At least four U.S. states—Arizona, Nebraska, Texas and Viriginia—have towns named Valentine, or Valentines with an “s” on the end in Virginia’s case. For the year’s most romantic holiday, NCSL caught up with most of the legislators representing the towns and asked them to share what makes their Valentine so special.
Valentine, Ariz.
Location: 190 miles northwest ofthe capital city, Phoenix
Represented by: Rep. Regina E. Cobb (R)
How would you describe the town?
Valentine has about 30-plus residents. It’s on Route 66 and known now for its animal park.
Do you know how it came to be named?
It was originally named after Robert Valentine, who served as commissioner of Indian Affairs from June 1909 to September 1912.
What’s most romantic about it?
It holds a romantic spot in my heart. My first official date with my husband was a wedding held at the old bar in Valentine. The post office is no longer there and was known for its heart stamp.
Valentine, Neb.
Location: 300 miles northwest ofthe capital city, Lincoln
Represented by: Sen. Tom Brewer (R)
How would you describe the town?
People go canoeing, kayaking, tubing or tanking down the Niobrara River, which flows through the area where seven different ecosystems meet. I believe this is the only place in the world where seven ecosystems meet like this.
Do you know how it came to be named?
Itwas named in honor of Edward K. Valentine, whoserved the Union in the Civil War [and] in the U.S. House of Representatives for Nebraska’s at-large district from 1879-1883.
What’s most romantic about it?
Their annual remailing program. Every year thousands of pieces of mail are sent to Valentine and then remailed so that cards or gifts havea postmark from Valentine. Many people travel to Valentine so they can be married on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine, Texas
Location: 460 miles west ofthe capital city, Austin
Represented by: Rep. Eddie Morales Jr. (D)
How would you describe the town?
Think of the wild west a general store, the post office, a school and a church. Population of 87 on a good day. Valentine is exactly 1,000 miles away from Los Angeles and New Orleans, each way.
Do you know how it came to be named?
Valentine is rumored to have got its name from Southern Pacific railroaders who stopped at a depot for supplies on Valentine’s Day.
What’s most romantic about it?
You can take your pickup truck out on the side of the road, put out some blankets in the bed and just lay out there. I look forward to spending this year’s Valentine’s Day there.
Valentines, Va.
Location: 84 miles southwest ofthe capital city, Richmond
“My District” gives NCSL members a chance to talk about life in the places they represent, from high-profile events and destinations to the fun facts only the locals know.The responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Doug McPherson is a Denver-based freelance writer.
FAQs
Direct Acceptance: A straightforward “Yes, I'd love to be your Valentine” clearly communicates your mutual interest. With Enthusiasm: If you're excited about it, don't hesitate to express that. Saying something like, “Absolutely!
What is the reply to Happy Valentine? ›
"Thank you so much! Happy Valentine's Day to you too." "Same to you! Wishing you all the love and happiness on this special day."
What state has a town called Valentine? ›
At least four U.S. states—Arizona, Nebraska, Texas and Viriginia—have towns named Valentine, or Valentines with an “s” on the end in Virginia's case.
How to reject a Valentine nicely? ›
Also, don't do it through text or social media, talk to them in person and be very honest. Don't be mean or attack them, just say things like 'I don't feel we are compatible anymore' or 'things aren't working out' so they know,” sophom*ore Gaby Martinez said. No one likes being rejected.
What does it mean when someone asks you if you have a Valentine? ›
A valentine is a sweetheart: specifically, someone who receives a greeting or attention on Valentine's Day. There are many words for someone you like in a romantic way, such as sweetie, main squeeze, boyfriend, girlfriend, significant other, and special someone.
How do you say will you be my Valentine in a cute way? ›
Send her a gift as a cutesy token of your affection.
For example, buy her a pizza decorated with a heart formed out of pepperoni and scrawl, “I know it's cheesy, but…will you be my valentine?” on the lid. Or, get her a small stuffed animal holding a sign with the same question.
How many couples are likely to get engaged on valentine's day? ›
Valentine's Day is one of the most popular dates for a proposal, with around 6 million couples likely to get engaged on this day each year. So, if you're considering a Valentine's Day proposal, you might be wondering how to make it stand out.
Where is valentine in real life? ›
Valentine is a city in Cherry County, Nebraska, United States.
How to gently turn someone down? ›
The good news is that rejecting someone with kindness can be as simple as saying, “Thank you for the fun date, but I'm not feeling a romantic connection,” or “It was great meeting you, but I don't feel a spark.” Even if they don't react exactly how you want them to, you can feel good about being direct and making a ...
What do you say to reject a kiss? ›
If you think you might be interested in kissing the person later on, you could say something like, “I'm not ready for kissing just yet.” If you don't want to hurt the person's feelings, you can try offering a gentler explanation. For example, “I'm flattered, but I'm just not in the mood right now.”
But just a “Will you be my valentine? ' is a person who wants to know if you like them at all in a romantic way, not as a friend. If you are interested in the girl, go ahead and say yes, but if you are not politely decline the offer.
Would you be my Valentine when to ask? ›
You ask whenever you have the courage. If that's a week before Valentines Day, ask then. If it's Valentines Day, ask then. It all depends on your confidence level.
What does I'll be your Valentine mean? ›
“Being my Valentine means that you're that special and the only person I will be spoiling the day of,” “It doesn't mean we are in a relationship. It just means for that day, I express to you in words, gifts and actions what you or your friendship means to me in a more intimate manner.”
Would you be my Valentine or Valentine's? ›
Valentine refers to a “card you give to someone on Valentine's Day,” but it can also mean “sweetheart or loved one you give a card or gift to.” In this sense, Valentine can be made plural by adding an “s.” He asked me to be his valentine. I passed out many valentines this year.
