Did you know that Valentine’s greetings have been popular since The Middle Ages? (Talk about a strong PR team.) In fact, the oldest documented Valentine was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415 to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. That’s some serious commitment to love.

How can we channel our inner Duke of Orleans this February 14th? Often Valentine’s Day can feel like a burden. You feel like you have to get the candy, flowers, plan a fancy dinner, etc. This constant consumerism takes away from the true intimacy of the day.

It’s about celebrating love (of all kinds!) Honestly, what could be better?

You simply need to shift your perspective just a bit. That’s why we’ve put together a list of out-of-the-box Valentine’s Day ideas straight from our team.

Our first tip comes from our Director of Recruiting…

“Celebrate what you love to do together!” Ashley says. “It doesn’t have to be focused on gift giving or flowers or anything like that if that’s not your thing.” For Ashley and her soon-to-be-husband, it’s about board games and baked goods.

Every year, they grab their favorite dessert and set out for a fun game night together, whether it’s bowling or staying home and playing a great game of Code Names with the friends that mean the most to them.

The second tip comes from our writer who also believes in a low-key day…

“Every year my husband and I go to this cheap Thai place up the street,” Marisa says. “Then we go home and each chooses a movie about love to watch – that isn’t a typical romantic comedy –  and we watch them back-to-back.”

Some of their Valentine’s Day have included The Terminator, Baby Boom, Shaun of the Dead, and Jane Eyre, just to name a few.

Plus, Marisa says she always remembers to send Valentines to some of her nearest and dearest, as well including her mom and best friend.

“The problem with Valentine’s Day is we exclusively associate it with whether or not you have a date, but it really is an incredible opportunity to thank all the people you love,” Marisa shares.

And for me, I love to do what I do every day – help people find love. This Valentine’s Day, be a matchmaker for the day. Think of two people who would be great together and offer to arrange their date.

The third tip is all about using the day to be more thoughtful…

Hold the door open a little longer. Pay for the person behind you at Starbucks. Send a thank you Valentine to your favorite co-worker. Simply tell the people around you that they matter – that you care and appreciate them.

Remember that if the Duke of Orleans can get it done in the Tower of London, you can make it work in Manhattan, ya know?

Get out there and spread the love! And be sure to let us know how it goes. Sound off in the comments below!