Sweethearts to Drop ‘Situationship Boxes’ for Valentine’s Day
In celebration of those navigating “situationships” this Valentine’s Day, Sweethearts is set to unveil its exclusive Situationship Boxes. These limited-edition boxes feature heart-shaped candies with intentional blurry misprints, termed as “sweet, muddled nothings and literal mixed messages.” They are meant to provide a whimsical representation of the challenges faced by singles.
Evan Brock, the marketing vice president at Spangler, expressed the company’s support for those elevating their “situationships” this year. He said in a press release, “Singles are taking ‘situationships’ to the next level this year, and Sweethearts is here for them.” He said the occasional imperfections in Sweethearts’ printing embrace these flaws while aligning with contemporary pop culture trends.
What’s a “situationship?”
Defined as an informal romantic relationship, a “situationship,” a fusion of “situation” and “relationship,” gained recognition in 2023. Oxford University Press ranked it among the top four words of the year. They acknowledge the growing use of the term to describe romantic entanglements without formalized commitments. The Oxford Dictionary defines a situationship as “a romantic or sexual relationship that is not considered to be formal or established.”
Research conducted by Tinder, a dating app, reveals a shifting perspective among young singles who now recognize situationships as a legitimate relationship status. In today’s dating scene, people seem less concerned about where a relationship is heading and more focused on enjoying the journey, according to Tinder’s data.
This venture into themed candies is not the first for Sweetheart Candies. Reader’s Digest reported a significant change in 2018 when Necco, the previous owner, went out of business. Fortunately, the Spangler Candy Co. stepped in to rescue the brand, leading to the return of candy conversation hearts in 2020 after a two-year hiatus. Over the years, Sweethearts has featured various themes, including words of encouragement, love songs, and “A Menu of Love” sayings.
The Situationship Boxes, featuring playful misprints, will be available for purchase on SweetheartsCandies.com starting January 8th at 9 a.m. ET.
Common Valentine's Day Mistakes to Avoid
Buying a last minute gift
Having no plans, even with good intentions, can make you seem inconsiderate and unmotivated. While it’s tempting to resort to last-minute convenience-store flowers or a generic box of chocolates, your partner likely knows you’re more creative. Avoid scrambling to find the perfect last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts. Instead, have a plan in place, making your partner feel valued with the thought you put into it ahead of time.
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Not making reservations
Valentine’s Day is a peak time for restaurants, spas, and getaways, so avoid waiting until the eleventh hour to snag your spot. Many places fill up weeks or even months before the big day. According to Taste of Home, it’s wise to plan and secure a reservation five to six weeks in advance. Mark it on your calendar to avoid any slip-ups. If you realize you forgot, try calling around to see if any restaurants have last-minute openings, or opt for a cozy romantic dinner at home.
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Not discussing a budget
Surprises are great, but when you gift your partner chocolate and roses and they surprise you with a trip to Hawaii or a new car, it can be a bit awkward. Although it’s uncommon to have such a huge difference in gift budgets, having a quick chat before Valentine’s Day can be beneficial. Set some guidelines. Maybe agree on a small budget, like under $20, or consider pooling funds for a more extravagant joint experience.
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Ignoring preferences
People often make the mistake of organizing Valentine’s Day based on their preferences rather than considering what their partner likes. Avoid overlooking your partner’s wishes or desires for the day. If your significant other prefers a cozy night at home over a fancy dinner, make sure your plans align with their preferences.
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Skipping it all together
Even if you’re not a big fan of Valentine’s Day, your partner might be a total romantic, so don’t act like it’s just any regular day. You don’t have to pull off a huge, fancy gesture every time, but completely ignoring it can be hurtful. Making a little effort shows you care. Complaining about the day doesn’t help either. Some people see Valentine’s Day as a bit commercial, but pointing that out or making excuses to ignore it might disappoint your partner. Griping about putting effort into the day can quickly spoil anything special you decide to do for them.
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