Valentine’s Day is creeping up, and you’re probably wondering—am I getting a romantic dinner, a thoughtful gift, or just a “wyd” text at 11:59 p.m.”? If you have to ask, you already know the answer, but let’s not be hasty. Some things require thorough investigation.
Welcome to The Situationship & Sneaky Link Valentine’s Day Guide, where we decode mixed signals, spot red flags, and determine if you’re about to be wined and dined—or straight up ghosted.
The Levels of Love: Situationship vs. Sneaky Link vs. Actual Relationship
Before we dive into the signs, let’s break down the difference between a situationship, a sneaky link, and a real relationship.
- Relationship: You get consistency, clarity, and actual dates. If your partner introduces you as their significant other, posts you on socials, and already made dinner reservations? You’re good.
- Situationship: You’re more than friends but less than official. You’ve met in broad daylight, but you’re still unsure where things stand. Valentine’s Day plans? Unclear.
- Sneaky Link: This is the untagged Instagram story, the “keep it lowkey” energy, the “You know I don’t really celebrate holidays” speech. If your interactions are 95% after 10 p.m., you already know what this is.
So, where do you stand? Let’s get into the signs.
Signs You’re Actually His Valentine
1. He Made Plans in Advance
Did he text you at least a week before to ask what you’re doing on February 14? Did he say, “I want to take you out” instead of “What you got going on later?” If so, you might actually be The Valentine.
However, if you’re still waiting on that text and it’s already February 13? Go ahead and book yourself a solo spa day.
2. He’s Not “Busy” That Day
Men move mountains for the people they care about. If he suddenly has a “long shift” or “family emergency” but is miraculously available on the 15th, 16th, or—God forbid—the 17th, you are NOT the main event. You are playing in the Valentine’s Day Aftermarket.
3. He Got You a Real Gift (Not Just a ‘Good Time’)
If he hands you a single gas station rose or sends a “Happy Valentine’s Day” text with no follow-up, he’s doing the absolute bare minimum.
A real Valentine’s effort includes:
✅ A thoughtful gift (flowers, perfume, a handwritten note)
✅ A planned date (not just “Come over, let’s chill”)
✅ A genuine act of affection (not just a selfie on Snap with the caption “My Valentine” for public approval)
If his only contribution to the holiday is himself, you deserve better.
4. He’s Not Mysteriously Offline
If he suddenly goes MIA all day on February 14 but magically reappears on the 15th talking about “My bad, I fell asleep”—he was celebrating. Just not with you.
Men don’t fall into 24-hour comas. Let’s be so for real.
5. He’s Public About You
This one’s for the Instagram Story detectives. If he posts a plate with two glasses of wine but crops out who’s across from him, red flag.
If he posts you, calls you his Valentine, and makes it clear you’re the one he’s with? Okay, we might have a winner.
Signs You’re Just a Situationship or Sneaky Link This Valentine’s Day
❌ You only hear from him after 10 p.m.
❌ Your “plans” are vague and last-minute.
❌ He texts “wyd” instead of “I want to see you.”
❌ You’re scheduled for the 15th (or later).
❌ His IG story looks suspiciously cropped.
If you checked off three or more of these, congratulations—you’re not his Valentine.
So… What Now?
If this article has confirmed what you already knew in your heart, don’t stress. Here’s the game plan:
✔️ Make your own plans. Solo date, Galentine’s, self-care day—celebrate yourself.
✔️ Don’t settle. If he’s not putting in effort now, he won’t later.
✔️ Keep it pushing. The right one will make it obvious.
And if you do get that last-minute text? Ignore it. You’re better than that.
What’s your Valentine’s Day situation looking like this year? Let’s talk in the comments.
