Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Keegan Acton and friend laughing
Keegan Acton and friend laughing
Keegan Acton
Life

Redefining Valentine’s Day for Singles

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter.

Redefining Valentine’s Day for Singles

 

Valentine’s day can be hard for those of us who are single. The media is filled with images of blissful couples which can place a damper on the holiday for singles. Overall, Valentine’s day is about love, however, love is not only expressed through romantic relationships. No longer should singles boycott this love-filled holiday! Although the media has surrounded the holiday around couples, it’s time to redefine the day for singles! Ladies, instead of dreading Valentine’s day let’s make it something to look forward too! 

 

The first step to redefining Valentine’s day is to disregard the media’s representation of it. Social media can provide a false glimpse into the lives of your followers, and it can be discouraging as a single to have a timeline flooded with couples. With that said, there is a way to be happy for those who have experienced a unique love from another person, and not feel discontentment. If you find that social media is hindering your happiness on this holiday, take the day off of it! To successfully redefine Valentine’s Day, forget about what you used to know! Start the day off with a clean slate, it’s all about love whether you’re in a relationship or not, focus on that!

 

Now that we’ve disregarded the media’s representation of Valentine’s day, make a list of a few things you want to do for yourself! Often we spend all of our energy amongst other people and activities. On a day where couples everywhere are taking the time out of their day to spend quality time with each other, you deserve to do the same! Take the time to think of at least 3 things you want to do to show yourself some love. You are just as important as everyone else, and ultimately if you don’t put yourself first the people around you suffer. Simply not celebrating the holiday is no longer an option, Valentine’s day isn’t only about celebrating with someone, it is about embracing the concept of love and its importance to our lives. Your love for yourself and who you are becoming is just as valuable as the love you have for others. Take the day, or part of it, to acknowledge that you are a prize! 

 

Quality time with yourself is precious, but if you’re someone who does not want to make the holiday about yourself, that’s okay too! Valentine’s day is about welcoming all kinds of love and it doesn’t hurt to plan some time with your loved ones. If those in your closest circle happen to be in relationships, schedule your time together on another day! Grab your friends and plan a night out together, and enjoy your time together! Friendship is a key relationship in life, and Valentine’s day is the perfect occasion to express your love and appreciation for one another. Being single doesn’t mean you don’t have important relationships in life to cater to. Relationships with family and friends are just as valuable and significant as romantic relationships. You may not be in a romantic relationship now, but this does not mean you are deprived of the relationship as a whole! As a single, Valentine’s day does not have to be a day you spend all by yourself! Although it’s important to treat yourself, take the time to evaluate relationships outside of yourself that are filled with love as well!

 

Lastly, there is nothing better than looking forward to the future! There is a time for everything, and although it may not be your time for a relationship just yet, this does not mean it’s not coming! As you dedicate quality time to all the other relationships in your life, set aside a moment to prepare for what you want in your romantic relationship. Instead of being single and discontent, let’s be single and expecting. Prepare your qualifications, expectations, and boundaries for your future relationship. Write everything down and store this information in a safe place! Speak into existence what you want for next Valentine’s day, instead of sulking at what you lack this year. We should embrace our singleness this season, and use this time wisely. If you are hoping for a romantic relationship, take that leap and write out a letter to your future significant other, place some action behind your words this season! 

 

Ultimately, Valentine’s day can be a very productive day for singles, it’s all about what you do with your time. This year, and every year, I encourage you to no longer look at Valentine’s day through the lens you were once using. It is not a holiday just for couples, singles can enjoy and redefine it! Ladies, this Valentine’s day take some time for yourself, grab your friends and/or family, and make a vision for your future relationship! 

 

 

Elizabeth Owusu

Virginia Tech '22

Elizabeth is a undergrad at Virginia Tech and is a double major in Sociology and Political Science. Her top three favorite things to do are hangout with friends, working out, and writing. Fun Fact, her favorite food is boneless wings! Her ideal night includes cuddling up under a warm blanket watching the Bold Type. In addition to Her Campus, she is involved in the Sociology/ Criminology club, a living learning community, and a foundation focused on empowering young girls called AWARE. From her experience writing with Her Campus, she hopes to grow as a writer by stepping out of her comfort zone as well as connect to people. Her instagram is: Elizaabeth14.
Camden Carpenter

Virginia Tech '21

Senior studying Smart and Sustainable Cities, with hopes to become a traveling urban developer. Attemping to embody "Carpe Diem" in her everyday life, both physically by getting a tattoo of the quote, and mentally by taking risks while trying to maximize each day's full potential.