Valentine’s Day is coming up, and the pressure is officially on to impress your sweetheart with tokens of your eternal and undying love. Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing. Find out which on-screen couple most closely resembles your real-life romance, and how you can plan your perfect day of love with a little help from Windows 8.1.
When Harry Met Sally
“You know, you may be the first attractive woman I’ve not wanted to sleep with in my entire life.” – Harry
Your relationship:
You’re that on-again off-again couple that bickers constantly. But you also have a ton of history together and enjoy long, deep conversations about love and relationships. You might drive each other crazy, but in the end, you’re best friends who can always make each other laugh.
Your perfect date:
A casual night out, either at one of your favorite haunts, or somewhere fun and new. Try the Foursquare app to see places that are currently trending or recently opened, or the OpenTable app to make quick, last-minute reservations. Suggestions: your fave brunch spot, a hot new coffee shop, or perhaps a deli (*wink wink*).
Reality Bites
“See Laney, this is all we need: a couple smokes, a cup of coffee, and a little bit of conversation…you and me and five bucks.” – Troy
Your relationship:
You are deeply attracted to each other, but somehow always manage to complicate things. You’re both creative and artistic, and enjoy music and philosophizing about life. You and your friends are low-maintenance almost to a fault, but you have a great sense of humor and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Your perfect date:
A cozy night in. Start out by popping open a bottle of wine, and making your favorite meal together with the Allrecipes app, CookBook app, or iCookbook app. Then, cuddle on the couch to watch the latest indie flick with the Netflix app, or a marathon viewing of your favorite TV show via the Hulu Plus app. If you’re musical and really want to blow them away, write and record a song for your muse using the Recording Studio Pro app.
The Notebook
“I want all of you, forever. You and me…every day.” – Noah
Your relationship:
You’re old-school romantics. You want it all: slow dancing in the streets, frolicking at the beach, passionate kisses in the rain. Nothing can keep you apart, whether it be meddling parents or other suitors (no matter how rich and good-looking). You belong together, and will do whatever it takes to be by their side ‘til the very end.
Your perfect date:
This is when you want to pull out all the stops and really sweep them off their feet. First, shower your sweetheart with personalized gifts to show them how much they mean to you:
- Edit and print your favorite photo of the two of you, and put it in pretty frame.
- Create a slide show of your favorite pics as a couple.
- Got lots of video footage? Make a short, fun clip with Movie Moments and post it on Facebook for all to see. Or create something more cinematic with Movie Maker.
- Burn a CD of your partner’s favorite songs, or your all-time favorite love songs.
- Use the Hallmark Go Cards app to make a custom card. Bonus points if you write a little poem to go inside.
Then, enjoy a romantic night in with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries by the fire. Have a sultry playlist ready to go in the Music app or edjing app, and wait for the sparks to fly.
Pretty Woman
“I want the fairy tale.” – Vivian
Your relationship:
This is your typical knight-in-shining-armor scenario. One of you is the damsel in distress, waiting around to be rescued. And one of you is ready to swoop in, with dazzling offers of Rodeo Drive shopping sprees, diamond jewelry, and a private jet to the opera. You come from different walks of life and in many ways are complete opposites of each other, but that’s what makes it all the more thrilling and enticing.
Your perfect date:
Date, schmate. This type of situation calls for something much more extravagant, like an all-expenses paid trip to somewhere exotic. Hint: You can’t go wrong with the City of Love (check out the Time Out Paris app). Use the TripAdvisor app to research the poshest hotels and swankiest restaurants. Then use the Bing Travel app to plan an amazing trip the two of you will never forget.
Romeo and Juliet
“Did my heart love ’til now? Forswear its sight. For I never saw true beauty ’til this night.” – Romeo
Your relationship:
Your love is intense, fiery, and passionate. You fell in love at first sight, and wasted no time at all to get deeply involved. Your friends and family don’t approve, and if pressed, you won’t hesitate to slay anyone that stands in your way. You are dangerously devoted to one another, and are willing to sacrifice anything, including yourself, for your love.
Your perfect date:
Romantic dinners and material things won’t satisfy this couple. For your night, it’s all about pure, carnal pleasure. Use the Amazon app to stock up on supplies for a steamy night in: scented candles, massage oils, silky underthings…let your imagination run wild! Then, mix up some mood-enhancing “poisons” with the Cocktail Flow app, and enjoy each other like it’s your last night together. Because with a love this dangerous, it very well may be.
Sex and the City
“They say nothing lasts forever. Dreams change, trends come and go. But friendships never go out of style.” – Carrie Bradshaw
Your relationship:
N/A. You are single and loving it! You refuse to be tied down or settle for the wrong person, just for the sake of being with someone. You have no shame in putting your needs first, and are enjoying all the freedom that being un-coupled entails. Your dating history is rich, varied, and oftentimes hilarious. And you have an amazing group of friends that you can always count on no matter what.
Your perfect date:
Ladies – Plan an unabashedly girly night in with your closest girlfriends, complete with festive cupcakes, pink and red mani/pedis, and your favorite rom-coms via the Flixter app or TBS for Windows app. Don’t forget the cosmos (recipe in the Cocktail Flow app).
Fellas – Hit up your crew, tell everyone to BYOB, and enjoy a low-key night courtesy of the ESPN app, Fight Network app, or NFL Game Rewind. Or if you’re into video games, challenge your friends to an all-night marathon gaming session (be sure to provide plenty of snacks for fuel).
I’m curious, readers: who’s your on-screen alter ego? And how are you celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? Leave your comments below!