It’s easy for single people to fall into a slump in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. Even people who are content with their relationship status can start to feel loneliness as the stores begin being stocked with over-priced hearts-for-paws teddy bears. The memes poking fun at the single life might not be as ironically funny anymore as you scroll past post after post of couples drooling over each other.
You may feel like there is no other option this Valentine’s Day than to Melanie Martinez-it-up and throw yourself a pity party (entire cake for one please), but you’re wrong. Another option would be for you to get fired up about why society has told you what holidays you may or may not be apart of and decide that this year, you are going to celebrate in your own way. There’s so much that makes you happy and so many people you care about. Why not make the day of love about what YOU love? This will look different from person to person, but here’s some ideas on what that could look like:
- Treat the Employees at Your Favorite Restaurant
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We all have that one place that’s a second home- or rather a second kitchen. The hosts joke with you as they seat you, you and your waitress know a little too much about each other’s personal lives, and you’ve tried everything on the menu (a few times). Stop by this Valentine’s day with some candy or baked goods and surprise those people who always make you feel at home. Chances are some of them are riding solo this Valentine’s Day as well and it will brighten their day.
- Take Your Pet on an Adventure
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You and your pet’s relationship is arguably the healthiest and most beneficial relationship you have. Pets never comment on your morning breath or ask you to change the channel because you are watching something dumb. They are always happy to see you walk through the door (even if you literally just went to get the mail), and they are down for whatever date ideas you bring to the table. Walk? Yes. Pet store? Yes! Grandma’s house? YES! This love is pure and real and definitely worth some celebration. So this Valentine’s day treat your little furry friend to a new adventure. Maybe it’s a park you’ve never been to or your friend’s spacious backyard (if your pet is a cat you’ll have to come up with your own idea – I am a dog person, and I have no clue what cats like to do). Finish the adventure with a little bit of ice cream or a puppuccino from Starbucks and go home and cuddle on the couch with your tuckered out pet.
- Singles’ Dinner Party
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Cooking your SO dinner is super romantic. It shows that you care and adds that personal touch. You may not be trying to woo your friends, but I have very little doubt they’ll turn down a meal, especially when you are offering something homemade (a rare occasion in most college students lives). Invite over your fellow singles and feast on your finest Pinterest recipe find. Complete the night with games, a movie, and maybe even a couple drinks. This gives you a chance to do something nice for people you care about and will also banish any feelings of loneliness you might have. In the wise words of Brenden Urie: “[L]et’s be alone together!”
- Treat Yo’ Self
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Cucumbers? Check! Bath bomb? Check! Face mask? Check! Bottle of wine? Double check! Show yourself a little love this Valentine’s Day because, let’s be honest, nobody deserves it more than you! Everyone has a different way they take care of themselves, but personally a nice long hot shower followed by a couple hours of New Girl always does the trick for me.