Valentine’s Day is a day known for spreading love to the people that are closest to you. Whether it’s your significant other, your crush, or even just some of your dear friends, the day is meant to show just how much someone can mean to you. Chocolates and flowers are typically the go to for your run of the mill Valentine’s day gift with a heartfelt card relaying your thoughts of them. Rom Coms play on TV all day and oldies love songs carry the radio waves as you get in the mood for the holiday. For some of us, it can be a day to shine a light on that special someone, for others, it can also be a day of panic shopping to a frantic restaurant calling for a last-second reservation. And for the rest of us, it can be a day of lonely drinking with the company of sad love songs and self-pity. I myself have fallen into the latter.
See Valentine’s Day and I have had a very strained relationship, to say the least. From almost losing my job to seasonal depressions hitting an all-time low, a day focused on love can feel like an attack on you when you feel like you have no love in your life. Though this day can be tough on single people, I feel it’s time we start celebrating the holiday for ourselves. Loving oneself is more important now than ever, and it’s time we start practicing this outlook. So get your mind out of the gutters as I give you a list of ideas you can do to help fight off the Single Blues on Valentine’s Day and help you have a day where you feel loved by the most important person. YOURSELF.
- Draw yourself a boozy bath. Works tough, especially when you’ve been handed the obligatory candies from coworkers and friends. Why not decompress and shut off the rest of the world with some soothing tunes, a hot bath, and of course a tall boy to wash away the stress of the day? You work hard and it’s important to give yourself this time of decompression and relaxation. Self care is key to healthy self love, so why not set your own mood?
- Take yourself to the movies: This one took me a while to get behind but now I feel it is the best way to experience a movie. You can treat yourself to sweets or snacks that you definitely didn’t sneak into the theater and see literally anything you want. You don’t have to worry about anyone being upset with your choice or taste in films and can be in a dark quiet room for a minimum of two hours. Sounds like a win-win to me.
- A date to Happy Hour: Restaurants are going to be a nightmare on Valentine’s day, so ditch the table and have yourself a round at the bar. Most places will be doing specials so why not feel special with a nice late afternoon cocktail with some bar eats. You beat the mob of people trying to get a last second table, get affordable eats, and can still enjoy the rest of your night.
- Exercise: This one can be tougher as most of us after work just want to crash, but if you’re feeling those Single Blues then I can promise you this will be the best pump of your life. Nothing sparks a monstrous workout like heartache, now this can be done to an extreme so no need to overdo it. You’ll get a feeling of accomplishment while releasing some of those pent up emotions you may have been struggling with today. From weight lifting to cardio or even just a nice walk outside, these can go a long way to help brighten your Valentine’s Day.
- Plan a “Gal-entine’s/Pal-entine’s” Day: Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you have to be alone. There’s nothing wrong with hitting up friends or colleagues and catching up. A group activity can take some of the pressure of the holiday and can help make it feel casual.
6.. Listen to your favorite podcast…. #shamelessplug…. In honor of Valentine’s Day, I got to talk to one of our favorite guests, author and sex coach Laura Corn. Laura and I talk about her book “101 Nights of Great Sex” as well as what’s next for Laura. If you’re looking for an interview about intimacy and love I recommend a listen and a read of her book. Though I will say her book is more focused toward couples.
I know Valentine’s Day can be a tough holiday. Some say it’s just a commercial holiday while others think it’s the end all be all. Wanting to feel loved is a natural feeling and it can be difficult to have that feeling fulfilled when you’re single. Just know that you are loved, and you deserve to feel loved.
So here’s to you. Whether you’re single as a pringle or a cupcaker getting extra sweet with your lovebug, have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
