Carrie Bradshaw once said “The only thing worse than being single and in your thirties in this city, is being single and in your twenties.” Since I am only 18 years old and currently situated in Lewisburg, PA, I will have to mend the words of my idol for just a minute to say that the only thing worse than being single at any age is being single in February.
February: the month just screams red roses, chocolate kisses, and obnoxious conversation hearts. Before the 28 (or 29) days even commence, stores are already demanding you stock up on sweet treats and score your loved one the world’s best gift. But here stands the question: what does one do without said “loved one” when February 14th rolls around.
Without a better half to call your own, you are painfully stuck alone on a day dedicated to adoration, partners, and—most plainly—love. Any other day of the year, being labeled as single is not such a bad thing: it can imply freedom, opportunities, and openness. But being single on Valentine’s Day, well, that just means you will be sitting in solitary confinement, remote control in hand, and boxes of sugary confections waiting to be devoured…and maybe you will have already begun your ever-so-common single girl stance of emotional eating. However, somehow, some way this year will be different, but I refuse to play cupid.
1. First and foremost, let’s drop the “I hate Valentine’s Day” demeanor. No one likes a pessimist, especially one that hates national holidays. Embrace Valentine’s Day or ignore it all together: either way, avoid speaking about the holiday negatively. Such negative thoughts and feelings will only bring you down further.
2. Let’s play with the phrase “single and ready to mingle.” Instead of mingling in an effort to meet prospective lovers, mingle with your girlfriends. Being single romantically does not mean you are single entirely. Make Valentine’s Day a girl’s night: watch a chick flick—one that is not too sappy but does provide single complainers, like us, hope for the future—and order in. The combination of a movie and friends will help take your mind off your partnership status. Plus, the easiness of delivery will help you avoid the tacky decorations and ill attempt at romantic lighting at restaurants.
3. Everyone loves to receive snail mail: it’s like a little bit of the past snuck up and surprised you, and the same applies for Valentines! Sending Valentines always reminds me of the elementary school days when we devoted the first weeks of February to building mailboxes in anticipation of receiving several princess and Hot Wheels themed messages. So this Valentine’s Day, why not send Valentines your friends’ way? Not only will it bring out the eight year old in you, but it will also make you feel good; you will remember that you do have people in your life that love you!
4. Being single on Valentine’s Day is a set up for loneliness but recognize that you are not the only one out there. Sometimes all someone needs is a little pick me up, and this can be attained just through surprising others. Act as an anonymous cupid. In addition to sending Valentines to those you love and who love you, send to those lonely hearts in need! Sign an anonymous Valentine filled with words of encouragement and love and drop it in anonymous mailbox: anyone will appreciate a few kind words!
5. f you don’t have a better half to treat you then treat yourself! Rather than spending February 14 whining about the lack of gifts and appreciation you are receiving, give yourself some love! Take a break from your work, do a little shopping downtown, and treat yourself to dinner. Or watch that TV show you’ve missed the past couple of weeks coupled with a delicious bag of popcorn.
These five steps are rather simple and a great way to make the most of your Valentine’s Day, even if you’re single. But remember, just because our nation devotes a day to those in relationships, don’t forget that people out there do love you and remember to love yourself too!