February 14th: Pal-entines Day

For some girls, there is a certain day in February that typically involves a cozy candlelit dinner, teddy bears, and the love of someone special. February 14th represents a high point — something to look forward to during an otherwise uneventful winter month. But for most of us, it is a day that we dread, whether consciously or not. We know it’s coming, even if we’ve crossed it out in black permanent marker on our calendars. But instead of fearing its arrival, upon which we may or may not stay in watching Titanic and eating gross amounts of cookie dough ice cream, I say we reinvent Valentines Day altogether. Revitalize it. For those of you that want to continue with your heart-shaped chocolates and roses, go ahead. But for everyone else, February 14th can be Pal-entines day, a time to love yourself and love your friends.  Now everyone can have a day of fun to look forward to come February.

For Pal-entines day, which falls on a Thursday this year, start the morning off right.  Meet your friends for breakfast or get a work out in; you should do something that will make you feel good and put you in a happy mood for the rest of the day, whether it be brunch at your favorite spot with your favorite girls, or half an hour on the treadmill. Be sure to wear something that you love that looks great; looking put-together will automatically make you feel more confident. Remember, this is your day now, and you deserve to feel beautiful.

After class, take a break from work and treat yourself and your friends to a perfect afternoon. Pile into a car and head to that new lunch place you’ve been dying to try, or go to Yoforia and switch up your typical order. Haven’t you always wanted to try the mochi? Then, go straight to Lenox Mall, where you are free to spend too much money on that shirt at Madewell you’ve been eyeing. Or maybe a new pair of shoes. Or maybe both. After all, you’ve got a free pass today.

Next comes the mani-pedi, obviously. There is nothing better than your best friends, the new People magazine, and your favorite bottle of Essie polish. Then, stop by Whole Foods and pick up the groceries for the homemade dinner you and your friends will have already planned to create. Try that crazy new recipe that sounds impossible but you’ve always wanted to attempt; if it doesn’t work out, you’ll have some hilarious pictures and a really good story. And just in case, make sure you also pick up some mac-and-cheese and a really, really big box of chocolate cake mix. 

After the last few cake crumbs have been eaten and the dishes have been piled up by the sink (left for tomorrow, of course), the night is all yours. It’s still early, and your options are endless. But whatever you do, stay with your friends. Do not retreat to your room or check Facebook. Keep yourself busy and happy, surrounded by the people that you love. Before you know it, it will be February 15th and Pal-entines day will be over. And when you look back, all you’ll remember will be that amazing pair of shoes you spent too much money on or the epic froyo combination you mixed. And you won’t tell anyone, but you will already be looking forward to next year. So have fun girls. This day is for you.