It all started with a Roman priest who, in the third century, supposedly conducted illicit marriage ceremonies, defying Emperor Claudius II who had forbidden them, claiming single men were better for the army. Valentine was thrown in prison for disobeying the emperor, penning a last letter to his beloved signed ‘from your Valentine’.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is fast approaching, and if you’re still wondering how to mark the most romantic day of the year, especially if you’ve only recently started dating, you’re certainly not alone.
Of course, you could go all-out for the luxury gift, from an iconic Cartier love bangle to a Tiffany necklace or a heart-shaped designer handbag, or silk lingerie or pyjamas.
But if you’re an affluent, high-achieving professional, your other half can probably buy themselves pretty much anything they want anyway.
So, this year, think about how you can make Valentine’s different, and show how much you care in a meaningful way. For example, active listening, meaningful gestures and emotional awareness deepen your relationship much more than any number of flashy gifts, however lavish.
After all, ging to the most fancy and expensive restaurant in the world is meaningless if you don’t truly engage with your partner during the meal or let them know how they make you feel and how much they mean to you.
So, rather than expensive gifts, think in terms of a shared experience and create memories which will last far longer than the scent, flowers or chocolates.
Ideas you could consider include:
• Rejuvenating spa days incorporating couples’ massages and facials.
• Romantic getaways such as a private yacht cruise or a weekend getaway.
• A luxury hamper containing high-end items including artisan treats and maybe champagne – you can share this on a loved-up picnic somewhere. (If nothing else, just enjoy it at home with a blanket on the living room floor.)
• Take a creative class from pottery to cookery for the ultimate shared experience. And if you cook together, you can always share and enjoy what you’ve made afterwards.
• Recreate a first date – go back to where you had your first date or kiss and recreate the scene of your very first meeting.
• Go on a favourite walk – really talking and listening to each other as you enjoy being outside together at a much-loved beach, beauty spot, mountain or just the local park.
But there are also so many things you can do that don’t have to involve spending anything at all. Really focus on your partner for the evening and agree to switch off your phones for a set period of time. Look back through some photos, take them a cup of tea in bed, cook their favourite meal or pack a gourmet packed lunch and slip in a love note along with the special treats.
These kinds of thoughtful gestures can mean so much. And it’s easy to laugh at the over-commercialisation of Valentine’s these days, but actually the occasion a great opportunity to reconnect and refresh your relationship while reminding yourselves about what you love about each other.
Find love this Valentine’s Day at Berkeley International
With offices across the world, we’re an exclusive matchmaking service catering to high-flying professionals and their specific needs. And we’ve been operating for more than two decades, so have extensive experience of what we do, and have certainly earned our impeccable reputation.
What’s more, we guarantee a high level of privacy, discretion and confidentiality. And we’ll get to know you and your needs first of all, by getting you to meet one of our experienced matchmakers. They’ll take the time to hear in depth about what you want from a relationship, and to get to know you as a person.
Then and only then will we introduce you to someone with whom you could forge a lasting bond. Take the first step and enquire with Berkeley today. You might just have spent your last Valentine’s Day alone.
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