just say you “already were” just because you’re dating; that’s so boring!! It can be simple or complex, just make sure you put in the effort. A poster or a basket would be amazing, but simply asking goes a long way.

Let’s move on to the topic of flowers. It very much depends on the person, but if you do, don’t buy them on Valentine’s Day; they are way overpriced. Also, don’t just get roses, that’s the easy way out. Find out what their favorite flower is. Or if you are going for the “forever” flowers, get Lego flowers and turn it into a cute date night. The main takeaway is knowing who you are asking. 

Now for the date. Key word: DATE. You should really have fun with your date. Actually, go on a date. Do something you both enjoy—it doesn’t have to be big, just something fun. You could stay home or go out, relax, or do all the fun activities. Spending time with one another is the most important part. There are so many things you can do, so don’t be a boring loser. Here are some ideas: 

• get food
  • ice cream date
  • fast food drive-thru
  • movies
• go on an adventure
  • go on a walk – maybe walk a dog? (or if you want to, walk your fish—that’s your prerogative)
  • go to the park and play on the playground
  • hike (obviously not in Columbus, duh)
  • drive around
  • museums/aquariums
  • shopping
  • lantern festival
  • going to a music store
  • going to Build-a-Bear
• spending the night in (homebodies represent!!)
  • make a fort
  • watch movies
  • cook dinner together (if you need ideas, check out AnchorNews articles Congrats You Can Cook)
  • stargazing
  • arts and crafts – sculpting, Lego, etc.
  • building a puzzle together
  • study/book date
• double dates??
  • arcades
  • board/cards games

Now you have a whole list. You can’t blame the AnchorNews staff if you had no ideas for a date!

Don’t be afraid to show off your Valentine. Don’t be boring. You have a Valentine, so treasure that fact. Who knows, you might be single next year with no Valentine. Hiding them from your friends is a big NO—that shows your Valentine you don’t care.

Although you might want to change for the person you are dating, DON’T! Staying true to yourself is the best thing you can do. If they truly want to be with you, they’ll take you flaws and all. Don’t let them, their friends, your friends, or anyone else change who you are. Be yourself with them; if you’re not, that only weakens the relationship. The best relationships are formed from friendships first. Don’t give them reason to doubt you just because you are not being honest with them.

OH! And, please, for everyone’s sake, if your date somehow lasts until after Valentine’s Day (wow, can we tell the single staff is bitter?), do NOT make out in the hallways or stairwells. Have some decency.

One thing they do care about is your breath, smell, and health. This should be a common-sense thing, but then again, common sense is NOT that common anymore: please shower, brush your teeth, and apply deodorant regularly. Cologne or perfume is not as covering as you think. 

Please know that everyone is different. The best thing you can do for yourself is actually know the person you are dating or talking to. Don’t assume the same cheesy pick-up lines, gifts, or flowers will work on everyone. Everyone loves differently; you just have to know how to read their signs. 

Have a happy Valentine’s Day. But, please, don’t make your single friends feel more single. We don’t want the reminder. February 14th is supposed to be fun, not a humiliation ritual. Thank you for your understanding.

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Jokes aside, the AnchorNews staff wishes you a happy Valentine’s week. For more articles, check chsanchornews.org daily and follow us on Instagram @chsanchornews to stay up to date!