Guess what’s near? A holiday some both love and hate: Valentine’s Day! Some of you may have a few questions. For example, “How do I ask someone to be my Valentine?” “What is there to do?” Or even, “What are some good gift ideas to give my Valentine?” There are many different ways to ask someone, plenty of fun things to do and a variety of gifts to give!

There are various ways to ask someone to be your Valentine. You could ask by writing a letter, with a card, in person, even over the phone or through a text. A letter is probably most original, because it’s made up of nothing but your feelings! Sweet, heart to heart words that you actually mean will always work, such as telling that person why you’d like them to be your valentine or even why you think they’d make a good valentine. This is a definite, easy way to put a smile on someone’s face!

Don’t feel confident enough in your letter-writing skills? Try a card! During the holiday season, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Kroger and your other local retailers have a section reserved for Valentine cards only. Some are sweet and heartfelt and others are more on the corny side, whatever you think your Valentine would like best!

I personally think that the best way to ask someone is in person. Not only is it more direct and intimate, I find it to be more polite as well. I know that to some, it may be nerve-racking and you may be a little shy, but going out your way to make another feel special will reward you with appreciation!

While some may prefer face to face interactions, there is nothing wrong with asking electronically. A simple text like, “Hey, I was wondering, would you be my Valentine?” is a quick and less challenging way.

Next, what some tend to worry most about. What is there to do on Valentine’s Day? There are many reasons why figuring out what to do may be stressful. As teens and young adults, we don’t always have the funds. Focus less on over the top and more on from the heart! You don’t have to take your date to a restaurant where just a 10-ounce steak alone is $40. You don’t have to struggle to put a down payment on a $10,000 diamond tennis bracelet. You and your date could simply go to a burger joint, catch a movie at the local theater, have a nice picnic in the park or just stay home and enjoy each other’s time.

No Valentine this year? Spend it with friends!

“On Valentine’s Day, I’ll actually be celebrating Galentine’s Day,” senior Anna Claire Lothorp said. “It’s like celebrating Valentine’s Day, but instead of with a guy, you get with your friend girls and celebrate the fact that you’re all single.”

Guys, you and your homeboys could go hang out and play video games or even go to the bowling alley. Here in Tupelo, Rebel Lanes has its very own pool table open to the public!

Lastly, my absolute favorite: Gifts! There are so many different gift ideas to choose from. Guys, want to really impress? Go with jewelry! Remember, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Girls, don’t know what your beau would like? Food. Guys love food. Plot twist: take him to dinner! These don’t work for you? You can always go with the classic teddy bear, balloons and don’t forget… Chocolate! I mean, who doesn’t love chocolate? If all else fails, you can never go wrong with a gift card.

My best advice about Valentine’s Day overall is to enjoy yourself. Face your fears and just ask already. Don’t overthink plans and gifts. Keep it simple and sweet. Spend Valentine’s with a group of people, and have some fun together. Even if you’re by your lonesome this year, just spoil yourself.

Happy V-Day, peeps!