It's that time of year once again: a day that was apparently invented by Hallmark and Cupid, but also people who had someone to really share it with. It could be so much easier to hate and loathe this holiday while confiding in Ben and Jerry, but why not make the most out of it instead? If you're like me this year and don't have a special someone to share cuddles or a fancy meal with, then have no fear! I have totally got you covered this year with some pretty good ideas that will totally make you feel more loved and content than you would on some overpriced date.
Treat. Yo. Self.
This is pretty much a given since you are going to be your own valentine this year, but that doesn't make this any less true. Buy that dress that's been sitting in your shopping cart since New Year's; get every single kind of candy you find in the Valentine's aisle of the grocery store; whatever it is, don't worry about the price tag today and treat yo' self!
Make it a Galentine's Day!
From the inspiration of Leslie Knope herself, how about making this Valentine's Day a Galentine's Day? Gather your single (and maybe not-so-single) girlfriends for a day of pampering and celebrating one another. Going out for a fancy brunch or having a game night can be just as fun as a date night with your boo. Send out the idea in your group chat ASAP and make some awesome plans that will surely be memorable.
Order your favorite foods to devour, or make them yourself!
In a world that has UberEats, Postmates and DoorDash, there are endless ways to get all your favorite foods to your doorstep. Treat yo' self some more and get a good meal to celebrate you; better yet, Pinterest some new recipes to try and whip something up yourself! No matter which way you go about it, just make sure what you're eating is making your taste buds fall in love (and don't worry about the calorie count).
Pamper yourself and have a relaxation day.
What's better than having a spa day in the smack middle of winter? Gather some awesome face masks, do a bath bomb and even shave your legs to prepare for a night of total relaxation. Even if you find yourself busy all day with school or work, make sure to leave yourself at least an hour of total relaxation and peace to indulge in. It's almost Friday anyway, right?
Bask in the 50%-off chocolates the day after.
Speaking more about food and candy, ever notice all the chocolates that are on sale the day after the holiday? Well this year, be that customer and get yourself some sweet treats that'll last into the next week (or two if you're not like me) for half the price. There will totally be tons of chocolate left over, so plan a trip to the store Friday and gather some dessert that will surely not go to waste.
Don't be afraid to get all in your feels.
While all of the things on this list are self-loving and positive, it's also good to mention that the overthinking and negative thoughts will also come to mind this year. Whether your most recent breakup was not all that great, you're having a tough time in the love department lately or you've been living the single life forever and are sick of it, allow yourself to actually reflect on those thoughts for a second and just feel. The sooner you do this, the quicker you can move on with your fabulous day and even start your path to find "The One."
Take a chance on something... or someone.
Like the infamous ABBA song advises, taking a chance can turn out to be a very good thing. Whether your friends are pushing you to make an online dating account or you've been secretly wanting to ask your latest crush out, take a leap of faith just once today and do it! The worst that can happen is them declining the invitation or finding creeps in your inbox, but even after all this you can still delete your account and you just move on with your life. Just this one day you should do what you never thought you would, or could, and maybe you'll even thank yourself (and me) later for it.
Have a Rom-Com marathon.
As you can tell from past articles I've written, I am a sucker for romantic-comedy movies. This may be a super cliché thing to have on this list (aren't they all, though?), but why do away with tradition? Either reference the list I've made or make your own and have a marathon of classically funny and cutely romantic movies to pair with your fantastic food. If you're not going to spend the day with an S.O., might as well spend it with the likes of Ryan Gosling and J-Lo.
Have a solo dance party to Ariana Grande's new album "thank u, next"
If you're like me and you've been absolutely jamming to Arianna's new album every chance you get, then you know that this album is perfect for a single girl this time of year. Let your neighbors know that you're single and proud while you blast this goddess' angel voice through your house or dorm room as you belt your heart out and dance to "7 Rings." We stan a queen, and she's making us feel very fierce this V-Day.
Spread the love.
Since now you're probably filled with so much inspiration and self-love, why not put these forces of good to use? Text every single one of your friends and call your family members to remind them that you love them, because who said that this day isn't also for the non-romantic kinds of love? What's even better than showing your gratitude to those you know is giving back to the communities that need it; like these links that allow you to send Valentine's cards to children with cancer, find simple ways to really show you care this year, and maybe that will be better than any old dinner date.
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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