For those of us that aren’t currently in a relationship, Valentine’s Day kind of sucks. Finding love was hard enough before the pandemic, and this past year has made people feel lonelier than ever. Plus, the overload of Netflix rom-coms and romantic period dramas doesn’t help. So, the one day of the year when every lovey-dovey couple celebrates their romance is just a punch in the face for us singletons.
Everyone likes a good box of chocolates and a pretty bouquet of flowers, so why is it only the people in relationships that get them? This year, I think we should all shower ourselves with affection. So for all my single ladies out there, here are seven ways to make the most out of this Valentine’s Day.
- Sleep as late as you want
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Since you don’t have to wake up absurdly early to make breakfast for your significant other, feel free to sleep however late you want. Sleep until 1pm, no one will judge you! There’s no pressure to see anyone today, but be sure to make yourself a special breakfast this morning – maybe make some fancy eggs, or pancakes and waffles. In the words of Tom and Donna from Parks and Recreation, treat yoself!
- Try a new makeup look or hairstyle
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If you’re like me, you probably haven’t done your makeup or hair in about a year. So feel special today by trying a fancy makeup look you saw on TikTok or using a special occasion palette. Maybe try taking that straightener or curler out of the drawer and make the most of the day by looking good and feeling good. Gabriella Vicidomini (University of South Carolina ‘23) says she’s going to “put on her best eyeliner” so she can feel extra confident this Valentine’s Day!
- Have your very own dance party
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I highly recommend this one. Nothing beats dancing around the room and belting out the lyrics to your favorite songs. So turn the music up a little too high, and dance around in your prettiest dress or fanciest lingerie. Christina Altomara (Stevens Institute of Technology ‘23) says she plans on “making her favorite drinks and dancing the night away” – an ideal evening in!
- Treat yourself to the best takeout in town
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The great thing about being single is that you don’t even have to worry about making fancy dinner reservations. However, you have every other day of the year to get takeout from that cheap Thai place down the street. So treat yourself to your favorite restaurant that’s just a little too expensive for you to justify most days. Make sure to order some dessert too (let’s be real, what’s Valentine’s Day without some chocolate?) As Hannah Wichard (Ithaca College ‘23) says, “Nothing’s better than eating your feelings in chocolate.”
However, I highly recommend getting food delivered to you – spare yourself the pain of having to pick up food at a restaurant filled with happy couples.
- Watch whatever you want
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No need to share the remote with anyone else, because tonight’s movie is your choice. I always watch Valentine’s Day for a feel-good rom-com, but there are tons of movies perfect for the occasion. Another personal favorite is Bridget Jones’s Diary – I’ll never not relate to Renée Zellweger drinking red wine and belting out the lyrics to Celine Dion’s “All By Myself.”
- Sleep in whatever you want
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Wear whatever your heart desires – your bulkiest sweats, nothing but a tee and your underwear, or your fanciest lingerie. The most important thing is that you’re comfortable and feeling good, so end the night in whatever you feel best in. Tomorrow is another day of looking for love, so you’ll need all the rest you can get.
- Feel comfortable being with yourself
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Above all else, it’s important to feel comfortable being alone. One of the most important things to learn in life is to be happy being alone. Trust me, I’m still working on this too, but I’m starting to love just spending time with myself and enjoying my own company. It may not be fun being single, but take advantage of this time to truly get to know yourself. Like they say, you can’t love someone else until you learn to love yourself. So show yourself some love and have fun this Valentine’s Day!
Our knights in shining armor will come, we just have to be patient. Until then, try to make the most out of Valentine’s Day.