Feb. 11, 2015

By Katie Campbell

It’s the day some love, some hate and some don’t really care about.

For some, Valentine’s Day is a day when you receive flowers, chocolates, awkward-sized stuffed animals holding a heart saying it loves you and a special someone who makes your heart sing. Or there is the chance you aren’t in a relationship, and you think Valentine’s Day is just another holiday played up by Hallmark. Others only enjoy this day because of the half-priced candy the next day.

The beauty about Valentine’s Day is no matter if you and your sweetie have been together for a week or months, there is something for everyone to enjoy about this holiday. If you are single, you can use this night as a good excuse to stay in and order a heart-shaped pizza from Rocky Rococo’s.

One of the biggest misconceptions about Valentine’s Day is how expensive people think it has to be.

News flash: Valentine’s Day is about expressing how much you love someone.

Not everyone wants to go out for an expensive steak dinner. Sure, it’s fun to dress up and go out to dinner, but going out to dinner on a college budget can either be expensive, or manageable, which is why I took the liberty of including some date ideas below.

Don’t worry last-minute planners, the following list includes Valentine’s Day deals offered here in Whitewater.

New Relationship Ideas (0-3 months)

♥ Even if your girlfriend says she doesn’t want anything for Valentine’s Day, get yourself covered because 53 percent of women said they would end a relationship if they didn’t get anything, according to idahostatesman.com.

♥ Order a Rosa’s Pizza, pick up flowers from Floral Villa Flowers and Gifts and go watch a romantic comedy on the couch enjoying a night in, away from the cold, together.

♥ Stop by The SweetSpot and try February’s special drink, Cupid’s Kiss Latte.

Newish Relationship Ideas (4-11 months)

♥ Take a dance class together. Nothing says romance like learning how to dance the waltz or salsa.

♥ Stop by or call The Black Sheep to make a reservation to turn your day into an evening to remember.

♥  Stay home and use a Pinterest recipe to cook your significant other a romantic dinner complete with candles, candies and flowers.

♥ Order your significant other a treat from The SweetSpot. Stop in and get something sweet to eat, perhaps order a special Valentine’s Day Cake.

Long Distance Relationship Ideas

♥ Have a Skype or FaceTime virtual date. Order the same food and watch a favorite movie together online.

♥ Spend time with your favorite single friends or friends who are also in a long distance relationship. Order some local take out and play a board game.

♥ Plan ahead to the next time you will see your significant other by making dinner reservations at a favorite restaurant.

Local restaurants in Whitewater

♥ The Black Sheep – Five course dinner offered. Call ahead for reservations as soon as you know your party size to chose an entrée.

Entreés include:

• Poached lobster tail and Cajun shrimp for $45

• Pork chop with rosemary potatoes for $38.

♥ The SweetSpot

♥ Rosa’s Pizza – There is no Valentine’s Day Special or student discount but Saturday night special still applies.

♥ Second Salem Brewing Company – Offers entreés for no more than $14.50.

♥ Beijing Buffet

♥ Cozumel Mexican Restaurant

♥ Jessica’s Family Restaurant

Bottom line, for all of the guys and girls out there who are stressing about Valentine’s Day, just take your significant other, sweetie or whatever you call them, and do something special.

Just remember, Valentine’s Day is about the person, not about how elaborate or expensive the gift, dinner, flowers or chocolates are. Valentine’s Day is about telling someone how you really feel and doing it in your own way, which means if cuddling up watching a chick flick with Toppers sticks is romantic to you, then order Toppers.