Free Conversation Ideas for Valentine's Day [Updated]

Originating in the UK, Valentine's Day as we know it now has spread around the world. Your students probably know at least a little about it, so it should be a good topic for a free-talk lesson.

Similar to other lessons based on holidays, however, it's important to be respectful of varying cultural backgrounds. Also, keep in mind that while it's a fun and romantic day for some, Valentine's Day may be lonely for others, so it's best to be sensitive when discussing these topics by keeping things general.

With that out of the way, on with the discussion questions!

> What comes to mind when you think of Valentine's Day?

Different cultures can interpret the same celebrations in a variety of ways, so what one holiday means to you may not apply to someone elsewhere in the world.

> Does your country celebrate any other romance-themed days?

Even if a student doesn't celebrate Valentine's Day in their country, it doesn't mean there are no other days that are similar to it. In Korea, for example, there are love-themed celebrations on the 14th of each month!

> If it is celebrated, is Valentine's Day a "new" holiday in your country?

Some holidays manage to spread outside of their country of origin. Halloween, for example, has become very popular in Japan in recent years.

It's possible your student has noticed something similar with Valentine's Day. Maybe they've celebrated it their entire life, or perhaps it didn't even exist in their country when they were a child.

> Is it only celebrated by couples?

It's common for Western schoolchildren to give handmade cards to their classmates on Valentine's Day. Also, adults may bring chocolate to their place of work to share among colleagues.

Therefore, February 14 isn't strictly a couples-only day, despite how it may seem. What is the situation in your student's country?

> What is the etiquette for giving and receiving gifts in your country?

A person holding out a gift in a box with a shiny bow

In the US, it's common for either person in a romantic couple to give presents on Valentine's Day. But it's not the same everywhere. For example, your Japanese students may mention that men and women are expected to give gifts on separate days of the year.

> What type of gifts are typically given on Valentine's Day (or your country's equivalent)?

Things like roses and chocolate are closely associated with Valentine's Day in America. Is it the same where your students live?

> Does your country have any special days for singles?

Valentine's Day is often celebrated by couples spending money on gifts of various kinds. But companies have realized that they can make even more money by marketing to singles as well. This has led to days like Singles' Day in China, which is on November 11 (11/11, get it?).

What does your student think about the idea of a day for singles?

> Some people feel Valentine's Day is too commercialized. What do you think?

As mentioned above, lots of money is spent on Valentine's Day, on everything from greeting cards and flowers to trips and fancy hotels.

How does your student feel about this focus on the exchange of physical gifts? Do they think any other holidays have become overly commercialized?

> Are "public displays of affection" common in your country?

A couple kissing while lifting weights in a gym

Though some people dislike it, seeing couples kiss and behave affectionately in public is a very normal thing in Western cultures. But different countries can have very different attitudes toward "PDAs." Is this type of activity accepted in your student's country?

> How many different "pet names" (romantic nicknames) do you know in English?

Finally, you can ask them this for a bit of fun trivia. They may know "sweetheart" or "baby," but do they also know names like "honey," "boo" or "bae"?

Over to you

In many places, the commercial appeal of Valentine's Day makes it a difficult celebration to avoid entirely. That being the case, we might as well take advantage of its potential as a topic for free conversation. Just be careful to discuss it with sensitivity and respect for students' privacy.

Check out this article for even more ideas on free-talk activities for lessons on or around February 14.