It's Okay Being Single On Valentine's Day
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

To All The Singles Out There On Valentine's Day

We all need to stop shaming singles and realize that it's okay to be single and it's okay to be happy being single.

39
closeup of pink rose
Sarah Smith

I remember how in elementary school, Valentine's Day was such a big deal. All the students would have a paper bag on their desk and we all would bring a set of Valentine's cards from the drugstore; everyone in the class got one. I still think that those cards are so adorable when I see them at the store.

However, like a lot of things, the older we get, the less "enchanted" or "magical" these holidays seem to become, and the less illusioned we are about the world we live in, what society expects of us, and what is acceptable in terms of societal norms.

Our culture emphasizes the importance of having a relationship, getting engaged, married, being somehow committed to another person. This is the cultural ideal which is only strengthened by film, television, and music. The media shows how happy people are when they are in a romantic relationship, and how sad it is to be single, though that is not the actual reality of the situation. However, there is more awareness and acceptance around staying single and choosing to embrace being on your own while refusing to settle for any less than you deserve.

When I changed my Facebook relationship status, I remember seeing all these ads for dating sites. It got to a point where I was getting so annoyed seeing them, and I knew that the only reason I was, was because of data mining, and the fact that it said I was single on my profile. I also saw an ad for this new company called Singles Swag that sends out either thee to four or six to seven products each month in a gift box, depending on the subscription. They include beauty and makeup products, snacks, jewelry, and fun surprises.

As previously mentioned about the perception of the holidays, the older we get, the less fun mail we get, as well. Getting quality beauty products in the mail felt like a step up for myself, and helped me not feel so bad about treating myself and choosing to stay on my own.

I never would treat myself to them before, so being able to have a service pick them out and send them to me, for a reasonable flat rate price, was actually really nice. Their philosophy is all about how a woman's true satisfaction with life and happiness, comes from her perspective and attitude, not her relationship status, which I absolutely loved. They aim to help women feel beautiful through quality products so that they never feel they need to settle.

For as long as I can remember, I held onto this idea that I would never be truly happy until I met my soulmate and settled down. I am finally realizing that that is not the case. The longer that I am single, the more okay with it that I am. Going into February, I am hoping to strengthen this attitude that being single is not a bad thing. It does not make me a bad person, nor does it make me any less than a person.

Valentine's Day should not be about making people feel bad about whether or not they're single or taken, it should be about celebrating the love we that have for all the people in our life, romantic in nature or not.

So, to all the singles out there, do not allow cultural norms and expectations, ruin Valentine's Day for you. There is no shame in being single, taking yourself to a movie just because, in discovering who you are as a person, as well as figuring out what you want in life. When settling for anything less than what we truly deserve, we lose out. The more time I spend alone, the more okay with being single, I am.

Love takes a multitude of forms, not limited to love between partners, and it's important for all of us to remember that this Valentine's Day.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55112
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35501
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957594
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

184906
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments