I'll be honest. Of course I was a little bummed knowing that I'd be spending another Valentine's Day alone. But then something happened. Something magical. I got this idea, this epiphany even, that maybe -just maybe- there was an upside -or few- in being single on V-day.
Normally, I'd get either distressed or have the sudden urge to vomit when I see a myriad of photos on Instagram of the following: girl posing with a giant teddy bear, girl posing with a bouquet of flowers, and the inevitable, girl posing with a giant teddy pear and a bouquet of flowers with a caption that reads, "thank you so much to my baby Fred, whom I've been with for a whole month now! *insert heart eye emoji here* Love you bae, you're the best Valentine I could've ever asked for".
Gag.
Why are we in such a hurry to make sure we have someone to spend V-day with? Shouldn't everyday be spent like it was Valentine's Day? I think that's why I've never understood the hype.
Essentially, it's a holiday to celebrate couples and love. Why isn't there a holiday to celebrate people who are single and doing just as good? Why isn't there a day dedicated to us in terms of our independence and how positive and strong we are to withstand society's expectations and encouragement of finding someone special? Oh wait, there is. National Singles Day was on January 11th. For people like me, I had no idea it was even a thing. (There's always next year right?) Maybe some of us aren't emotionally capable of loving someone at this point in time. What's so bad about being alone? Why are we -single people- always being dragged to blind dates and awkward meet-ups arranged by our girlfriends? I think it's time for people to realize that being alone and independent, isn't such a bad thing. It's liberating.
So, in honor of all the single girls and single people out there, I hereby give you the, "V-day list for singles".
1. Pamper yourself
I have some good news. You know how people are entitled to buy sh*t for their loved one? You know how it could be a bit expensive and pretty damn exhausting? Well, guess what, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO ANY OF THAT. Instead, do something for yourself. Get your nails done, for yourself. Get a massage, for yourself. Whoever said pampering and taking care of oneself should only be essential when you're in a relationship was seriously disturbed.
2. Have a singles meet-up
Gather up all your single bitches and celebrate. Pop a bottle or two, go to a karaoke bar, and enjoy each other's company. Most importantly, celebrate your independence and this special time in your life.
3. Try something new
If there's anything you've always wanted to do, whether that's learning how to cook a specific recipe or learning how to cook at all, try it out.
4. Dive into a new book
Reading is fun. No, really. There are so many topics and so many options. Don't limit yourself.
5. Go to the gym
Not only will it help release V-day depression, if you have it, it'll keep you looking and feeling good, which is the most important.
6. Hit up an animal shelter
This one really doesn't need an explanation because, PUPPIES.
7. Netflix like you've never Netflix'ed before
Why, you may ask? Because, why the hell not. If you want to watch all four seasons of Prison Break in one sitting, do it.
8. Never, ever, sulk
This is a day to celebrate, not to mope around. Who knows, maybe a year from now things will be different. You may have found what you were looking for. But don't be sullen until that day comes. Work on yourself. Appreciate yourself. Be 1000% ready for when that day comes.
Now, go pop open a bottle of wine and enjoy being single.
