February 14th isn’t just for couples—it’s for your Love Circle. If you’re abroad missing home or looking to celebrate friendships, redefine Valentine’s Day beyond romance. From surprise cake deliveries to sending money via Lemfi, here are thoughtful ways to show love across any distance.
Introduction
February 14th. A day when Instagram is flooded with curated couple photos, when florists make a year’s worth of sales in a single afternoon, and when love, wrapped in red ribbons, is reserved for romantic partners. But here’s the truth, love is bigger than romance. And if you, like many Nigerians abroad, are watching from a distance as Valentine’s Day unfolds in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, feeling a pang of longing, it’s time to reimagine what this day truly means.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers. It’s for your people: your squad, your lifelines, the ones who held you down before love notes and candlelit dinners became a thing. It’s for your Love Circle.
Visit Baqers here - The cake gifting platform for lovers
Somewhere between growing up in Nigeria and moving abroad, we learned to categorize love. There’s the romantic kind that gets all the attention, the family kind that’s a given, and the friendship kind that we, unfortunately, take for granted. But here’s the real tea: friendships sustain us in ways that romance alone never can.
Your best friend who stayed up with you during heartbreaks, your sibling-like buddy who knows exactly how much pepper to put in your suya, your childhood friend who reminds you of home when homesickness kicks in, these people are your Love Circle. This Valentine’s Day, they deserve to be celebrated too.
Living abroad has its perks, better opportunities, safety, a new life. But let’s be honest, there are moments when the distance hits hard. You miss the spontaneous get-togethers, the way Nigerians can turn a simple meal into a mini party, the shared jokes that only make sense when you say them in Pidgin.
Loneliness is real, and research shows that strong friendships are just as important to mental well-being as romantic relationships. A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that deep friendships significantly impact happiness and stress levels. This is even more crucial for Nigerians in the diaspora, who are often navigating a world where home is both a memory and a WhatsApp call away.
This Valentine’s Day, don’t just scroll through social media, watching couples post their carefully edited love stories. Create your own moment of love with your friends.
If Valentine’s Day is about showing appreciation to those who matter, then here are a few ways to make your friends feel special:
Visit Baqers here - The cake gifting platform for lovers
What better way to say I appreciate you than a sweet treat? Whether it’s a classic red velvet, or chocolate cake, sending a cake is a simple but powerful way to spread love. Plus, if your bestie is back home in Nigeria, a cake delivery service makes sure they get their treat fresh, even from across the globe. Best part, Baqers is currently running a 25% discount on all Valentine cakes.
Time zones can be brutal, but nothing beats laughter shared over a video call. Organize a virtual game night, a storytelling session about your funniest childhood memories, or even a long-distance dinner where you all order (or cook) the same meal.
Since you’re miles away, a voucher or gift card is a perfect way to celebrate Galentine’s or Broentine’s Day and show your love from afar. Whether it’s a Buy Better gift card for everyday finds, a spa voucher for a relaxing treat, or one from their favorite dress shop, it lets them choose something they truly enjoy. You can also send money instantly via Lemfi, so they can treat themselves however they like. No matter the distance, this thoughtful gesture will make them feel cherished and appreciated!
Valentine’s Day shouldn’t feel like an exclusive club for couples. Love, in all its forms, is worth celebrating. For those of us abroad, our Love Circle is our family away from family. They remind us of who we are, where we come from, and why home is not just a place but a feeling.
So this year, whether you’re in New York, London, or Toronto, don’t let distance keep you from celebrating love. Send that cake, make that call, and remind your people that love isn’t just about romance, it’s about the ones who’ve loved you through every season.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your Love Circle.
Visit Baqers here - The cake gifting platform for lovers
