What does it mean to be a woman in college on Valentine’s day? At Mount Holyoke, we come from all different backgrounds and are of all different ages. Some of us might be in serious long-term committed relationships, married, or even have kids. Others of us might be in an open relationship, single, or just not into anyone, but we all have ourselves. This doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate all the types of relationships we have with other people this Valentine’s Day, but why not also celebrate the relationship we have with ourselves? Why shouldn’t Valentine’s Day be a day you show yourself some love? Be your own Valentine this holiday! Below are a couple suggestions to help you get started.
1. Sleep In- Sometime this weekend, turn off your alarm clock and let your body get all the rest it desires. This recommendation also comes with the option of going to sleep earlier. However, with Drag Ball and the other events this weekend, I don’t think that’s very likely.
2. Do Something You Love…but never find time to do while you’re at school. Do you love to read but never actually read books for fun during the semester? Do you love to have a proper movie night with popcorn and friends? Do you love to have tea by the glow of your fairy lights? Have you ever thought about going to the Eric Carle Museum, or even just taking a trip to Atkins? Whatever it is, treat yourself this weekend to something special that is sure to make you smile. :)
3. Create Your Own No-Study Zone- I’m sure as college students we have no trouble procrastinating and “forgetting” about our homework. But this weekend, instead of furtively avoiding the lab reports and readings, set aside some time expressly for NOT doing homework. Reserve a no study time for yourself this weekend. Fill it with coloring mandalas, partying, or taking a hundred selfies with your friends. ‘Cause a selfie-stick is basically the same as a photo booth, right?
4. Do What You Need- Do you need to have a dance party in your room? Enjoy a walk around our snowy campus? Take a 24-hour nap? Listen to Hamilton on repeat? Use ancient technology and play a card game with your friends? Just sit and admire Beyonce’s “Formation”? Revisit Runescape for old times sake? Write a compassionate letter to yourself? Ask yourself what you need. Take care of yourself- trust me you’re worth it.
Whatever you end up doing this weekend, embrace the fact that as Mount Holyoke women we know this holiday can be more than heterosexual superficial sentiments. Go make it your day. Celebrate the relationships you value and treasure. Let those you love know you care about them – especially yourself.
Happy Valentines Day!
photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/63805593@N04/16805295559″>Saturday Morning Market via photopin“>http://photopin.com”>photopin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/“>(license)