Valentine’s Day Magic

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and for some of us, panic sets in—how to make a loved one feel special? In Finland, Valentine’s Day translates to Ystävänpäivä that literally means "Friend’s Day," so we don’t necessarily celebrate it just with a significant other but also with friends. In recent years, however, we’ve seen a shift, and Valentine’s Day has become more of a Lovers’ Day. Gone are the days of crafting heart-shaped cards for friends. Instead, we find ourselves wondering: Have I bought a gift? Is it the right one? Have I booked a restaurant? Will they like the dinner I cooked? Am I dressed appropriately? Am I approachable enough? Will I meet their expectations? These questions are surely familiar to all of us.

I come from a romance-hungry generation that grew up believing in the idea of a perfect person—someone who reads my thoughts and knows my inner self even better than I do. Following this mindset, I once mistook a frog for a prince. (Warning: Kissing frogs may be hazardous to your health.) As a young person, it was intoxicating when someone entered my life who "knew exactly what a woman wants." Candlelit dinners, heart-shaped chocolates, champagne, marshmallows, pampering—he practically worshipped the ground I walked on, without ever asking what I actually wanted. How many can guess what happened next? Exactly—the illusion shattered only after I had completely lost myself.

More than a decade later, the questions have changed. What do you truly wish for? How would you like to spend the day? Would you like a gift—and if so, what? These are the questions I now ask myself first. Only then do I ask my Valentine’s Day companion. The key is to listen and accept each other’s answers. They don’t have to align perfectly.

This trick works whether you’re floating in the pink clouds of a new romance or have been married for decades. Neither of you needs to read each other’s minds. That’s where the magic happens—when you plan and dream together. You get to know each other on a deeper level ❤️

If you want to surprise your partner by making their dream come true, take inspiration from past conversations. If you suddenly ask, "What would you wish for if the sky were the limit?" this week, you might be setting yourself up for trouble. Fairy tale princes and princesses don’t deal with everyday realities. Don’t set your bar for romance impossibly high. Be open, be curious, and learn.

If you find yourself in the same position as I am—without the need to ask anyone but yourself—embrace the day with warmth. In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to live as a hermit. So when you treat yourself to that indulgent gift, do it with a smile. And for heaven’s sake—challenge yourself to flash a smile at every passerby on your way to celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Keep on sparkling ✨