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Another pandemic Valentine’s (our second, to be exact) is around the corner – and, sadly, so are Omicron cases.

Lovebirds who are planning something grandiose, such as an out-of-town trip or an exquisite dinner, might find this a bummer, but uncertain times call for safer expressions of love. But fret not, you don’t need to go out on a limb (and expose yourself) just to show devotion to your special someone.

For BrandRap editor Marj, she and her hubby have opted to go low-key: “Since February 14 is a work day, we will probably celebrate it over the weekend by ordering our favorite Japanese food and desserts to sweeten the day via foodpanda. We will also be watching some Gordon Ramsay show from our bedroom ‘cinema.’”

Meanwhile, “this year, we might just have a quiet dinner the week before Valentine’s, then just spend the 14^th itself indoors, with some wine and takeout, streaming a movie or a series,” said Tristan, Rappler’s brand integration head.

For Carmen*, whose husband is stationed abroad for work, she said: “Now, a simple greeting and ‘I love you’ is enough. Sometimes we just talk about deep stuff and a simple wish for our reunion soon.”

Brenda*, who’s also in a long-distance relationship, joked that Valentine’s Day is a “made-up capitalistic holiday,” and that she and her jowa (boyfriend) are fine with messaging and video calling each other spontaneously and without pressure. She admitted, though, that they’re now “big on gift-giving” since the pandemic started.

You can keep your 14^th simple yet still memorable, whether at home or virtually. But if you want to throw in a nice surprise – a gift always works! – our respondents have a few recommendations:

For couples who can be physically together

By Marj

By Tristan

For LDR couples, by Brenda

Is the pandemic getting to both of you?

We’re not immune from feeling overwhelmed, so it’s perfectly fine. All of them agreed that the best way to counter pandemic-related stressors is to be honest, talk it out, and try to spice up every moment.

“When you’re experiencing difficult emotions, try your best to communicate how you want your partner to help you – whether that’s by giving you space or spending time with you. It’s always better to say how you feel than expect your partner to know it,” said Marj.

Brenda referred to the five love languages, and she suggested upping the ante on the others to offset those you can’t readily give: “When you and your special someone are apart, you can’t do Acts of Service and Physical Touch. But there are other ways to show intimacy and care – do more of those.” She referred to Words of Affirmation, Receiving Gifts, and Quality Time.

There’s (almost) nothing that communication can’t solve, and in the name of those we care about, this is just a minor bump in the road.

“If you want the relationship to work and you think that your significant other is worth it, some occasional drama is just a little something you have to get through,” said Carmen.

And according to Tristan, even from the safety of our homes, there are always opportunities to create more memories, “whether that’s competing to solve the Wordle of the day or watching something new together over Facetime.” – Rappler.com

*Real names withheld