With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you might find yourself facing a long, agonizing 24 hours filled with happy couples holding hands, public displays of affection and constant reminders that you’re single. But don’t sweat it. Sure, you’re not seeing anyone, but it’s just another day that will come and go like all the others. It’s no big deal; you’ll survive. But what about your friend? Maybe she just got out of a relationship, maybe she’s never had to spend Valentine’s Day by herself or maybe she’s just tired of feeling lonely. Regardless, she needs you to remind her that being single doesn’t mean she’s unloved.
Send Her a Valentine
It might sound like you’re in elementary school all over again, making Valentine’s Day cards for your entire class, but this little gesture could be enough to significantly brighten her day.
Afraid that your artistic abilities and creativity aren’t what they used to be back when you were eight? Not to worry. You don’t have to buy art supplies and try to construct your own card. Many dorms around campus are sponsoring events that provide students with free candy grams or valentines to send to their friends. The UMD Treblemakers, an all-female a cappella group, are also selling singing valentines for $10 through February 13 to students who want to surprise their friends and have them serenaded on the holiday. Going out of your way to send your friend a little message expressing how much she means to you will show her that you really care.
Game Night
Another old school option, but fun nevertheless. Revisiting all of your favorite childhood games is a great way to relax on a Monday night and take your friend’s mind off being single on Valentine’s Day. Be sure to invite a lot of people and ask them all to bring a board game. If no one has any handy, you can buy Terpopoly – the board game Monopoly, only with pieces and game spaces that relate to the University of Maryland – at the bookstore in the Stamp Student Union, or just grab a deck of cards and let the games begin!
Take-out and Movie Night
Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you should spend Valentine’s Day alone. Plan a night in with a couple of friends – not all of them will have dates either! Order some food, have it delivered and spend the night lounging around watching TV or a movie. However, be wary of your movie choice and make sure you let your friend pick; she might not appreciate a romantic comedy or a sad love story tonight.
Girls’ Night Out
Feeling adventurous? Don’t want to stay in and hide from all of the couples that are out on the town? Gather up a group of girls and head out. Even though Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year, you and your friends can still go into D.C. for an early dinner. Leaving campus every once in a while is always a nice change of scenery, and planning this little event is also a great way to reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Getting dressed up, putting on makeup and going out is also a great way to boost your friend’s mood and confidence, acting as a reminder that she doesn’t need to have a man in her life to feel beautiful.
Spa Day
Although this option is a bit more expensive, you and your friend deserve some rest and relaxation, and what better way to feel rejuvenated than through a spa day? A little pampering now and then is just what you both need to get back in a positive mindset. She may also be feeling stressed out about her classes, and this is the perfect way to take her mind off of everything that has been troubling her since the beginning of the semester. If a spa day isn’t in your budget, a cheaper option is to go to a nail salon for a manicure and pedicure.