love and romance
5 Easy Ways to Say ‘I Love You’
Valentine’s Day gift-giving can be stressful, but simplifying your approach with heartfelt gestures, unique experiences, and personal touches can truly convey your love and appreciation. Many Ways to say “I Love You!”
Last Updated on December 22, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) If gift-giving isn’t your strong suit, occasions like Valentine’s Day are likely to bring on stress and worry, but procrastinating will only serve to elevate your unease.
Say I Love You in Many Ways
Follow these steps to simplify your shopping, and while you may not come to love the task of finding the perfect gift, your loved one will undoubtedly appreciate your effort.
- Browse for ideas online. Many retailers offer special promotions and gift idea sections on their websites, so finding inspiration can be as easy as visiting the sites of your loved one’s favorite stores. There are also dozens of articles online to help get the ideas flowing. Searches such as “gifts for horse lovers” or “Valentine’s gifts for a new boyfriend” will reveal a long list of ideas to peruse.
- Keep it simple. Although the advertising industry works hard to convince consumers otherwise, Valentine’s Day isn’t really all about the bling. Sure, a pretty bauble is a welcome gift, but there are plenty of ways to show your affection that don’t require spending a month’s salary. A heartfelt card paired with a memento of a meaningful event or place in your relationship sends the same loving sentiment.
- Make it a (different) date. For many couples, navigating the demands of work, kids and life make spending time together a luxury. Instead of fighting crowds at busy restaurants on the official date, celebrate your love on a day of your own choosing, when you can relax and enjoy the time together without the pressure to rush through dessert so your table can be flipped for the next waiting couple.
- Give blooms a boost. A dozen long-stem red roses is a beautiful gesture, but unless your intended rose receiver is a strictly traditional type, try adding a little spice to your floral arrangement. Go for a bouquet in her favorite color, or have the flowers arranged in a practical vessel she can reuse to remember the occasion, such as a cocktail shaker or a watering can.
- Go ahead, gift yourself. It may seem counter-intuitive, but finding a gift you’ll enjoy may inspire an idea for your loved one. The trick is finding something you can share together, whether it’s tickets to a show or his and hers mugs for enjoying your favorite brew. Just be sure the item is something your intended will share your enthusiasm for, or you may as well go buy a blender.
Find more ideas to simplify every occasion at eLivingToday.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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eLivingToday.com
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Summer is supposed to be the season of yes: yes to rooftop drinks, weekend flights, beach clubs, festivals, and finally trying that hobby you’ve been bookmarking since January. But according to a new Dating.com analysis, the “main character summer” lifestyle can come with a very real price tag—especially if you’re paying for everything on your own.
Dating.com’s latest report, Dating.com Reveals the Most Expensive Cities to Be Single in Summer 2026, looked at 50 popular destinations worldwide and ranked them by what it calls a Single Tax Score—a composite measure of the costs singles are likely to face during peak summer months.
Why being single can cost more than you think
The study builds on Dating.com’s earlier findings that 43% of singles focus on self-care—from gym memberships and skincare to solo dates and travel. At the same time, 41% of singles say they’d feel less lonely if they had more money, underscoring how financial flexibility can influence how often people can say yes to experiences that build connection.
Dating.com’s resident therapist, Jaime Bronstein, LCSW, notes that the assumption “single = cheaper” often doesn’t hold up. Couples can split rent, transportation, meals, and entertainment, while singles absorb the full cost alone—plus summer’s calendar tends to be packed with higher-priced social events and trips.
The 10 most expensive cities to be single in Summer 2026
Here are the top destinations where the summer “single tax” hits hardest, based on Dating.com’s ranking.
1) Miami (Single Tax Score: 75)
Miami takes the top spot thanks to steep nightlife and entertainment costs. Dating.com estimates:
- $110 for a solo date night
- $200/night for beach clubs and nightlife venues
- $280/night average summer hotel rates
2) New York (74)
New York lands at #2 with high costs across nearly every category:
- $115 average solo date night
- $380/night average summer hotel rates
Even without flight costs for locals, accommodation and social spending push NYC near the top.
3) Mykonos (72)
Europe’s most expensive destination for singles on the list, Mykonos is priced like a fantasy:
- $1,900 average summer flights from New York
- $280/night beach club and nightlife costs (highest in the study)
- $300/night average hotels
4) Las Vegas (70)
Vegas is built for entertainment—and the bill reflects it:
- $250 average festival/concert tickets (highest among the top ten)
- $180/night nightlife costs
- $145/night average hotels (relatively affordable, but spending adds up fast)
5) Boston (67)
Boston’s biggest driver is lodging:
- $390/night average summer hotel stays (highest of any city in the top ten)
- $108 average solo date night
6) Maldives (64)
A classic “romantic” destination that gets especially expensive solo:
- $480/night average hotels (highest in the top ten)
- $1,300 average summer flights from New York
- $124 average solo date night
7) San Francisco (62)
San Francisco remains costly for both travel and everyday experiences:
- $820 average flights from London
- $100 typical solo date
- $245/night average hotels
8) Los Angeles (61)
LA’s premium social scene pushes it into the top ten:
- $100 average solo date night
- $820 average flights from London
- $22 average rooftop cocktail
9) London (61)
London’s costs are driven by international travel and peak-season lodging:
- $1,900 average flights from New York
- $295/night average hotels
- $108 average solo date
10) Santorini (61)
Like Mykonos, Santorini’s popularity inflates nearly every summer expense:
- $1,900 average flights from New York
- $160/night beach club and nightlife costs
- $310/night average hotels
What to watch for (and how to plan smarter)
The takeaway isn’t “don’t travel” or “don’t go out.” It’s that destination choice can dramatically change the cost of a solo summer, and singles may want to budget differently than couples.
If you’re planning a solo trip (or just trying to make the most of where you live), consider:
- Swapping one premium hotspot for a value city (the ranking includes lower-cost options like Bangkok, Medellín, Mexico City, and Kuala Lumpur)
- Prioritizing experiences that don’t scale with group size (museums, walking tours, day trips, free festivals)
- Booking lodging early in high-demand cities where hotels are doing the most damage
As Bronstein emphasizes, being single isn’t a problem to solve—and solo experiences can be just as meaningful as romantic ones. The goal is to make sure your summer plans support your life, not stress your wallet.
Methodology (in plain English)
Dating.com reviewed 50 popular destinations and analyzed costs associated with being single in summer, including:
- Date night costs for one person
- Summer hotel rates
- Summer flight costs
- Rooftop cocktail prices
- Festival and concert ticket prices
- Beach club costs
- Pet-related surcharges
- Other seasonal leisure expenses
Each factor was normalized on a 0–1 scale (with 1 representing the highest cost), then combined into a final score to rank cities from most to least expensive for singles.
Source: Dating.com, via PRNewswire (June 25, 2026)
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Lifestyle
Mother’s Day Celebration: Honoring the Hardest Job in the World
“On Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the sacrifices and unwavering love of mothers. Join us in honoring the hardest job in the world – motherhood.”
Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Mother’s Day is a special day that celebrates the hard work and dedication of mothers around the world. Being a mother is one of the most difficult jobs there is, yet it is also one of the most rewarding. Mothers work tirelessly to care for their children, often sacrificing their own needs and wants in order to provide for their families.
On Mother’s Day, it is important to take the time to show appreciation for all that mothers do. Whether it’s a simple card, a bouquet of flowers, or a heartfelt message, any gesture of gratitude can go a long way in letting mothers know that their efforts are valued and appreciated.
However, it’s important to remember that Mother’s Day is not just about gifts and presents. It’s a day to acknowledge the sacrifices that mothers make on a daily basis, and to recognize the love and care that they provide to their families.
Mothers work hard to instill values, provide guidance and support, and create a safe and nurturing home environment for their children. They are often the backbone of the family, and their contributions cannot be overstated.
So, on this Mother’s Day, let us take the time to celebrate the mothers in our lives. Let us thank them for their hard work, their sacrifices, and their unwavering love and support. Let us show them that they are valued and appreciated, not just on this special day, but every day of the year.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day
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love and romance
Love Your Space: 4 Valentine’s Day Home Decor Ideas
Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to enhance home decor with love-themed touches. Key ideas include using a classic red and pink palette, incorporating soft lighting and inviting textures, adding fresh flowers and heartfelt accents, and personalizing decor with meaningful items. Each element contributes to a romantic and welcoming atmosphere.
Last Updated on February 14, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Love Your Space: 4 Valentine’s Day Home Decor Ideas
(Family Features) From planning a romantic night in with your significant other to hosting friends for Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to fill your home with love and heartfelt style.
Whether you add subtle accents or bold pops of color, decorating for the season of love is about adding intentional touches that make your spaces feel special.
1. Choose a Valentine’s Palette
The classic red and pink motif is a perfect starting point. A few heart-shaped throw pillows, blush pink accessories or a rich red accent blanket can capture the spirit without overwhelming. If bold colors don’t match your current design style, ground them with neutrals like soft whites, creams or grays to create a romantic look that feels intentional and cohesive.
2. Set the Mood with Lighting and Texture
Soft lighting – think string lights draped along a mantel, clusters of warm-hued candles or a table lamp with a rosy glow – can make rooms feel cozier, as can layering sensual textures like velvet pillows, knit throws and lace or crochet accents. These elements feel inviting and chic, creating a relaxed, intimate ambience perfect for a celebratory evening at home.
3. Fresh Florals and Heartfelt Accents
A timeless Valentine’s Day tradition, fresh flowers can bring life, color and fragrance to any room. A vase of red roses, pink tulips or mixed seasonal blooms can serve as a centerpiece on your dining room table or entry console. For an added seasonal touch, consider heart-shaped garlands or DIY paper hearts on shelves, mirrors or around picture frames.
4. Personalize With Love
Much like heart-warming gifts, the most meaningful decor often has a personal story. Frame a favorite photo, display a handwritten love note or incorporate a treasured keepsake into your Valentine’s arrangement to make your space feel uniquely yours.
For more ideas to celebrate love every time you walk through the door, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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