I am nineteen years old, and I’ve never not been single on Valentine’s Day. I know that sounds negative; however, I am actually impressed with myself because it not only means I know myself more than anyone else, but also I’ve taken the time to know my wants and needs. To all the single ladies out there, you’re not alone. The best thing to know is that you should be proud to be single. Whether you’re in high school or college, you have your entire life ahead of you and so many options. However, your first priority is you, and on Valentine’s Day, it is still you.
Now, this doesn’t just go for girls—this applies to guys, too. Being single is truly the best because you can completely rely on yourself for happiness, and that starts with your actions and how you care for yourself. Here are five things you can do on Valentine’s Day as a single pringle!
1. Go to an event
Just this last weekend, I went to my first ever drag show here in Winona, Minnesota. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but I absolutely loved it. The energy was high and positive, which is what a single person needs when Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! If going to a drag show isn’t your forte, you can go to a concert or a movie! For all Winona State students reading this, Dancescape performs the weekend of February 15th! Bring a friend along and watch talented students from the university’s own THAD department!
2. Galentine’s Day
I am sure you have heard of this one already, but if you haven’t, Galentine’s Day is a day for “ladies celebrating ladies,” inspired from the show Parks and Recreation. I personally recognize it as a girl’s Valentine’s Day. Go on a date with your best friends, whether it’s watching a movie or sitting at a coffee shop. Buy some wine (if you’re legal, of course), and have a girl’s night in.
The same goes to any boys reading this! Play Fortnite at home with your boys, and go outside and do whatever boys do!
3. Acts of kindness
Everyone interprets acts of kindness differently. Maybe it’s as simple as being nice to that girl in the corner who is never quiet (lol me), or actually going out and volunteering at a local shelter. Be a little kinder to everyone because you never know what they could be going through on a day that should be filled with love.
4. Pets!
Cuddle up with your fur baby if you have one on Valentines Day! Forget people when you have a snuggle buddy already waiting for you at your house. If your baby is at home-home, Facetime your family and spend some Q.T. catching up with them… then say hi to your best friend.
5. Treat yourself to a photoshoot!
This is my favorite. If you know me or have read any of my previous articles, you already know how much I love to shoot! I’ve collaborated with a friend of mine who also takes pictures, Forrest Seuser, who has been given permission from his clients to post pictures promoting body positivity. Seuser offers incredible boudoir photoshoots, which allow you to show your body and make you feel confident in your own skin. All of this is so important, especially on Valentine’s Day!
When I asked Forrest for samples, he told me this was exactly what he tries to emphasize with his images. Body positivity and confidence is an amazing feeling, and you don’t need a mans to prove that!
While it may be scary to have pictures like these taken, and showed off to the world, it is such a confidence booster in the end! Seeing pictures of yourself look good makes you feel good, and that’s a fact.
If that doesn’t do it, go on a fun photoshoot with your friends! My friends and I recently met a girl named Jack and invited her to come with us on a shoot in downtown Winona. Gretchen Leif, sophomore, and Samantha Rosendale, freshman, modeled in some of these images. Pictures were also taken of me, and Gretchen, and Gretchen edited the best ones. I’ve decided to share some of my favorites.
Many things can be done as a single pringle. If you’re lying in bed this Valentine’s Day, watching Netflix and eating minty chocolate chip ice cream… continue to do so. You deserve it.