Pink and red hearts. Chocolate boxes. Flower bouquets. New jewelry. Cards with messages of “I love you.” Fluffy teddy bears. No boyfriend or girlfriend. Wait! No special person for February 14?
Many people dread Valentine’s Day because they will not be spending it with a boyfriend or girlfriend. While I certainly understand the appeal of spending the day with a significant other, I have always loved Valentine’s Day, and I have loved it single.
When I was a little girl, I went to sleep on February 13 in heart print pajamas, and I would wake up to see the kitchen table set with fun Valentine’s-themed placemats, confetti, and heart-shaped waffles. After breakfast with my family, we exchanged valentines, and my parents would get me and my sisters a different little treat each year: candies, stuffed animals, or jewelry.
For me and my family, the holiday was always about love — love for family and friends, not necessarily just romantic love. Now that I am away at school, I have taken it upon myself to make Valentine’s Day special for me and my friends, single or not, and carry on the tradition that my parents started at home. Valentine’s Day can be special if you are single! Here is how I like to do it…
Wear something special
Make yourself feel good! I like wearing a pink sweater and painting my nails red and pink — I have to get into the holiday spirit! Do your makeup if that feels good to you. Show off your beauty, and do it for yourself.
Treat yourself
Have a relaxing morning in a coffee shop. Go out to lunch. Eat something sweet. Buy yourself flowers or a new piece of jewelry. You do not need a romantic interest to make you feel special, especially when you can treat yourself like the special person that you are.
Give out valentines
There are so many people to love and appreciate, and February 14 is a great day to show your love. Play your favorite feel-good songs, and take some printer paper and markers (or more advanced supplies if you want to get fancy) to make valentines for your friends. Making them can be a fun activity, and giving them out is even more fun.
Send loads of texts
I definitely send more texts with heart emojis on Valentine’s Day than any other day. In addition to handmade cards, it is nice to tell the people near and far how much I love them with a quick and easy text message — grandparents, siblings, parents, and long distance friends. A little message can go a long way.
Go on a friend date
There is no reason to stay home on Love Day! Go out to a fun dinner with the girls. Make friendship bracelets. Eat snacks and watch a light-hearted movie. Enjoy time with the people closest to you.
Following these recommendations is a sure way to make Valentine’s Day 2024 a good one. Singles can have fun too!