Valentine’s Day. Some people love it, some people loathe it. This celebration of love originated in ancient Rome from an annual fertility festival that would take place every February. Although originally a pagan holiday, Pope Gelasius I transformed it into a Christian feast day in honor of Saint Valentine. One story claims that because emperor Claudius II banned marriage for young men under the perception that single men would perform in war, so Valentine performed secret marriage ceremonies.
Today, Valentine’s Day has become one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. Every year millions of people don pink and red clothes, send their loved ones huge teddy bears and dozens of roses, and eat heart shaped chocolates while crying to a Nicholas Sparks film. And every year, people let the loneliness of not having a “Valentine” interfere with their happiness on February 14, making them feel left out and unloved. It’s important to remember the good things that this celebration of love can offer to everyone, regardless of their relationship status.
1. Read and send Valentine’s Day memes.
Every year thousands of Valentine’s Day memes are circulated throughout the internet. Oftentimes, these memes are directed towards people who are anti-Valentine’s Day. So if you’re feeling the Valentine’s Day blues, scrolling through these memes are bound to put a smile on your face.
2. Use the day as an excuse to eat good chocolate.
Chocolate sweets, whether or not they came in a heart shaped box, are practically synonymous with Valentine’s Day. So even if you don’t have a Valentine, you can take the day to celebrate the delicious of Ghirardelli, Lindt, and the like.
3. Or to eat any baked good really.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t just have to be about chocolates. It can also be about heart shaped doughnuts, pink sprinkled cupcakes, or just staying home and baking something yourself.
4. Be loving and kind.
This celebration of love doesn’t just have to pertain to romantic love. Use the day as a reminder to be a loving and kind person to those around you. By writing a Valentine to your friend, checking up on your elderly neighbor, or buying your coworker a coffee, you can help someone else and yourself forget the Valentine’s Day blues.
5. Volunteer.
You can even go one step further and spread the love by volunteering with people in need.
6. Watch the yearly romance movie.
Every year, a romantic movie strategically opens on or near the day of Valentine’s Day. Whether you go see it with your Valentine or with a group of friends, it can definitely be memorable making fun of its sappiness.
7. And this year, a movie about how to be single.
This year, you and your friends can even skip the cheesy romance film in favor of a lighthearted comedy.
8. Treat yourself!
This celebration of love can be celebrated by loving yourself. Have a beauty day, buy those shoes you want, order a pizza, and remember that you are awesome with or without a Valentine.
9. Hang out with friends.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by doing fun things with your true friends.
10. Appreciate your loved ones.
Even if you don’t have a Valentine, you can take the time to remember the many loved ones you do have in your life. Take the day to remind your parents, siblings, and other important members of your life how loved and appreciated they are.
