This week, we asked readers how they planned to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“I do have plans with a special guy this year for Valentine’s Day. We talked about the possibility of going out to a restaurant for this day, and we both decided it’s best to just stay at his place, and he’s going to cook for me. It is because we are choosing not to be around too many people, and who knows if restaurants are going to get crowded on Valentine’s Day, due to reopening of indoor dining on this holiday. I do miss indoor dining, but we can wait for another time in the future.”

Michelle Love

Norwood

 

“I got divorced two years ago and once I was ready to get back into the dating scene, the coronavirus hit. With the difficulties of social distancing and being safe, I had to think outside the box for meeting potential dates. A few friends of mine suggested I join a dating group on Facebook and here I am. I, unfortunately, didn’t find anyone to join me this Valentine’s Day, but I am hopeful for next year. With the vaccine, and more meeting venues opening, I believe it will be easier to meet someone.”

Gonzalo Duran

Belmont

 

“My husband and I were planning on dressing up and dining out, but due to COVID, dining out will be extremely packed no matter where we make reservations. So, I went out and purchased a backdrop, bought some aged wine and prepped our three-course meal which consists of toasted garlic bread and homemade sauce for dipping. I will be making a tossed salad to go along with chicken and shrimp, with jasmine rice and broccoli and carrots, or his choice of mashed potatoes and finishing the course with homemade strawberry cheesecake. We want to still feel like we are heading out somewhere we both love, so we will dress up. We also wanted to perform an act of kindness to the ones that are oftentimes overlooked, and may have lost their significant other, so we will be randomly selecting elders in a nearby grocery store and present them with gift cards.”

Monique Ferguson-Riley

Fordham Manor

 

“My husband and I are spending the day at home, making a romantic meal with both of us sharing the cooking, while sharing a glass of wine. There is nothing better than to be in the comfort of your own home, cooking exactly what we prefer. And since it’s Sunday, it’s a perfect day to relax and enjoy a great dinner with great company. Even though indoor dining has opened, we are playing it safe for a while.”

Mirtha Paez

Kingsbridge

 

“It’s good that they’ve, at least, opened the small businesses and restaurants at 25 percent now, but small businesses need more support in the city of New York. My concerns basically are the new housing developments going up in our community, COVID vaccinations and getting more people tested. I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. I’m Muslim and we don’t celebrate Valentine’s. Every day is a day of love and happiness for our wives.”

Aldo Rafael Perez

Bedford Park