It's that time of year again. Florists set up new displays, the smell of chocolate is in the air, and everyone is seeing red. For many people February marks the start of the holiday of romance, and in an effort to impress and celebrate their significant other, they make outrageous dinner plans or coordinate insane gift deliveries throughout the day. Or, they simply buy a Hallmark card and some Hershey's chocolate. If you're anything like me, this time of year doesn't hold any real place in your mind because you don't have a significant other to be with. So instead of raving and ranting about how this holiday is just a creation of card companies to boost profits through a holiday dry spell (even though it is), I elected to make a list of dates you can take yourself on, because after all, you are the best valentine you could ask for!
1. The Movies
A classic date night idea only this time there's no fighting on what movie to see, no whispering during the movie, and best of all, you don't have to share your snacks.
2. Stargazing
Although it's a bit cold out right now, there's nothing quite like finding a nice open space and just staring up at the night sky. Throw on a John Mayer album and forget about it. Who knows, maybe you'll see a shooting star!
3. Shopping Spree
Nothing makes you love yourself more than rocking some new outfits. Plus, the Community Aid around here does half off for student nights! Take some of your old clothes you don't wear anymore and donate them while you're there. Treat yourself and do some good.
4. Coffee Shop
Find that local coffee shop that not too many people know about, you know the one with the comfy couches and open mic nights? Curl up in there with a nice book and some even better coffee.
5. Paint With Bob Ross
The painting legend of our time, and all his tutorials are on Netflix. Buy yourself some art supplies and spend the night painting some happy little trees. Bonus is that you get some new art to hang up around your space!
6. Trip Down Memory Lane
You know that deep dark corner of your Facebook album from 2010 during your emo phase? Yeah, you know the one, we've all got it. Well take a little trip back in time and reminisce in some memories on social media, photo albums, and home movies if you've got them. It's so fun to see how much you've changed and grown over the years, and you can feel better about yourself knowing you don't wear fake lip piercings anymore!
7. Wine and Dine Yourself
This one is probably my personal favorite on the list. Buy yourself a bottle of wine (or two) and make yourself a fancy home cooked dinner. Have fun with it and make something you've never made before or one of your favorite meals growing up. So what if you can't cook, there's wine involved so it'll be fun either way!
8. Take a Yoga Class
I personally love to do yoga and find that every time I do it, my day is always way better. Find a local yoga studio or find a tutorial on YouTube to walk you through the steps. Play some ocean wave sounds and you'll feel as though you're on cloud 9.
9. Spa Day
With how busy life can get, people often forget to take time to decompress and there's not better way to do that than a spa day. Either find a local spa, load up on Lush products, or DIY your own face scrub and take the time to feel as good as you'll smell.
10. Make a List of Everything You Love About Yourself
All too often we get caught focusing on the negative things or want we want to change about ourselves. While it's ok to work towards self-improvement, it's also just as important to show ourselves the things we love about ourselves. Whether it's your work ethic, your humanitarianism, or the way you rocked those bangs last Friday night write down a list of everything you love about yourself, because "If you can't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love anybody else?"
11. Go on a Hike
www.selkirkexperience.comPlacing yourself in nature can be such a rewarding experience. It gives you time to reflect on yourself and take notice of the beauty in the world. It's also great exercise and can make for some great Instagram posts, so really it's a win-win.
12. Take Yourself Out to a Buffet
Nothing says self-love like a little bit of gluttony. While everyone else is out spending lots of money on fancy dinners, you can be dining on all you can eat sushi for $20 at Sushi Masa in Selinsgrove and they let you take a box home!
13. Learn a New Skill
Have a hobby you've always wanted to start, or maybe you wanted to learn how to speak another language? Start now! Take this time to expand your repertoire and learn something new. Who knows, this new activity could turn into something that has a life long impact.
14. Play With Your Dog
Ok so I lied, this one is actually my favorite one. What better way to spend the day of love than with your very best friend in the world? Take your pup to the park, take them to the doggy spa, or just spend the day cuddling on the couch with Netflix. Every day sent with a dog is a good day!
There's 14 tried and true date ideas to give you some self love this Valentine's Day. But don't just practice self love on Valentine's Day, take care of yourself everyday and love yourself for the beautiful human you are!
