With Valentine’s day around the corner, if you’re single or in a long-distance relationship, it might feel lonely. Valentine’s day is heavily marketed towards those in happy relationships. I’m here to remind you that friendship is a love that’s so important and absolutely worthy of celebrating.
I tell my friends that I love them all the time because they’re amazing people, and I truly do love them. That love deserves to be celebrated too. Valentine’s day with your friends can be as little or as extravagant as you want, but I promise your friends will appreciate the effort you put in. Here are five different ideas for celebrating Valentine’s day with your friends.
1. Have a movie night
Who doesn’t love a good movie night with snacks and friends? It’s super easy to throw together, and there are so many movies you could choose from to watch. This option is cost-effective, has minimal planning, and can quickly become a tradition with your closest friends.
2. Go out for a nice meal
There are so many great places to eat in State College, and Valentine’s Day is a wonderful excuse to treat yourself. URBN Flavourhaus is on my bucket list — have you seen those milkshakes? The Original Waffle Shop North is a great place for brunch. My roommate swore it was so much better than the one downtown, and she’s absolutely right.
Other dinner options local to State College include: The Field Burger & Tap and Gigi’s Southern table. Allen Street Grill or Federal Tap House are closer options if you live on campus and don’t want to drive or take an Uber.
3. Secret Cupid
In middle school, my friends would put names into a hat and pull them out to decide who gave who a gift. None of us were in relationships, but we just loved celebrating. We always decided collectively on a budget, so gifts exchanged between others were fair, and we made a list of things we might want to receive. One year, I asked a friend for ring pops, fuzzy socks, and hand sanitizer. That way, it was always something they wanted or could use, but you still never knew exactly what you were going to get or from who.
It’s nice to put effort into finding a gift your friends will enjoy or make a gift if you’re creative. I got a homemade bracelet one year and still have it all these years later because it meant so much to me.
4. Self-care night
Self-care is extremely important, and whatever that means to you is always more fun with friends. With round 1 of midterms popping up right before Valentine’s day, I think a self-care night to celebrate is definitely in order. Face masks and good music seem like a good way to relax from studying (I said optimistically, hoping people actually study for their tests).
5. Go to a sporting event
Sports are fun because of the people there. I always go with friends and have such a fantastic time. There is no way you can feel lonely with your friends in the student section. There’s a basketball game on the 15th, and if you haven’t already, you need to get the crab fries from Chickie and Pete’s at the BJC — they’re amazing. I also got Dippin’ Dots with my friend once, and they sell them in these cute basketball cups, which was a fun little treat. There’s only so much time you’ll be in such close proximity to amazing sports- definitely make sure to come to a game before the season is over.
There are so many different ways to celebrate with your friends- I’ve barely scratched the surface. Don’t forget about your friends this Valentine’s day because everyone appreciates a reminder that they’re loved.