Most yearners have agreed that Valentine’s season is all about love and showing up for the LOYL in all the ways that matter.  Still, some gestures take romance to a whole new level. 

From surprise gifts that left them reeling to getaways that reignited the flame in their relationships, these Nigerians reminisce about their most unforgettable Valentine’s Day experiences.

“My boyfriend stood up to my parents for me” — Zainab*, 27, F

Zainab recalls feeling like a movie character when her boyfriend defended her to her parents after a date.

“I had my most romantic Valentine in 2015. I’d snuck out of the house to hang out with my boyfriend at the time, and somehow, my parents found out. I got scared of heading home because I wasn’t sure how they would react. But my boyfriend insisted on following me back. 

When we got to my house, my parents were already waiting at the gate, looking furious. My boyfriend stepped forward and prostrated. He took full responsibility for inviting me out that day and begged them to punish him instead. I found it incredibly romantic, almost like I was on a movie set.

My parents found the whole thing funny. They told him to go home and said they wouldn’t punish me. Surprisingly, they kept to their promise. I did extra chores for a few days, but it wasn’t enough to dampen the high of seeing my boyfriend be so manly. No one has topped it to this day. Even though we broke up in 2016, my family still teases me about him. They always ask, “How about that your boyfriend?”

“He whisked me away from the kids for the weekend” — Blessing*, 53, F

Blessing recalls her husband’s special gift of a weekend getaway from family responsibilities. 

“In 2008, my family was still young. My youngest child was eight years old, and it had been a long time since Valentine’s Day felt like anything more than another day of chores. Valentine’s Day itself went by as usual, but that weekend, my sister showed up at my place very early in the morning. 

Before I could ask what was happening, my husband explained that he’d asked her to watch the kids so we could spend the weekend together alone at a hotel. 

It was so wonderful. I slept for eight straight hours on the first day and woke up feeling like a new person. It reminded me of the early days of our marriage, before the children came.”

“My babe paid my rent when I was at my lowest” — Abraham*, 34, M

Abraham’s most romantic Valentine’s experience was receiving his partner’s assistance when he needed it most.

“At the end of 2022, going into 2023, I was struggling financially. I lost my office job, and my side gig barely brought in anything. My babe bore the brunt of all my complaints and encouraged me through that dark time. I felt terrible knowing I wouldn’t be able to do much for Valentine’s Day. 

When I shared my concerns with her, she told me not to worry and suggested we only exchange small gifts instead of planning something big. That conversation was a relief, especially since my rent was due in March and I didn’t know how I would raise the money.

On Valentine’s Day, just after midnight, I got a credit alert for more than half of my rent. Almost immediately, she sent a message saying she saw how hard I was trying and wanted me to know I wasn’t alone. I almost ran mad with joy. It was the most romantic thing that ever happened to me. To be given help at a critical period without asking. Knowing it came from my babe also made it even more special. That was when I knew she was my last bus stop.”

“My long-distance girlfriend surprised me with a visit” — Tunde*, 31, M

Tunde shares how his partner pulled off an unforgettable  Valentine’s Day surprise.

“When we were dating, my wife and I were long-distance. I lived and schooled in Lagos, while she was based in Germany. We only saw each other a few times a year, and because of the timing, we had never spent Valentine’s Day together.

In 2017, we’d planned to spend the evening on a video call. The weekend before Valentine’s, she sent me a text saying her friend had left an item for her at my school’s cafeteria and asked me to help her collect it. I went there only to see my girlfriend in the flesh, holding food and gifts, with the biggest grin on her face. I couldn’t believe it. 

I didn’t even ask questions; I just hugged her. She spent the whole weekend with me before flying back to Germany. It’s easily in the top five most romantic experiences I’ve ever had.”

“He gave me my first candlelight dinner” — Ifunanya*, 27, F

Ifunnanya looks back on a wonderful first-time experience with her former lover.

“Before 2022, I’d always joked on my social media about never having experienced a candlelight dinner. I was God when-ing on every restaurant post I found on social media. I wasn’t even trying to drop a hint for my boyfriend; it was just an experience I wanted to have for myself. 

On Valentine’s Day in 2022, I went to my boyfriend’s place after work, and what I saw blew me away. He had transformed his apartment into a romantic haven with petals on the floor, fairy lights, candles, soft music, and takeaway food plated like restaurant meals. He even wore a button-down shirt and all. 

The entire set-up felt like we were in a movie. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire night. It’s one of the most romantic things I’ve ever experienced.”

READ ALSO: 9 Nigerians on the Valentine’s Gift That Led to a Breakup