Ever since I was 16, I have never been single on Valentine’s Day, until this year. At first, this seemed mildly depressing to me because I am and always will be a hopeless romantic no matter how hard I try to pretend I’m not. But then I tried to think of all the things that I could do this year that I couldn’t in the past, and all the perks of not having a boyfriend to plan things for. So I made this list of ideas/reasons to help me and every other girl who is trying to find the bright side in what seems like a sucky situation.
1. You don’t have to worry about planning a romantic date or buying the perfect gift and outfit for your SO
For someone who has never been in a long-term relationship this might not seem like a big deal, but when you’re with the same person for a long time this kind of stuff gets old after awhile. It’s nice to only have to worry about myself for a change.
2. Not having to plan things for your SO means saving more money that you can spend on yourself
Being single on V Day is all about being shamelessly selfish.
3. No sharing all the half-priced candy with anyone
I’ve been avoiding the candy isle at all costs until everything goes on sale… then its all the red and pink M&M’s I can eat.
4. You won’t be disappointed when your plans fall through or your SO doesn’t plan anything for you
We’ve all experienced that feeling where we had our hopes up about someone and our expectations were just too high. So the main perk of being single for V Day: no one around to let you down!
5. You can take the time you would normally be on date and hang out with all your other single friends instead
Most likely, you have a few friends who are in the same boat as you. So instead of feeling sorry for yourself, get your friends and go on a romantic friend-date to the movies and secretly make fun of all the cheesy couples you see.
6. You can go out of town on a mini vacation if you want
This might be the only Valentine’s Day that you aren’t tied down or committed to anyone, so why not make the best of it? Pack a bag and go visit that cute little town you’ve always been interested in but never had the time to see before.
7. You can spend extra time in the gym getting super hot
If we’re gonna be single we might as well look good doing it, right?
8. After leaving the gym, go home and order yourself all the pizza, Chinese, and App Cookie Co. you can eat
Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you are obligated to eat for one. Not having to share food is personally one of my favorite joys in life.
9. You can lay in your bed alone and binge-watch Grey’s
This is more than likely what I will be doing, and then New Girl, then maybe some rom-coms… sorry not sorry I’ll always be a sucker for Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You.
*cue tears – the only time it’s acceptable to cry on this day.*
10. You can literally do anything YOU want
Moral of the story is, yeah, it may kind of suck to be alone on Valentine’s Day, but only if you let it. Use it as a self-appreciation day and think about all the things that make you a great, one of a kind person instead of all the reasons why you’re still single. There’s always time for that on another day. But for now, buy the extra ice cream, go get your nails and hair done, spend a little extra money on the shoes you’ve been wanting, and anything else that you makes you feel single and fab.