Valentine's Day Isn't Just For Couples

(Image courtesy of fysclass)

Our apartments are very personal places. It’s where we let our guard down - the one place where we look both our best and our worst and can completely be ourselves. If you share your apartment with someone else, whether they’re a friend or a significant other, chances are that person knows you better than anyone else.

Just because you live with a friend doesn’t mean that you can’t show them some love this Valentine’s Day. Try some of these simple tips to show your roommate that you appreciate him or her, courtesy of apartmentguide.com.

1. Clean the place.

Imagine your roommate’s delight if he or she came home to a freshly cleaned apartment. Stick to the communal spaces – your roomie might feel like you’ve been invading his or her personal space if you try to clean their bedroom or bathroom – but a thoroughly cleaned living room or kitchen is a nice little surprise.

2. Cook them dinner (or order in!)

You can even make it a surprise. What’s your roommate’s favorite dinner or beloved takeout place? Once you find out, pick an evening when you know they’ll be home and give them a tasty treat.

3. Make them a lunch to take to work/school.

Remember when your mom or dad used to do this for you as a kid? If your roommate takes a lunch to work or school every day, they’ll appreciate you taking the time to pack some food for them. Don’t forget to write a nice little note on the napkin.

4. Handle one of the bills yourself instead of splitting it.

If you can afford it, this is a nice thing to do for your living partner. Paying their share of the rent may be a stretch, so pick a smaller bill – the water, power or cable, for example.

5. Upgrade something.

Take stock of the things you use together, like the toaster, blender, or stereo system. Is it old and busted? If so, and if you can afford it, upgrade! Even if you take it with you when you move, you’ll both be able to enjoy it now.

6. Take them for a night out, on you.
Call it a platonic date night. Pick a restaurant you know your roomie loves and a movie he or she is dying to see. If you’re new roommates, or just haven’t bonded yet, this would be a great step towards becoming BFFs.