I feel like Valentine’s Day may actually be the most stressful holiday of them all. But remember the good ‘ole days, collegiettes? When Valentine’s day was just a day when everyone in second grade (even the boys!) wore pink or red to school, and your parents let you eat as much candy as you wanted before (and after!) dinner. While I’m taking you on a trip down memory lane, hopefully I’m reminding you what Valentine’s Day is really about. Think about when we were little—the holiday was more fun than frightening, and no one batted an eye if you happened to be (gasp) single on Valentine’s Day.
In true second-grade-style, and to get your V-day going in a positive direction, dress up for your classes in something pink or red. I’m not talking about a full-out color-coded outfit that screams “stick a doily on me!” but rather something subtle and sweet. Wear a light pink sweater, a red top or a flowy and romantic dress. Add a pink scarf or girly earrings to your outfit. You want to feel as good about yourself as possible, and let’s face it: the better we look, the better we feel.
If you’re feeling extra flirty and adventurous, try wearing red lipstick on the 14th. Just make sure you prep your lips with ChapStick beforehand, and check your teeth in the mirror before you head out. The best part is, you’re doing it for you, and not for someone else (like a guy who has no clue how much effort it takes for a girl to look sexy before 9 a.m.!)
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Okay so you’re looking good and feeling better, but what’s next? Why chocolate, of course. And since you’re buying, you get to choose the kind you want. So maybe you’ll skip over the chocolate-covered fruit and go straight for the gooey caramel … it’s your choice! Forget about that old routine of sampling a chocolate daintily in front of your Valentine and then putting the top back on the box for the rest of the night. Forget about having to offer some of the precious chocolate to your date, who you know will undoubtedly devour four or five pieces. It’s all yours, so get gobbling!
So how does one relax after a chocolate feast? A little pampering sounds like the perfect idea to me. After all, Valentine’s Day is a day to relax, and there is nothing wrong with pampering yourself. Spoil yourself with a manicure or pedicure. Or even consider putting aside that lab due Friday, and spend the night of the 14th curled up in bed with some hot tea and the new season of Real Housewives.
Looking fierce, delighting myself with some chocolate and giving myself an extra hour of “me-time” sounds like a great way to spend Tuesday the 14th. Because when it really gets down to it, that’s all that Valentine’s Day is. It’s a Tuesday. A day. Out of 365 in the entire year! So there’s no reason to feel blue this year if you find yourself single, because you get to enjoy all the perks without any of the pressures. Happy V-day, collegiettes!
*Photography by Serena D’Agostino