Tag: Valentines

All the latest breaking news on Valentines. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Valentines.

5 Tell Tale Signs Your Boyfriend Is Using Tech To Cheat This Valentine’s
As we head into Valentine’s day, are any of these tell signs that your partner is cheating on you? Is Your Partner Cheating On You Using Tech? 5 Red Flags To Watch For This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and many people are looking forward to a day filled with romance. But what do you do if you suspect your loved one is being unfaithful?

Trevor Cooke, the online privacy expert at EarthWeb, discusses 5 tech-related signs that your fears could be justified.
1. Excessive Secrecy
Is your partner being overly protective of their phone, for example, turning away or hiding their screen when texting or receiving push notifications? Are they leaving the room to take calls? Or maybe they’ve recently bought a privacy screen protector? These behaviours might suggest they’re communicating with someone they don’t want you to know about.
1. Increased Security
If your loved one is adding new passwords or fingerprint locks on their phone, this could be concerning. Of course, due to the risk of crime, privacy is essential, and most people will password-protect their phone. However, drastic changes in phone security without a clear reason – for example, changing their phone password without telling you when they’ve been happy to let you know it before – might indicate your partner is hiding something.
1. Suspicious Internet Behaviour
Does your partner regularly remove their browser history or use incognito modes (private windows)? You may even be told they’re planning a Valentine’s Day surprise! However, this can be a sign your partner is visiting websites they want to keep hidden (e.g. dating sites or communication platforms).
1. Disguised Documents
Online documents with innocent names – for example, ‘Work To Do List’ – are often the perfect way to hide things. A Microsoft 365 file or Google document could contain exactly what it says – or it could be full of hidden photos and videos they don’t want you to find.
1. Different Usage
A partner may suddenly start spending more time online, perhaps late at night or during unusual hours. If so, they may be engaging in activities or conversations they’re trying to keep secret.

If they suddenly have new friends or followers on social media that seem out of place, or they’re having frequent interactions with a specific individual, this could be a cause for concern.

Trevor says, ‘There are many ways people can hide things, whether it’s using OurSecret software or tucking them away on Amazon Prime. The key thing is to not be paranoid and to gently address any concerns. Then you can enjoy Valentine’s Day without having unnecessary worries.’
1st February 2024
This is where you shouldn’t take your valentine’s date

Pexels / Pixabay

Valentine’s day is fast approaching and for many of us, the question about where to go with our date still looms. From romantic dinners to hiking, the options are never-ending. But what is the perfect date?

Farawayfurtniture.com were keen to find the answers and surveyed 1,546 people, asking them to rate each date activity out of 10 (10 being very good and 0 being very bad).

Drinks, came on top as the best activity to do on a first date, according to 38% of respondents. One respondent stated that having an alcoholic beverage on a date, made them “more talkative and social.”

Attend a comedy night, was surprisingly rated the second-best date. A whopping 36% said this would be their favourite activity.

The third best-rated date was, in fact, a walk, according to 35% of respondents. On a budget? No problem- just take your date on a walk!

Farawyafurtniture.com revealed that the typical dinner date, is NOT the most favoured activity- despite popular opinion.

One respondent commented saying dinner dates were “too formal and often awkward.”

Instead, people rated active and fun activities much higher.

Furthermore, the experts revealed that people would rather go to a museum (25%) than a theme park (13%).

To delve deeper, the experts analysed the different activities different age groups preferred. The results found that…

People in their 20s do not want to go for drinks! Only 42% of respondents rated this the best idea, in comparison to over half of the respondents arguing mini-golf was the best activity (51%).

Say no to picnics…

Finally, if your date is in their 20s, avoid picnics and museums.

Having a picnic and visiting a museum were the worst-rated ideas by people in their 20s.

People in their 30-40s, were the only age group, that rated dinner and drinks the best first date. Surprisingly, no other age group rated drinks and dinner the best activity.

People aged between 40-50, seem to love their comedy nights, with 40% rating this the best first date.

People aged in their 50-60s appear to keep things simple, with a walk being the best first date.

This was closely followed by a comedy night. Make sure to avoid theme parks and bowling though- these ideas were rated the worst by people in their 50-60s.

29th January 2020
Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, I Know What To Get You Boo!

Valentine’s day is fast approaching (yes it is on Thursday!) and unless you’re the person who does their Christmas shopping in July, then you probably still haven’t bought that special someone a gift… This is where we come in!

Nietjuh / Pixabay

Our Style and Grooming team at THEGAYUK, have curated a list of our top 5 valentine’s day gifts for that special man in your life (or men… we ain’t judging!).

1. For the City Boy: Tailored Athlete’s Essential Dress Shirt in White (£60)

Perfect for those midweek meetings and more importantly for taking you out for dinner! The Essential Dress Shirt from Tailored Athlete is a sure fire away to put a smile on his face while making him look like a 007 doppelganger. Made from microfibre, cotton and elastane, the shirt is wrinkle resistant, breathable, quick drying and even a little stain resistant! Just in case he’s prone to spilling coffee on himself or red wine, should your dinner date get a little out of hand.

https://tailoredathlete.co.uk/collections/essential-dress-shirts/products/essential-dress-shirt-white

2. For the Underwear Lover: Cocksox’s Sheer Trunk ($36)/Sports Brief ($34)

So we’ve had him all suited and booted, now it’s time to get him kitted out below the belt too! The brand Cocksox is renowned worldwide for creating high quality and sexy AF underwear and they never fail to disappoint! Their new sheer collection for valentine’s day is aimed at those who like to tease and please! Our personal favourites are the Sheer Trunk and Sports Brief. Both leave just enough to the imagination, that is unless cupid pokes you with his arrow!

https://www.cocksox.com/collections/underwear-shop-all/products/cx68sh-sheer-trunk

https://www.cocksox.com/collections/underwear-shop-all/products/cx76sh-sheer-sports-brief

3. For the Gym Bunny: Garcon Model’s KINETIC Swim Brief (£30)

If your man has kept up his new year, new gym bunny resolution, then this next item is definitely for you! Garcon Model’s KINETIC Swim Brief, will not only keep your man fit but it will help him show off all those gym gains while doing so. Exquisitely cut to show off that bubble butt and draw all attention to his package, this is a gift you both can enjoy! After all, he doesn’t have to just wear it when he works out…

https://uk.garconmodel.com/swimwear/kinetic-swim-brief.html

4. For the Coffee Lover: Conker Spirit’s Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur 70cl (£31)

Now buying your beau a cup of coffee on valentine’s day sounds a bit lame, let’s be honest. Even if he is the king of the Nespresso machine, a flat white from your local independent coffee roastery won’t cut it! Rest assured though we know just the thing to make him smile this valentine’s day. Conker Spirit’s Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is more than your average coffee liqueur, your man is worth more than that Starbuck’s grade bulls**t! He deserves a coffee liqueur that doesn’t just imitate the taste of coffee but actually is coffee. Admittedly with a bit of demerara sugar and Conker’s trademark distilled British wheat spirit. It is basically an espresso shot, that carries that extra punch! We guarantee it will put a smile on his face, just make sure he doesn’t chug the entire bottle like his morning americano!

https://www.conkerspirit.co.uk/shop/cold-brew-coffee-liqueur/

5. For the Craft Beer Junkie: Gosnells’ Mead x12 (£80.00)

Dating a craft beer junkie? Then this one is for you! Gosnells’ Mead is a unique modern-day take on a medieval classic. Crafted from orange blossom honey, this lightly sparkling and refreshing drink will take you on a journey to an orange grove in full bloom. Perfect to put a smile on your man’s face and add another notch on his craft beer belt. We recommend the 12 pack because let’s face it, he’s going to want more than one!

https://www.gosnells.co.uk/collections/our-mead

11th February 2019
10 Valentine’s gift ideas for the boyfriend who has everything

With Valentine’s around the corner we round up some of the best gift ideas for your S/O – or yourself – no one here is judging.

(C) BIGSTOCK

Crystal Rainbow Bracelets

Black Rainbow Bracelet With Swarovski® Elements

What about a splash of colour with these beautiful Pride bracelets made from Swarovski crystals?

There are two divine options that are hand-assembled here in the UK by members of the LGBT+ community for ThePrideShop.co.uk. There is the full-colour rainbow bracelet or the simple and classic black crystal with the 6 colour rainbow. From £24.99 each and exclusive to ThePrideShop.co.uk

The gift of knowledge

StockSnap / Pixabay

As they say, knowledge is power and a world of it could be yours for just £7.99 a month with an audible subscription. With your subscription, you can download one audiobook a month – and there are thousands of books to choose from all your favourite authors. If you both travel by car together you can even listen to the book together. The perfect gift to share and something to talk about.

Flowers

Flowers from FlowerBe can be sent to you via the post and arrive ready to be lovingly arranged by you and yours. The best bit is that FlowerBe curates the perfect flowers and you get to be the creative genius at home by creating a beautiful, long-lasting display. You can get a monthly, fortnightly subscriptions or just one-offs. Gifts available from £40.

Plus you have the added bonus of raising your partner’s oxytocin levels also known as the “love hormone”.

Undies

Who doesn’t like getting sexy undies as a gift, not that they ever stay on that long! This G Sir Mesh Jockstrap is the perfect mix of comfort and sexy and comes in four colours and is just £7.29.

iPhone

Amazon is doing an incredible deal at the moment with 22% off the price of its iPhones including the iPhone 7, 8 and Xs. If you’ve got £569 to spare you could splash out on this sexy bit of kit for your partner.

Bake a cake

Fancy yourself as a master baker? This Pistachio & Pomegranate Chocolate Cake by Jordan Lohan will definitely take your skills to a new level. What’s even better is that it’s flourless and is rich in pomegranates, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, not to mention fibre and anti-inflammatory properties. A healthy body is a sexy body.

Numbing Lube

Lube is always a good idea, whether you’re having anal sex or just a bit of frottage… but if you’re looking for something a little bit different why not try numbing lube. It can help prolong the top’s performance and help with any discomfort the bottom might be feeling. There are several options, but we recently tried the Eros Numbling Lube and that definitely did the trick.

Golden Balls

Want to give jewellery, but want something a little bit unusual? We’ve fallen in love with these custom made rose-gold “ballz” pieces from SAM HAM. You can choose from cufflinks, a pendant or even if you ever wanted balls around your neck a necklace. Each piece is handcrafted in the world-famous Hatton Square. Prices start at £145, with custom Ballz created on request for those wanting to personalise their gift.

Theatre

© Johan Persson

What about a night out at the theatre? This year’s hottest ticket is Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and prices are now as low as £24 for the London production.

Gay T-Shirts

We’ve mentioned these t-shirts before, but what can we say – we LOVE them. This 8ball original design is created right here in the UK and this naked cowboy one is under £14.00 right now. Perfect!

And a card?

Do you need a Valentine’s card – TheGayShop has you covered! Check out the range of boyfriend cards right here

YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

8th February 2019
Netflix and Kill: These 5 shows prove it’s probably safer to be single

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s love hearts and roses everywhere you turn, but if you’re one of the 64% of us failing to find love on our favourite dating apps, you might just be in luck!

Whether you’re into true crime or fiction, we’ve worked with Missy Empire to put together a binge-worthy list of chilling Netflix shows, all of which prove that sometimes you really are better off alone.

You can forget about creeping on old pictures of your ex this Valentine’s Day, our must-watch list is packed full of terrifying stalkers and cold-blooded serial killers, far creepier than someone sliding into your DM’s at 4am.

So, dim the lights and get your loungewear on. By the end of your first episode, we promise you’ll be glad you’re alone this V’Day.

YOU

This must-watch Netflix exclusive was the talk of the town at the end of 2018. If you STILL haven’t settled down to watch this stalker story unfold, then you really do need to add it to your watchlist.

Without giving you any spoilers YOU tells the story of neurotic New Yorker, Joe, who doesn’t let anything (and we mean anything) or anyone stand in the way of his unhealthy obsession with fellow New Yorker, Beck.

If you’re looking for a show to give you all the feels this Valentine’s, then be sure to add YOU to your watchlist.

The Staircase

Next on the list is a seriously twisted docu-series from Netflix. The Staircase is a thriller, based on the real-world trial of writer Michael Peterson. The show follows the high-profile murder trial from start to finish, unravelling the incredible case along the way.

Peterson was charged with the murder of his wife Catherine in 2001, who was found dead in their family home, under some seriously suspicious circumstances. With Michael being the only witness, he was the number one prime suspect in this crazy series of events.

Michaels defence lawyer David Rudolf is the unlikely star of the series, providing intense and gripping commentary throughout. Once you’re finished with The Staircase you need to take a look at the extras in the main menu. Don’t say we didn’t warn you about the mind blowing ‘Owl Theory’…

Conversations with a Killer – The Ted Bundy Tapes

With the news just in that Netflix has acquired the controversial Ted Bundy biopic ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’ starring Zac Efron, millions of true crime fans will be scrolling through their must-watch list, ready find out more about this controversial killer.

True crime fans need to look no further, The Ted Bundy Tapes gets inside the mind of the Bundy for the very first time.

In the ’70s, Bundy used his good looks and personality to pray on single women who would unwittingly fall for his charm. So, make sure the doors are locked and the curtains are closed before you dive into the story of The Campus Killer.

Love

There are three whole seasons of this show, ready and waiting for you to get hooked on this Valentine’s. This show is sure to confirm that you’re perfectly happy staying single and totally not ready to mingle.

Love follows the story of Gus and Mickey who are trying as hard as possible to be a ‘normal’ couple. They have a completely unconventional romance, you’d be able to spot the dysfunctional couple from a mile away.

Whilst this show is completely hilarious when you’re watching from the sidelines, can you imagine living through the trauma of this relationship? You’re better off having nights in with Netflix.

Lovesick

You might have missed Lovesick first time around, but it’s a seriously addictive show to add to your Netflix binge-and-cringe list.

The show follows the story of Dylan, who, after contracting an STD, must contact all of his former flings to explain himself and ask them to get tested.

There are some totally cringe scenes which will make your glad that you’re not going to be on the receiving end of a #awks text anytime soon!

7th February 2019
Top 10 gay romance films on Netflix for Valentine’s Day 2017

One of the best feelings in the world is to snuggle up with a loved one on the sofa, a bag of chocolate sweets and a good romance film to get you in the mood for love this Valentine’s Day. We’ve pulled together the top 10 films on Netflix to set the heart a flutter.

1. Appropriate Behaviour

2. August

3. Bare

4. Big Eden

5. Boys

6. Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party

7. Holding The Man

8. Boy Meets Girl

9. Is It Just Me?

10. Love Is Strange

13th February 2017
Best and worst places to pop the question to your man this Valentine’s

A new survey of nearly 3,000 Brits said the location to pop the question was more important than the ring itself and that your words of love spoken during the proposal would make or break the deal for a third of them.

CREDIT: © focuspocusltd Depositphotos

The survey compiled by AttractionTix.co.uk revealed the following best and worst places to propose this Valentine’s, unless you’re part of the 40% who said Valentine’s was a bad day to propose, but overall February was a good month to say ‘Will you marry me?’

CREDIT: ©-daboost-Depositphotos

THE TOP FIVE LOCATIONS TO PROPOSE

A sentimental location

A famous landmark

A theme park

A beach

A sporting event

CREDIT: ©-everett225-Depositphotos

TOP FIVE WORST LOCATIONS TO PROPOSE

At a surprise engagement party

At home

At work

At a family event

At a restaurant

So there you have it. If the mood does take you to propose to a loved one (hopefully!) this Valentine’s, then try to avoid holding a surprise party in the local chippy with the family and friends, but instead get yourself some tickets for Alton Towers, then at least if he says no you can leave him on the Oblivion rollercoaster so he can also get that heart sinking feeling.

8th February 2017
TOP 5: Valentine Treats For Your Man

Valentine’s, that wonderful day where we pluck up the courage to tell someone we love them. Or like them. Or maybe even just appreciate their existence. Here’s our Top 5 little gift ideas that won’t break the bank and will sure to please.

1. Maison Blanc, Valentine Concerto – From £4.85

Light chocolate sponge filled with rich, dark chocolate mousse, surrounding a disk of crispy feuillantine finished in a dark chocolate glaze. Plus, have your own edible message written on top. We’re thinking along the lines of Hands Off!
www.MaisonBlanc.co.uk

2. Jimmy Jane, Bourbon Natural Massage Candle – £13.19

With up to 32 hours burn time, this fragrant candle contains skin soothing jojoba, shea butter, Vitamin E, soy and aloe. Just requires some masculine hands to pour and massage away the stresses of the day. Please do remember to blow it out before you pour onto a loved one. A&E on Valentine’s is not the most romantic place.
www.Amazon.co.uk

3. Beefayre, Bee Kind Body & Bath set – £26.00

If you’re sharing a bath this Valentine’s then you can’t go wrong with the Beefayre bee kind body and bath set. With essential oils of rosemary and neroli you’ll both exit feeling like spring lambs ready to leap into action.
www.beefayre.com

4. MIMI, Sleeping Beauty Night Time Facial Oil – £35.00

This lovely little kit allows you to make up 35ml of facial oil exactly how you want it. Contains anti-ageing Moroccan argan oil, nourishing avocado and peach kernel oils, toning grapeseed oil, repair oat protein and skin protecting essential oils, you’ll have a fragrant day mixing up something special for your loved one.
www.makeitmakeit.com

5. Jockey, 3D-Innovations pants – £14.00

Now the words 3D and pants can only be a good thing, right? These sexy little red pants have been cleverly designed to allow an 8-way stretch which means every part gets a feature! For me one of the best features was the way they shaped around the bum. Without revealing too much detail it was certainly worth a look in the mirror whilst wearing them and I’m sure something the other half would appreciate. If only the shape stayed after you took them off!
www.jockey.co.uk

6th February 2015
Everything you need for Valentine’s Dinner, Chocolate and Sex

Valentine’s is one of those days you either enter with full spirit or try to avoid at all costs. However, it’s a general agreement that everyone loves a good dinner, tasty chocolates and pleasurable sex, be it with a partner or alone! so I’ve put together a little collection of treats to enjoy either by yourself or to share with a loved one this Feb 14th.

DINNER: Carluccio’s | Carom Soho | Floridita
Carluccio’s: If Italian is the love of your life then check out the delightful menu put together this Valentine’s at the nationwide Carluccio’s. Start with cannellini bean soup with sundried tomato pesto, pan roasted cod fillet and raspberry panna cotta with chocolate-dipped strawberries. 3 courses for £25.

Carom: This Pan-Indian restaurant set in the heart of Soho, London has created a spicy menu to help put a tingle into any couples night including, jumbo tiger prawns with grilled madras, pan fried lobster kerala curry and heart-shaped toasted sandwich with saffron, nuts, cherry and chocolate. 3 courses for £42.40.

Floridita: A Latin-American inspired evening awaits loved ones this Valentine’s. Set in Soho, London, a menu including; Cornish crab tarts, chargrilled fillet of beef on roasted red peppers and valrhona chocolate tart with raspberry and cream fraiche will be dished up with live Cuban entertainment. 3 courses for £49.

CHOCOLATE: Cadbury With Love
Cadbury has always been the reliable, good quality, affordable brand of chocolate and this Valentine’s have released their heart shaped With Love chocolates. Ok I say new, it’s just their mother’s day Thank You chocolates reshaped and packaged, so no points for imagination. However why change a winning formula? Hazelnut pralines to be enjoyed with a loved one or as I prefer, alone! Well there are only eight in a pack!

SEX: Pulse
“I’m pickin’ up good vibrations.” There’s a new pleasure toy in town and it’s guaranteed to be the happy ending to a perfect evening. The best part about this toy is that you can use it hands free! Just place it on your member, click required speed and away you go. Soft and easy to use offering maximum pleasure. If using with a partner why not put it on for them and then sit on top to stimulate yourself at the same time. Easy clean under a tap and comes with USB power charger – meaning no batteries required.

10th February 2014
COLUMN | Who Said Valentine’s Was Reserved For Couples?

Sometimes I wonder if I am the only person who enjoys being single on Valentine’s. Surrounded by a mix of happy couples and those who are single and are desperate to even find a date seems to drive me to insanity.

(more…)

25th February 2013
Your Valentine’s Poems

You funny guys have put your heads together and come up with some great Valentine’s poems. Some strange, some romantic and some down right smutty! Have a great Valentine’s whatever you may be up to.

biancamentil / Pixabay

Roses are Red,
Violets are Blue,
We love all are readers,
Especially you!

By TGUK team

The First Time

The first time I loved forever was when you whispered my name,
And I knew at once you loved me for the me of who I am.
The first time I loved forever I cast all else aside,
And I bid my heart to follow be there no more need to hide,
For all my life and forever there’s a truth I will always know,
For when my world divides and shatters your love is where I’ll go.

By Wayne Mellor-whiley

Chew My Shoe

Roses are Red,
Violets are Blue,
The dogs showed me no love,
And chewed up my shoe!

By MikeyMike

Doctor Loving Who?

A Darlek is Red,
The Tardis is Blue,
I want to run away,
And go time travelling with you!

By Jai Bluf

Jump Into Bed

Violets are Blue,
Roses are Red,
Forget Valentine’s
Let’s jump into bed.

By Tommy86

Love is Because…

Love isn’t a number, Love isn’t a time
Love isn’t a place and Love isn’t mine.
Love isn’t just yours, Love isn’t to keep,
Love isn’t to hide and Love isn’t to weep.
Love isn’t alone, Love isn’t afraid
Love isn’t by itself and Love isn’t kept in the shade.
Love isn’t bound by distance, Love isn’t just a game.
Love isn’t merely a nice word and Love isn’t always the same.
Love isn’t a simple definition, Love isn’t a word in a book.
Love isn’t something to say to make someone feel better,
And Love isn’t always in the places you look.
Love isn’t many things to many people,
But something holds for us.
No matter what people say or do,
Love IS – just because…

By Kenn Payne

Love and Wine

Alone again on Valentine’s
Oh what am I to do?
Save £30 on roses,
And have a bottle of wine for… erm one!

By JL

Fetish Valentines

Ropes are kinky,
Whips are fun,
Who want’s to tie me up
And play with my bum?

By Naughty Squirrel

14th February 2013