By Jaemie Francine Talingdan

Since the start of the pandemic, lockdown had us feel like Rapunzel at the start of Tangled: stuck in the same place we’ve always been and wondering when our life will begin again. It’s been almost a year since quarantine first started and the fourteenth of February is right around the corner—love surely is in the air, but so is COVID.

Despite having our very own version of Mother Gothel keeping us locked inside our own homes, there is still a way for us to celebrate Valentine’s Day without having to risk going outside. With everything readily available at the tip of our fingers, a good Valentine’s Day celebration shouldn’t have to involve scaling a tower to sneak the love of your life out.

I See the Light

Like watching lanterns from afar, you can enjoy a magical night with your other half by watching movies, even when you’re miles apart. In times like these, there are many existing platforms where you can stream movies simultaneously, seeing your partner through video or talking to them through online messaging while doing so. As a bonus, you get a bang for your buck as you technically get a front row seat to watch your favorite films, all while being in the comfort of your own home.

A Dreamy Dinner in Your Den

If Rapunzel can make herself meals or bake dozens of snacks to pass time, surely there’s a way for you to enjoy a romantic dinner date with your special someone despite being stuck at home. Cook yourself a hearty supper—or if your culinary experience prohibits it, order out—and enjoy it with them as you usually would.

Add a Few New Paintings to Your Gallery

Valentine’s day gifts are not limited to huge flower bouquets or giant teddy bears; sometimes, the beauty in these gifts lie not in their price or extravagance, but in their sentimental value. Take some time out of your day to make your partner something they’d appreciate—a painting, a poem, a song, or even a simple playlist would do.

Your Lover Knows Best

In the end, no list could fully encapsulate what could make your Valentine’s day celebration complete. Since the pandemic impacted everyone differently, what works for others might not work for you. Before pushing through with your own quarantined celebration, make sure to consult your other half on their preferences and restrictions first.

Love Beyond Romance

Whether you’re as cynical as Pascal the Chameleon or as ambitious and hopeful as the ruffians and thieves in the pub, not having a valentine doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this day as much as those with lovers would. Valentine’s day is a day meant for all the people we love, and that includes our family, friends, and last but not least, ourselves.

Sometimes, letting your hair down can only get you tangled in an even bigger mess. No matter how willing you are to risk your life for the person you love, you should not put the lives of those around you in jeopardy by breaking quarantine protocols for rather indulgent reasons. 

Nevertheless, no pandemic should stop you from expressing your love. In this day and age, even with the apparent lack of physical contact, there exist countless ways to remind your loved ones that you’re there for them.