Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a day about love, but capitalism has made it into a commodity that targets people’s loneliness and insecurities. All we see online are people fighting over who can show their love the most through superficial ways. It’s like everyone is competing to see who can give the best and most expensive gift, treat their partner to the fanciest dinner or give the largest flower sculpture. None of this is an actual measure of real love. Not only that, but romantic love is not the only kind of love that exists in the world. There is love that we feel for friends, siblings, parents, pets and even ourselves. That is why you should reclaim this day and make it about all the love you have in your life. Here are six things to do this February 14th to make yourself feel loved and cared for, without the need for a significant other.
- Buy or prepare yourself a delicious dinner
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If you love to cook, this is a chance for you to put those chef skills to the test and make something extravagant for yourself. Look up a recipe that calls to you and try it out! If you’re not as talented in the kitchen, you can always order in from your favorite restaurant and save yourself some work. Either way, get yourself a quality meal because you deserve it!
- Watch a movie with friends
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What better way to relax and unwind than putting on a fun film with the people you love. Whether you like rom-coms, psychological thrillers or even nature documentaries, just grab some yummy snacks and get on Netflix Party or Hulu Watch Party with your friends.
- Buy yourself something on your wishlist
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We all see the excessive gift-giving on this day, so why not buy yourself a gift? If you love yourself, you deserve to buy yourself a present just like any romantic partner would for you. If there is any item you have been eyeing for a while, now is the time to finally order it!
- Dress up and have a photoshoot
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Even if you do not have anywhere to go with a significant other, that does not mean you cannot get dressed up for fun. Sometimes putting on a fun outfit and doing your hair and makeup is all you need to remember how amazing and beautiful you are. Taking some cute selfies or outfit pictures makes me feel better and reminds of my powerful and charismatic energy. You should try it and see just how much you glow!
- Make cute cards for your friends and family
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One of my favorite activities to do growing up was making cards to give to my friends and family. Since gift-giving is one of my love languages, I have always enjoyed designing cute cards with hand-written letters to give to the ones I love. This activity makes both the giver and the recipient feel happy, so it is a win-win situation. Who doesn’t love receiving a cute card from someone?
- Stay in and have a self-care day
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I cannot think of anything better to do than to take care of yourself and make yourself feel good. Do whatever it is that helps you relax and feel at peace, whether that is face masks and hot baths, wine and bad comedies, or exercise and good sleep. At the end of the day, Valentine’s is all about feeling loved, and that includes the love you have for yourself.
No matter what you decide to do or not do on Valentine’s Day, just remember that you are loved, you are complete by yourself and you are enough. Just spread some love, have fun and be safe!