While love struck, hand-holding couples stroll through the streets of Manhattan this weekend the singles among them will naturally retreat back into their apartments to cozy up with a Nicholas Sparks movie and wait out the horrific holiday that serves as a harsh reminder of lonesomeness.
Whoever says Valentine’s Day is only for the happy couples of the world is so very wrong, though. Remember when you were a little kid and you actually felt Valentine’s Day spirit? Now the real world has ruined it by telling you that you can’t love Valentine’s Day without a date. Well, I think this holiday needs to be reclaimed by everyone and made into a day that we can love without being in love. Here’s a few ways to do just that:
Send a card or little gift to your parents. I know that life is hard because your parents are the only ones who love you, so let’s take this opportunity to tell them just how much you love them, too. Plus, it will be a nice break from you only calling them to ask for money or advice on how to do your taxes.
Where cute significant others fail, cute outfits always prevail. Don’t pretend like the thought of getting all dolled up in red and looking like a rosy-cheeked angel makes your cold, dark heart skip a beat. Take advantage of the one day a year you can justify not wearing black and channel your Valentine’s Day spirit into a cupid-approved outfit. Besides, a little red lipstick never hurt anyone.
Keep swiping on Tinder. This strays a little from the “love your single life” theme, but I think it would be a fair guess to say that some of the already hilarious Tinder folks you meet may be even more hilarious when they’re desperately looking for a valentine. Cheesy pickup lines never get old, especially when they’re V-Day themed. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find your soul mate.
Buy yourself a box of chocolates. This should be reserved for a day or two after Valentine’s Day when the candy prices drop lower than ever. If you can walk out of Duane Reade with a 99 cent box of chocolates, that’s the real national holiday you should be celebrating.
The key to surviving Valentine’s Day when you’re single is to embrace it and love the day anyway! Find some friends who are also lacking in the love department or spend the day treating yourself. If all else fails, remind all of your couple friends how truly happy you are to know that you won’t have to argue with anyone over what Netflix show to binge watch.