I’m not going to lie. In general, I can be a pretty bitter and petty person. On Valentine’s Day, that bitterness is multiplied by about 10. As in I become so bitter, you can catch me tripping couples and canceling reservations at restaurants in their name in hopes that I can be the Ms. Grinch of Valentine’s Day. Of course, you can’t actually catch me doing this. But hey, if I could…
Anyway, this article is to avoid being the Ms. or Mr. Grinch on Valentine’s Day because being single is pretty great most days, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t be on Valentine’s Day. Even if being single isn’t great for you on most days, don’t let Valentines’ Day bring you even deeper into the dumps.
1. Treat Yo’ Self!
Buy something for yourself. Go to the mall or the movie theater. I wouldn’t recommend a restaurant unless you’re really feeling it just because you’ll be surrounded by other people who are with other people. But if you’re down and really in the mood to be out eating Mexican food downtown then do it. Spend money on yourself and make yourself feel pampered with no guilt. The day is a day for love, so show yourself just how much you truly love yourself. And if you don’t 100% love yourself, that’s okay too. It’s a never-ending journey and see this Valentine’s Day as a small step towards that.
2. Watch a horror, action or comedy movie (NO ROMCOMS)
Honestly, if you want to watch a romcom and sob into a tub of ice cream, then go ahead. But again, I wouldn’t recommend it. Don’t you get tired of that damn stereotype of a single person on Valentine’s Day? I definitely do. Do the unexpected and watch something that has nothing to do with love and relationships. Understand that even though our media is obsessed with who is dating who and whose baby that is, there’s more to the world than that. Break that mindset. It can be rewarding.
3. Eat. A. Lot.
This speaks for itself. But really, eating does strangely help. Don’t make it a habit of course, but this is one day where I’d say you’re allowed to take a break from that kale and avocado toast diet you’ve been on. Eat that chocolate, candy and ice cream you’ve been craving for weeks! Although, I’d recommend waiting until the days after Valentines Day to really go crazy once all the chocolates are on sale, of course.
4.Get Rest
Can’t afford going to the spa to treat yourself? Just lay in bed! A lot of people feel bad for laying in bed, but something like listening to music and lightly humming or singing along to it in bed can be just as therapeutic. It’s proof you care enough about your body to just let it be for a second. In a way, it’s meditation. In fact, turn it into meditation if you can. Let yourself just think about nothing. Let this be a tradition. Be comfortable with the fact that the world keeps moving even when you aren’t.
5. Do some goal writing that has nothing to do with others and everything to do with you.
This is mostly just to stay centered. We’re constantly surrounded by other people with other thoughts, opinions and voices. Sometimes, your voice gets lost or muddled by others. Bring it back and simmer a bit on what it is you truly want, why and more. Let yourself think, plan, un-plan, unpack thoughts and just write it all down. Write the one diary entry you didn’t think you needed to write. And when you’re done either throw it out or hang it up knowing that it doesn’t matter either way. All that matters is that those goals are a few possibilities in a world of possibilities.
6. Call/text people you love and let ‘em know.
This is cute. You know it’s cute. I think you should do it because everyone likes a hug whether it’s real or virtual.
7. Write wedding vows to yourself
This is definitely something I feel I’ve read or watched on some Pinterest board somewhere. But the thought is beautiful. Look it up. Look up some examples and try it if you’re up for a slight challenge. We don’t spend enough time thinking about why we should love ourselves.
8. Do you. Literally.
There is no way I could write this article without adding this one. I don’t understand why masturbation is still such a hard topic for people to stomach, but if there’s any day to do it lovingly, Valentine’s Day is the day. There’s a lot of talk about the terrible feeling after masturbation for a lot of people, but on Valentine’s Day, try not to let that stop you. You should always be free to explore your body and you’re allowed to feel good just for you. There is nobody who knows or who will ever know your body as well as you do. Remember that.
Have an amazing Valentines Day!