I asked AI chatbots to plan a Valentine’s Day date. They were surprisingly helpful

Valentine’s Day is confusing enough for us humans. Imagine how confounding it might be for a machine.

While generative AI is designed to continually get smarter, romance is not something for which there’s a definitive course of study. So as Valentine’s Day approaches, we got curious: What have chatbots determined about affairs of the heart—or at least holidays that celebrate romance? As it turns out, chatbots love love!

While humans often screw things up without meaning to, ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini are full of ideas for how to celebrate February 14. In fact, they got quite chatty when Fast Company asked them for Valentine’s Day tips.

The replies often spanned 1,000 words or more, which can be a bit overwhelming when you’re just looking for the germ of an idea to customize. To make things easier, we’ve compiled and condensed the answers for you.

What’s a romantic meal to cook for Valentine’s Day?

All three chatbots have some good suggestions for dinner—and earn bonus points for reminding the user to set the mood with soft lighting and music, along with, perhaps, a card. In terms of the menu, ChatGPT suggests starting with a creamy tomato basil soup or beetroot carpaccio with goat cheese and arugula salad, followed by an herb-crusted filet mignon with a red wine reduction and molten chocolate cake for dessert.

Microsoft’s Copilot suggests spaghetti aglio e olio, lobster tail with garlic butter, and, for dessert—chocolate fondue. Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini is an overachiever, offering nine different suggestions, ranging from beef Wellington or chicken pot pie (really?!) to roasted butternut squash gnocchi.

What are some budget-friendly Valentine’s Day gift ideas?

Many people put pressure on themselves to go big on Valentine’s Day, which can drain their savings. The chatbots have a few suggestions about less-expensive ways to share time with your loved one. ChatGPT and Copilot offer similar thinking, touting activities like a picnic and cooking a homemade meal together, along with DIY gifts and movie nights at home. Copilot throws in the idea of creating a mini scavenger hunt and visiting a botanical garden.

Gemini, as we’ve come to expect, gives the most thorough answer, with 16 different suggestions, ranging from re-creating your first date to museum hopping and at-home massages.

What should I write in a card to my sweetheart on Valentine’s Day?

Not everyone is especially good with words, even when the feelings are heartfelt. So if chatbots can write cover letters for job applicants and essays for students, shouldn’t they be able to fill in the blanks on a Valentine’s card? Technically, yes. All three chatbots offer some pointers (“promise your devotion”; “express your appreciation”), and all suggest potential messages to include, e.g., this one from Copilot: “Your love is the melody that plays in my heart, the moonlight that guides me through the darkest nights. With you, every day feels like Valentine’s Day.”

Be careful before copying those replies word for word, though. Your partner likely knows how you normally speak (or write), and if you get called out for relying on AI to express your feelings, Valentine’s Day might not turn out the way you’d hoped.

Some of the advice is worth considering, though. Gemini suggests recalling a shared memory or a recent gesture your sweetheart made that you appreciated, while Copilot advises wrapping an inside joke into your expression of love.

What about a creative gift for Valentine’s Day? Any ideas?

Maybe you’ve been dating only a short while—or you’ve been together for years and have gotten your partner everything you can imagine they ever wanted. Either way, you’re stuck. Chatbots can be a big help here, with some smart ideas that aren’t overly expensive but still have a personal touch.

ChatGPT suggests a customized scrapbook or photo album of shared experiences, or a memory jar filled with handwritten notes detailing your favorite stories, inside jokes, and reasons you love your partner that can be pulled out whenever they need a pick-me-up. Copilot recognizes that pets are as much a part of the relationship as the two humans and suggests a customized pet portrait, along with a Lego flower bouquet and personalized jewelry. Gemini’s ideas include a constellation map of your first date night, a DIY craft kit for two, and the modern equivalent of a mix tape—a personalized playlist of songs.

What are some unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Just giving a card and a gift isn’t always enough. If you’re looking to extend your Valentine’s Day celebration, consider these ideas from the chatbots for activities that could bring you closer together. ChatGPT’s suggestions include a DIY spa day or creating your own wine or beer tasting. Copilot suggests broadening the focus of the holiday beyond just you and your special someone to hosting a Valentine’s brunch or perhaps performing a random act of kindness together. Gemini’s extensive list of ideas ranges from the elaborate (a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise) to the outdoorsy (paddleboarding or kayaking on a quiet lake) to the festive (DIY cocktail making). 

I’m in a situationship—how should I handle Valentine’s Day?

What do friends with benefits do on Valentine’s Day? While situationships generally don’t have the expectation of exclusivity, all three chatbots acknowledge that navigating the holiday in this sort of relationship is “tricky.” They’re not wrong. All three agree that communication is essential, with each party discussing expectations and boundaries.

The chatbots also unanimously suggest celebrating casually, with a friendly hangout or the exchange of small gifts. Avoid expectations, don’t pressure the other person, and you should be able to navigate the day just fine. And as a last resort? It’s perfectly acceptable to ignore Valentine’s Day altogether.