This year’s Valentine’s Day is destined to look different than usual, with the COVID-19 pandemic still present in the U.S.

But couples and single people alike are finding creative ways to celebrate.

“I might see my boyfriend, but we are planning to keep things low-key, probably cooking a meal together, splitting a bottle of wine, and reading,” Faith Elder said.

Others aren’t sharing it with a significant other, but with their families.

“I will be getting heart shaped pizzas, I do it every year for the kids,” Reuben Gonzales said. “I also bought 36 flavors of Japanese Kit-Kats, so the kids can eat them with their grandmother.”

One local high school student said that while she doesn’t have any plans for a date, she is looking forward to something else exciting.

“I’m getting my new puppy,” Emily Chen said. 

Chen, a senior at Mount Rainier High School, explained how the holiday will be different for her this year than in 2020. 

“I hung out with friends last year,” she said. “We got burgers at Johnny Rockets and went to see a movie.” 

Like Chen, Ally Valiente is also spending the holiday at home this year as well. 

Chocolates and films will be accompanying her, however. 

 “As much as I don’t like the holiday, I will admit that I will be watching classic rom-coms [such as] Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally,” Ally Valiente said. “I’ll also be shopping for chocolates, because the discounts on that day will be sensational.”

While she doesn’t have any romantic plans, the same can’t be said for all her friends, Chen said. 

“My friend is planning a cute date with her girlfriend,” she said. “I’m not sure exactly what, though.”

And for some, the holiday can be annoying. 

“The holiday is fine, but it’s too overhyped. It’s literally the one day of the year where it sucks to be single, but that’s only because ‘love’ is being shoved into my face,” Valiente said. “It gets depressing to scroll through social media and see couples write long paragraphs about each other.”

“I don’t mind the holiday, but [I] don’t like the pressure of a day being set I guess,” Gonzales said. “It’s the best of times, it’s the worst of times. The happiest of times, the saddest of times.”

Many agreed that this year’s Valentine’s Day will be an odd one for couples to enjoy.

“I met my boyfriend during the pandemic, so I can’t say it’s made things worse,” Elder said. “It definitely is challenging and a strange time to build a relationship, but it isn’t a complete relationship hell.”