“Love is like a rose. It may look beautiful, but it’s got thorns.”– Anonymous
Valentine’s Day is the one holiday that single ladies dread every year. Many will sit there, roll their eyes, and say “Oh, please. I couldn’t care less.” But deep down, they’re calculating how much money they have in their bank accounts so they can run to CVS after class and buy the biggest box of chocolate available to drown their sorrows in hoping they don’t run into anyone they know because they don’t want to be seen as pathetic.
But Valentine’s Day in Singledom doesn’t have to be the most dreaded day of the year. With a few simple tips and alternatives to the chocolate / wallowing combination girls love oh-so-much, a single lady can make this Valentine’s Day better than the one she spent with what’s-his-face.
Women in America are jaded by glittering vampire gods and action stars with a heart of gold when in reality, those guys don’t exist and if they did, they certainly wouldn’t be milling around outside your door come February 14th. So it’s time to put down the Ben and Jerry’s, comb your hair, shave your legs (because we all know—if you have no one to shave for, why do it?) and take yourself out on a date this year. And here are a few simple and cheap ideas.
1. Make Valentine’s Day a spa day!
Give yourself an excuse to pamper all day long. Stock up on cheap face masks (Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Mud Masque — $1.99) and cucumbers to give yourself the home facial you’ve always wanted to try. Continue your spa day by taking a nice, hot, bubble bath (Lush Comforter Bubble Bar — $9.95) or for you dorm dwellers create a spa in your shower (Lush Up You Gets Emotibomb–$3.95). A bubble bath or shower spa will clear your head and leave you feeling (and smelling!) great for the rest of the day.
2. Pull out those old polishes and give yourself a mani-pedi!
Go for those fun colors you don’t usually try (Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Pacific Blue–$2.99 or Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Lime Up–$.99) that will make you stand out. Invite your friends over (single and taken) for a day of pampering all around. Put on some 80’s music (Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” will make anyone a karaoke star) and get started.
3. Have an eye-candy day marathon—
Go ahead and on-demand all those movies with the hottest guys in it. Think: Johnny Depp, Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal. Really anyone you prefer. Get those movies, curl up on your couch and be prepared to forget about all of those other guys and lose yourself in some real men.
4. Lend a helping hand—
Nothing can make someone feel better more than helping out those less fortunate. Heading to a soup kitchen, orphanage, or homeless shelter can bring light into people’s lives. Bring some games, cards, candy, and flowers and find yourself a Valentine who needs you more than anyone else. If you really want to help someone, make a few “Blessing Bags” to take with you filled with tissues, travel toiletries, snacks, and any other everyday items someone may need (for more information on Blessing Bags visit the “Blessing bags” Facebook page!). Not only will giving back make you feel better but it will take your mind off being alone.
5. Have an Anti-Valentine’s Day Party –
If you’d like to surround yourself with other singles then take a page from Kara Monohan (in “Valentine’s Day”) and throw an Anti-Valentine’s Day party! Invite all your friends to your place or dorm for an Anti-Valentine’s day party. Set the mood with a mix of all your favorite un-lovey songs (“I Hate Everything About You” by Three Days Grace or “Gives You Hell” by All American Rejects) and have your friends suggest their favorites, too.
Next, come up with anti-love appetizers like broken heart cookies or meat skewers (nothing says anti-love like skewered meat). Also, make sure you have some games! Give each person the option of bringing a picture of their ex-boyfriend or girlfriend for “Stick a Pin in the Ex.” Or have some violent video games set up in another room for getting all that pent up aggression out.
I’ve actually been to one of these parties and the hostess had picture of famous exes tacked up on her walls (Ben and J-Lo, Sandra Bullock and Jesse James) with sharpies hanging from each ready to be vandalized. End the night cuddled on the couch with your friends watching the bloodiest, creepiest horror movie you guys can come up with.
6. Sit inside and do nothing—
Who says you HAVE to go out and do something? Sometimes the most fun can be had just sitting around in your house doing nothing but watching trashy T.V. I suggest Maury because nothing will make you feel better about your relationship than seeing others crash and burn in front of millions of people.
7. Have a night out with friends –
Grab all your girlfriends who aren’t busy for the evening and rage with them all night. For those who are 21 and over, pop into Looney’s Pub on Route one for some awesome happy hour and drink specials. Valentine’s Day is a great day to meet someone. After a few drinks you may muster up enough courage to talk to that cutie across the bar.
While you’re busy having witty banter with bar hottie, you’ll forget all about being alone! Or better yet, drag all your girls on the dance floor and tear it up! Nothing makes a better Valentine’s Day than dancing with your ladies. Ask the D.J. to play “All the Single Ladies” by Beyonce and sing along to every word. For those under 21, bring all your girls together for a nice dinner. After, find an 18 and over club to go dancing for the evening.
8. Purge your wardrobe-
Since Valentine’s Day typically means spring is right around the corner, there is no better time to do some spring cleaning. I know I speak for majority of women when I say hoarding clothes is a problem for most of us. I think purging a wardrobe is kind of like purging the soul. There’s no better time to purge yourself of some unnecessary junk than on a day where emotional baggage seems to be prevalent as well.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to suck. Do something different this year and take a page out of my book—any of these options would be great but come up with your own, too! Good luck this year but remember: as long as you’re having fun, nothing else matters.