As Oscar Wilde tells us, ”To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” Whether you enjoy Valentine’s Day or dread it, you can turn it into a celebration day. Why not acknowledge yourself and your life as much as your partner, if you have one? You then have the perfect occasion for some fun gourmet popcorn or some pink popcorn if you want to be original.
Chocolate and Gourmet Popcorn
Do you ever wonder why we even commemorate Valentine’s Day? Who was this person, if anyone? It actually goes as far back as the Aztecs who were in Mexico from around 1300 to 1521. They already thought that chocolate was special and called it the food of the gods.
The story has been growing steadily since then:
- Saint Valentine
- Chocolate is an aphrodisiac
- Cadbury in 1868
- Romance
Saint Valentine
Historical accounts never come with complete certainty. Nevertheless, it seems that Valentine was either a priest or a bishop who was executed during Ancient Rome. He was punished for conducting marriages in secret despite the Emperor forbidding them because he preferred single men in his army. The idea was that single men had less to lose and would fight better.
Chocolate is an aphrodisiac
Two chemicals in our brains lead to sexual arousal. These are tryptophan, a building block of serotonin, the happy hormone, and phenylethylamine. This latter substance is a stimulant similar to amphetamine and is triggered when we fall in love.
Interestingly, studies seem to suggest that the amounts of those chemicals present in chocolate are too small to make a difference. It could all just be one of the most successful placebo effects witnessed. Then again, chocolate tastes great so maybe that’s just enough.
Cadbury in 1868
Apparently, Richard Cadbury, the son of the founder of the famous chocolate brand, was the first to sell chocolates in a heart-shaped box on Valentine’s Day. He also added images of Cupid, the Roman god of love.
Romance
Now that chocolate and hearts were firmly linked to romance and love, we only have to wait a few decades for the first movie theaters to open. Romance and movies go so well together because you have something to do together that avoids awkward silence on first dates.
The gourmet popcorn street vendors that have been around since the mid-1800s were also quick to catch on to the movie trend. These days, you have to watch your films with popcorn that you can share with your loved ones.
Boost your Relationship with Valentine’s Day and Pink Popcorn
So, where does gourmet popcorn fit into all this? Yes, chocolate is wonderful on its own. Nevertheless, we also love texture and crunch, which is where popcorn comes into play. Moreover, you have more opportunities to create color with popcorn thanks to colored sugar.
Imagine the perfect bowl of pink popcorn shaped into a heart? You can even add rainbow sprinkles for some extra panache. After all, this is a celebration day so add color, taste, texture and of course, a lot of sweetness.
You might be wondering what this might give you apart from a few extra kilos. There’s more to sharing sweet treats such as gourmet popcorn than just pleasing our taste buds. You can also expect the following:
- Quality time together
- Gratitude makes us happy
- Empathic joy
Quality time together
Food brings us together because of the simple act of sharing. It also helps awaken all our senses as we compare notes on the food and enjoy being with people. Gourmet popcorn has the added advantage of triggering many memories including when you ate your first popcorn. Perhaps even which was your first film in a movie theater.
Gratitude makes us happy
Pink popcorn naturally makes you feel calm and optimistic because of the power of the color. It’s inspiring, warm, and comforting that makes you feel grateful. Valentine’s Day is also a great reminder to be grateful for your partner if you have one.
If not, spend time for yourself and be grateful for who you are and what you offer the world. Why not even offer your close friends some fun token of gratitude. Nothing says thank you better than a splash of color with some gourmet popcorn.
Empathetic joy
Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love and life. The very act of doing that sparks feelings of empathy and joy. Through this, you naturally decrease any anxiety or fears you might be dealing with. You’ll feel more energized to face the world with your partner, friends and even yourself.
The Perfect Valentine’s Gifts
The best way to find the perfect gift for someone is to imagine being them. Visualize walking in their clothes and shoes so you can better imagine their preferences and habits without being swayed by yours.
Here are some gift ideas to get you started:
1- Popcorn drizzled in chocolate
Picture some crackling pink popcorn covered in smooth chocolate that will melt in your mouth. All this in a shining red tin with hearts on it that will serve as the perfect memento.
We all know that red conveys passion. In psychology, it also suggests vibrant and exciting such that it wakes up to action. What better way to start your Valentine’s Day?
2- The perfect day out
Valentine’s Day is a great way to spend quality time together. You can also use this as an excuse to discover something new. Perhaps going to a cooking class from an exotic country? You could also splash out to see your favorite band or show.
3- A together forever album
Depending on how long you’ve been together, you might like to relive your memories together. Creating an album is a fun way to reminisce and even trigger a conversation about future plans.
4- 'Pamper Me' gift box
Whether the love of your life is a man or a woman, we all need to pamper ourselves sometimes, especially if they’ve been very busy lately. Most people wouldn’t buy themselves a gift box but everyone loves to receive them. No one can deny that it feels good to have nice smelling body wash, scented candles for the house, and to drink calming teas.
5- Gourmet cheese box
Chocolates are the obvious choice for Valentine’s Day. Instead, you can be original by offering a gourmet box of cheeses and all their accompaniments. Dried fruit, exotic condiments and organic crackers go amazingly well with cheese.
6- Entertainment subscription
Getting Netflix or magazine subscriptions can feel too luxurious at times. That’s why it’s particularly uplifting when someone else gives them to us. It’s almost as if we get given a free pass to be lazy every now and again.
7- Exotic truffles
The word truffle originally comes from the Latin word tuber which means hump or lump. Today it can either be a type of mushroom. Alternatively, it can be a sublime chocolate gooey ball surrounded by more chocolate and cocoa powder. If you then want truly exotic, you can get the types that are covered in, for example, curry powder, herbs, paprika, among others.
8- Socks and cozy blankets
With so many of us in cold weather during February, why not get something warm and cozy for your loved one? You can choose between gorgeous cashmere blankets or fun wacky socks so your partner always thinks of you.
9- Roses that last forever
These days, roses can be glazed in a special lacquer so they last forever. They’ll literally stay in their best bloom so that your gift remains a constant reminder of your commitment to each other. Don’t forget that men like flowers too.
10- Pretty in pink and red popcorn
Why not have fun at home with your very own gourmet popcorn? You can make your own pink mix by melting sugar, water, butter, and food coloring. Alternatively, you can also just order pink popcorn and add your own toppings. Did you know that they make pink M&Ms?
Managing the Dark Side of Valentine’s Day
It’s important to remember that life isn’t perfect and things can go wrong. If you’re going through a rocky patch with your partner or dreading being single on the day, there are a few things you can think about to ease your emotions.
- Communicate openly or take yourself out
- What do you offer
- How else can you meet your needs
Communicate openly or take yourself out
All couples go through some low points and in those cases, Valentine’s Day can be an opportunity to take a pause and enjoy each other’s company again. You can use the time to focus on positive memories and what you enjoy about each other.
On the flip side, if you’re single, why not take yourself out and pamper yourself? You could go to the movies and get your very own gourmet popcorn that you don’t have to share. Even pink popcorn can lift your mood and make you feel luxurious.
What do you offer
It’s easy to blame others when things go wrong. A good way to rebalance things is to think about what you offer to others in return. What do they need from you and how can you help them? Moreover, positive psychology has proved that altruism and generosity make us feel better about ourselves.
How else can you meet your needs?
Of course, being alone on Valentine’s Day can be stressful and disheartening. Instead of feeling helpless, think about how else you can feel nurtured and loved. Spending time with animals is a powerful way to feel loved so you could volunteer for the day at your local shelter, for example. alternatively, you could simply follow your favorite self-care routine for the day.
What’s your Valentine’s Day Gift Choice?
What will your Valentine’s Day look like? Will you be enjoying your favorite day out to come home to an evening of movies and pink popcorn? Perhaps you’ll be celebrating your partner with the perfect food, cozy blankets, and movie subscription? Whatever you do, don’t forget to surprise and delight with some crunchy gourmet popcorn with chocolate that melts in the mouth. Aphrodisiac or placebo, who cares?