It's almost that time of year again: Valentine's Day. You're either feeling it, or you're not. Maybe your guy's out of town for the day, or maybe last week she dumped you for the guy in her math class. No matter your situation, here are some ways to make sure you're having the best V-Day yet.
1. Take advantage of the sales.
There are always great deals to be had, especially on the day of the holiday. CVS and any other pharmacy is often hell-bent on finding the best ways to ensure their profit. Why not feed into the madness? There's bound to be plenty of candy with discounts, and maybe even some cute jewelry or treats. Those red and pink M&M's are calling your name.
2. Hit up the POD.
If you're not feeling the 12-minute trek to 12th Street for some heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, you can always settle for what's right in front of you. Treat yourself to some Americone Dream from CUA's own POD. Maybe grab some E-Z Cheeze and crackers while you're at it.
3. Have Galentine's Day.
Everyone who has watched "Parks and Recreation" (and even those who haven't) know just what Galentine's Day is. Get your best girlfriends together and get brunch. See a movie. Paint each other'snails. There's no reason to be miserable on your own.
4. Go find a date.
Fake it 'til you make it. Head on out to your favorite place and look your best. Maybe if you're lucky, someone as lonely as you won't mind introducing themselves.
5. Go to a party.
If you're looking for the less romantic option, there are plenty of people at plenty of parties just waiting to be found. Don't wallow when you're not the only one out there.
6. Ignore it.
Believe it or not, this is a viable option. All you have to do is not check the date on your phone. You can always feign innocence when people ask your plans. "Oh, was that today?" you ask. They probably won't believe you, but you might feel better just ignoring the hearts and confetti flying around.
7. Treat yourself.
You deserve it. Take the time to do that thing you've been meaning to do. Binge-watch "Making a Murderer" on Netflix while simultaneously painting your nails and finally coloring your adult coloring book. It won't be nearly as easy to complain about the holiday while you've got a face mask on and are dancing to Beyoncé.
8. Go to mass.
Really. You're at the "Catholic University of America." There are more than enough masses to keep you more focused on the word than on yourself. St. Valentine's Day is a Sunday this year, so there will be an abundance of masses to attend. Worship St. Valentine and at the same time, get ready for Ash Wednesday next week. For a full list of worship opportunities, click here.
9. Go people watching.
D.C. is the perfect place. Pick your favorite bench at Dupont Circle or at the National Mall and settle in with some chips. D.C. is full of fascinating people to observe, and Valentine's Day is sure to be even more interesting. Grab a friend or two and have fun. It's a decent reminder that not all couples are perfect and that not all single life is boring. It sounds creepy, but it's not as bad as you think.
10. Call your family.
If you don't want to focus on your Facebook relationship status, give your parents or your sibling a call. Even that one awesome aunt will be happy to talk to you. They miss you while you're here, and if you're not having the best holiday, you can at least give theirs a boost. Sure, parents can nag and siblings can tease, but you'll feel better after you've called.
11. Plan a date with your bestie.
Who needs a BF when you have a BFF? Grab a friend and get lunch together, or see a movie. Even if they've got a bae of their own, 24 hours is a long time. If they're going on a romantic date that night, there's no reason you can't head to &pizza with your friend. Nothing can ever help you forget your problems like a friend.
12. Watch your favorite movie.
Pop some corn, grab a jar of Nutella and get comfy on your bed. There's no reason why you can't watch all the rom-coms or horror movies you want. Nobody will judge you for crying over "Pride & Prejudice," and you'll be pleasantly distracted for 2.5 hours. Or, why not? Just watch the whole first season of "Jessica Jones." Just sit back and enjoy the Netflix account you're probably not paying for.
13. Just ignore it.
Valentine's Day is nothing but another day. It's more or less a Hallmark holiday, built up by social media to earn some extra money. It's not really Singles Awareness Day. In the real world, nobody cares whether or not you're single. You're the only one who cares. Stop worrying about when you'll have a boo of your own, and stop complaining about everyone who has a date. They didn't do anything wrong. Instead, do that homework you've been putting off. Drink some water, hit the gym. You'll feel better if you don't spend the day wallowing in self-pity.
There will be plenty more Valentine's Days in your lifetime. Focus less on your own problems and do something that makes you happy. And who knows? Maybe by next year you'll have the best Feb. 14 of your life.
