Here’s the ultimate rulebook for navigating the little love holiday, straight from dating coach and certified matchmaker Coach Vee—because who better to decode Cupid’s tricks?
Valentine’s Day, whether you see it as the cutest date in the diary or just a marketing ploy for chocolates and cards, is a holiday that’s all about celebrating love in its many forms. Whether you’re basking in a love bubble, attempting to dodge Cupid’s arrows, or still recovering from the last heartache, this day doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all affair. From navigating new flings to flying solo with style, Coach Vee, relationship expert and certified matchmaker, gives MEGA your guide to conquering the day, no matter where you stand on the relationship scale.
RELATED: Want a Better Love Life? Understand Your Attachment Style with a Dating Coach
Newly Dating: No Pressure, Just Intentions
It’s your first Valentine’s Day together, and you’re wondering if you should send flowers, hold off, or bring it up yourself. Coach Vee’s advice? Show intention, but don’t overdo it. “If you really want the girl or the guy, show intentions,” she says. For men, it’s about taking the initiative: “Be very forthcoming, arrange something, invite them on a date. Please secure the date already.” It’s not about grand gestures just yet, but about signaling that you’d like to be their romantic partner.
For women, let him take charge. “If the man doesn’t secure it, I don’t recommend doing it yourself. You can do it, but I don’t recommend it,” Coach Vee advises. “It will put you in your masculine energy, and many women want someone who will take charge.” Still, she emphasizes that showing interest is essential. “Always show the person that you like them. If you want a man to take charge, sit back and relax, but don’t sit at home waiting for him to act—plan something fun with friends if he doesn’t make a move.”
Long-Distance Relationship: Love Across the Miles
Being apart on Valentine’s Day can seem like an obstacle, but Coach Vee believes it’s still an opportunity to reinforce your connection. “I know we can do a lot with technology, but I highly recommend sending something tangible,” she explains. In a long-distance relationship, it’s important to send something physical, something your partner can actually touch, to bridge the emotional distance. “You can’t hug them, you can’t touch them, so sending something tangible is your way of saying, ‘This is real.'” It doesn’t have to be something expensive; it’s about creating a physical reminder of your affection. “If my friends send something tangible, it reminds the other person that this isn’t just an online relationship,” Coach Vee adds. Whether it’s a thoughtful gift, a handwritten note, or a small token of love, it reinforces the idea that your connection exists beyond just texts or video calls—it’s something grounded in the real world.
Nursing a Broken Heart: Rewiring Your Heart
The love holiday can be especially tough when you’re nursing a broken heart, surrounded by the joy of couples while you’re still healing. Coach Vee has some solid advice: “If you’ve just recently gone through a breakup, it takes 90 days to minimize or eliminate attachment.” It’s crucial to give yourself time to heal and rewire your brain away from the past. “Don’t go back and revisit the things that remind you of that person,” she warns. “The more you go back to pictures or places you used to visit, the more you reinforce the attachment.” Instead, Coach Vee suggests creating new memories, new experiences, and meeting new people. “You need to go and explore new restaurants, new places, and new friends—especially in the first three months. This rewires your brain and breaks the connection to the old relationship.” It’s all about moving forward, and as Coach Vee puts it, “Why waste your energy on a relationship that’s gone? You still have days left in your life to enjoy with someone else.”
Single: Embrace the Season of You
For those who are happily single, Valentine’s Day is just another day—right? Even the most secure among us can feel a little left out when our social media feeds explode with couple photos. Coach Vee advises leaning into this season of your life with confidence: “Think of singlehood as a season, not forever.” Valentine’s Day can be an opportunity to celebrate the non-romantic relationships in your life, like with friends and family. “Make it a Galentine’s Day,” she suggests. “Think: maybe next year I’ll have a boyfriend, but for now, I’m going to enjoy this season.” If you’re feeling down about being single, don’t let it get to you. Instead, embrace the fun of spending time with fellow singles. “There are so many events that are celebrating singlehood—enjoy it,” Coach Vee suggests. “Singles Events Manila is hosting SWIPE IRL at Victoria Sports Bar on February 7. It’s all about connecting with real people—whether you’re looking for romance or just to have fun.”
If One Person is Anti-Valentine’s: Time to Speak Your Love Language
So your partner is anti-Valentine’s Day? Rather than argue, Coach Vee suggests finding a middle ground by communicating your love language. “If they don’t want to celebrate Valentine’s Day, tell them your love language is spending time together, or maybe gift-giving,” she recommends. It’s important to let them know what makes you feel loved, so they can show their affection in a way that resonates with you. “If they love you, they’ll want to make you happy, even if it’s not a romantic holiday,” Coach Vee explains. “A loving person will always want to make their loved one happy, whether it’s a partner, a family member, or a friend.” If you communicate your needs, your partner will likely respond with understanding. “Even if they’re not into the commercial side of the holiday, they’ll still want to make you feel special in their own way.” So, don’t let the lack of roses or a fancy dinner ruin the day—speak up and find a way to celebrate that suits both of you.
Photos and Featured Image: MEGA ARCHIVES
