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Falling in Love with Yourself: Valentine’s Day Edition

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCD chapter.

Valentine’s Day is one of the most polarizing holidays: you’re either in a relationship and love it, or you are flying solo and prefer not to see all the red, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate while grocery shopping. Despite this divide, it’s important to remember that Valentine’s Day is not exclusively for couples! February 14th marks a day of love for friends, family, and most importantly, yourself!

You are deserving of all the TLC and pampering, and it doesn’t have to be validated by a holiday or someone else. Be excited to celebrate you! Falling in love with yourself is easier said than done, but here are a few things to remind yourself why you are it. 

Buy yourself flowers!

The perks of buying flowers for yourself? Aside from feeling like you have control over your happiness, you get to pick out your favorite blooms wrapped just the way you like. Fill your space with a symphony of colors and scent that will bring joy into your space!

painting of flowers for the spring
Photo by Victoria Bilsborough from Unsplash

Dress up and admire your sense of style!

Look good, feel good! Dressing up can be so much fun, especially if it’s on an ordinary day. Of course we like to get glammed up for special occasions, but it’s exciting to casually put on that top or dress you’ve been waiting to wear. 

Write yourself a love letter. 

We write cards and letters to friends and family, but often forget about ourselves. Other times, we speak unkindly when we’re unsatisfied with what we set out to do. You wouldn’t stand for someone being mean to your best friend, so why should you let anyone be mean to you? Even if that person is yourself. Instead, try writing a love letter, which might include…

  • Your favorite things about yourself
  • What you are proud of 
  • Recognizing all the progress you have made
  • Picturing your future self achieving your aspirations

Love letter with flowers
Pezibear on Pixabay
Note: Writing in the second person as if you are addressing a friend makes it easier to put how you feel into words. 

Lounge around in some lingerie.

That pretty piece of lingerie you’ve been eyeing? Go ahead and treat yourself! Even if you’re getting back into bed and turning on Netflix right after, the empowerment you get from looking in the mirror is so worth it. Shopping for lingerie isn’t about the lingerie itself. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and having the confidence to recognize your beauty! Contrary to (outdated) popular belief, lingerie doesn’t have to be reserved for an occasion or anyone else. Wear it for yourself. Wear it casually. Wear it to feel empowered. 

Take some time to nurture the most important relationship in your life: the one with yourself!   

Jacqueline Ling is fourth-year student at UC Davis, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Professional Writing. She is also a laboratory assistant for a DNA sequencing facility on campus, and hopes to enter a career in the sciences or journalism after graduation. In her spare time, she enjoys making Spotify playlists, taking photos with her friends, and trying new foods.
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