With Valentine’s Day approaching, a feeling of either excitement or dread is likely setting in, depending on your current relationship status. For those without a significant other, Feb. 14 can feel like a punch in the gut as a brutal reminder of the lack of a special someone. If this sounds like you, reshaping your mentality around this holiday can transform your Valentine’s experience.
There is an art to spending Valentine’s Day single, and the number one thing to remember is that you are your own Valentine.
Now, if that mentality is difficult to maintain, find a single friend. Together, you have the opportunity to tease couples and complain about this holiday’s commercialization.
It can be helpful to avoid any happy couples you may be friends with and stay off social media. Seeing all the grand gestures of love may put a damper on the day.
In most relationships, you receive gifts, whether a box of chocolates, a teddy bear or a ring on Valentine’s Day. So, being single, you can take this into your own hands. Being single should not equate to being without gifts. Think of whatever it is you have been craving. No meal, drink or treat is off-limits. Maybe take yourself on a Target trip and make the purchase you have not yet been able to justify. Once you have narrowed in on your intended “gift,” take yourself out to get it. A gift from yourself is the same, if not better, than one from a potential significant other.
After treating yourself, the night is yours! If you are leaning toward alone time, then take some time to relax. Do that facemask you’ve been ignoring because you are too tired at the end of the night. Take an extra-long shower. Put on your most comfortable clothes and get under the covers. Remember, you are your own Valentine, so why not put some love and care into you?
Lying in bed, you might be battling a good cry or fighting the urge to call up that one ex. Instead of doing those things, try putting on a comfort movie, or reading that one book you have been putting off for months. Find an activity that suits your interests and enjoy this guilt-free time alone.
Now, of course, a night in sounds great to some, but boring to others. If you are looking for a more exciting Valentine’s night, there are other options. Instead of cozying up in bed, you may want to put on your sharpest outfit, sing in your room while spending hours getting ready and go out. Or maybe you head to a Galentine’s Night to celebrate the love within your friendships. Next Valentine’s Day, you might be settled down and on a dinner date, so live it up now!
Valentine’s Day can be brutal or beautiful, single or not. It is normal to feel down on this holiday, but it is important to remember that you are your longest relationship.