Today it’s February 14th, and that’s Valentine’s Day in the USA (and in many other countries too). In many places, Valentine’s Day is for couples, for romantic love only. Not in the USA!

What’s different about Valentine’s Day in the USA? I’ll show you, so you don’t make any social mistakes today!

Before we start, remember to subscribe to my special Speak English Ambassadors list to get a selection of 10 special videos filled with everyday vocabulary in English.

Have you ever been in a conversation that was interesting at the beginning, but then it dragged on?

For like, 12 minutes too long. The other guy (probably an American…we love to talk!) just kept on talking. And talking. And talking.

You started thinking about that email you needed to send to your boss before 4 o’clock.
You wanted time for a short coffee break.

You needed to call your colleague in New York. And your favorite Italian restaurant to reserve for dinner tonight. And your husband (or wife).

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock…

Time was passing. And you were trapped in a boring conversation. You can’t just stop the conversation suddenly. That’s rude.

Americans have celebrated Valentine’s Day since the 19th century. But the holiday became really popular in the 20th century, especially in schools.

In the USA, Valentine’s Day is a big event at schools. In elementary school, kids exchange Valentine’s cards. Each kid will make a special box, and every student in the class will put a small Valentine’s card in the box of every other kid in the class. So if you live in the USA, and you have a child in elementary school, be sure your kid has enough cards for the whole class!

Don’t worry, you can buy special class sets of Valentine’s cards just for the occasion!

Students also offer a Valentine’s Day present to their teacher. Chocolate, maybe flowers, or a small gift. There will probably be a Valentine’s Day Party, with heart-shaped cookies, red velvet cupcakes, and Conversation Hearts.

Conversation Hearts are the classic Valentine’s Day candy in the US. Every American knows this candy. These little hearts have cute messages like “Kiss me”, “Be Kind”, “My baby”, or more modern messages like “Tweet me” and “Girl Power”!

Adults also exchange Valentine’s Day gifts and cards with family and friends. I always gave a Valentine’s Day Card to my parents. And today, we send each other e-cards for Valentine’s Day!

The cards might have short, sweet messages like “You’re the best mom ever! Happy Valentine’s Day” or “You’re such a sweet daughter”, or things like that. They can be funny or serious.

Chocolates are popular gifts for friends and family too. Especially a heart-shaped box of chocolates a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

The classic ones are the Whitman’s Sampler and anything by the brand Russel Stover. But if you’re in the US, you’ll have more than enough choice, I’m sure.

Of course, in the US, you also celebrate with your significant other. This just means your boyfriend or girlfriend, or your fiancé, if you’re engaged, or your husband or wife.

For couples, it’s pretty traditional. You might offer flowers, like a dozen red roses a dozen red roses. Or maybe jewelry. Jewelry could be earrings. Or a necklace. Or maybe even a ring, if the relationship is serious.

It’s popular to go out to eat at a nice restaurant. Or you might say “I’m taking my boyfriend out to eat.”

Or you can do like Barack and Michelle Obama, and write funny love poems. You have to watch this video of them and their Valentine’s Day poems

What’s most important on Valentine’s Day is not what you do, or how much money you spend, it’s to show that you care for others. Friends, classmates, colleagues, significant other.

Even your pet, like your cat or dog. 21% of Americans give a Valentine’s Day to their pet…

You don’t have to do the classic Valentine’s Day things. Romain and me usually just go out for pizza on Valentine’s Day. Because that’s what we like to do.

In the USA, any occasion is a good opportunity to celebrate something, and today we celebrate our appreciation for others.

Be sure to watch the very end of today’s lovely lesson, because I have a special Valentine’s surprise for you!

Now what about you?

Did you know about these Valentine’s Day traditions before you watched this video? What do you do for Valentine’s Day? Do you celebrate it?

Share this video with a friend you appreciate, spread the love!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day,

Christina

Have you ever been in a conversation that you wanted to conclude, but you didn’t know what to say?

This is going to be a fun subject, so share your stories in the comments so we can all sympathize with you!
Warmest wishes,

Christina

P.S. If you’ve already gotten your copy of “What the Faute?”, how do you like it? I’d love to hear from you. If you haven’t gotten your copy yet, it’s waiting for you right here!