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This article was published 14/02/2024 (1000 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My wife wants something different and special to happen on Valentine’s Day but she didn’t give me any clues. It feels like a test and I’m going to flunk it for sure, unless I get help in a hurry!

I’m not very creative and don’t know how to make this Valentine’s Day different from any other day. I usually barbecue for her and we dance to the song they played at our wedding. She’s a romantic and loves that song. Can you help me, please?

— Stressin’ Over Impressin’, Elm Park

Dear Stressin’: Make your wife the star of a 10-question Valentine’s Day mock interview — conducted by you. Play the wedding song she loves to set the mood just as you start recording, then ask your sweetie questions she’ll enjoy responding to.

Here’s a sample selection for you:

Remember the first day you noticed me? What was your first impression? What did we do on our first date? How about the kiss goodnight? What did you tell your girlfriends afterwards? Do you remember when you actually knew it was love between us? What was your favourite part of our wedding? Do you know how much I love you? Would you like to go with me on a second honeymoon? Got any idea where?

End the interview with a wildly passionate embrace and just let the camera wave around. Then steady it, and take final photos of the two of you facing the lens with arms around each other’s shoulders, waving. Good luck, and have fun with this. Talk about a collector’s item!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: What do you do on Valentine’s Day if you don’t have anybody in your love life? I have spent some depressing nights on Feb. 14 and don’t want to dive into that black pit again. Time just crawls for me until midnight, even if I’m online working just to pass the time.

What do you think? Got any bright ideas?

— Dismal About V-Day, St. James

Dear Dismal: Treating yourself generously is the key. Indulge in a guilt-free evening of snacks, videos games, movies — whatever your interests are. Want company? Lots of people are in the same situation on Valentine’s Day, so reach out to single friends who aren’t likely to be busy.

Ask them if they want to play some games online or watch a movie. You can quickly organize a streaming watch party and start enjoying each other’s comments about the film. You can also take short group breaks to hit the kitchen for more refreshments.

Want to talk more freely? Hang out via a video-chat app where you can see friends’ faces and changing expressions, talk at some depth and even play some games.

When you’re feeling lonely, seeing friends and hearing other people’s voices can do a lot to change your mood for the better. So jump online, and enjoy a virtual Valentine’s Day this year!

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Maureen Scurfield
Advice columnist

Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column.

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