Flowers, chocolates and date night — are all surefire signs that Valentine’s Day is around the corner. It’s a holiday meant for expressing romantic love among partners and typically a waking nightmare for everyone else. In an effort to save the single girls from rolling their eyes at every happy couple PDA-ing in the park, here’s a short guide on how to not only survive the most romantic 24 hours of the year, but thrive during them.
First, and this cannot be stressed enough, have a solo date. This could be doing anything that brings you joy, but here are a few ideas to get started: Bring a book to a local brunch spot, spend the hours enjoying any story. Listen to a podcast at 6 a.m. with a cup of tea. Pay $8 for that Instagram-worthy Starbucks drink. Another idea for the 14th: Dress up! That gorgeous gown that has never seen the light of day? Show it off just because — be overdressed to everything.
Second, embrace the romance. Soak up the love instead of scowling at it. Open up the romance novel that’s been collecting dust. Rewatch the rom-coms that made everyone want a meet-cute in the first place. Buy the heart-shaped chocolates. Write a love letter. If inclined, download the dating app that people think won’t work — maybe “the one” hasn’t put up a profile, but someone who wants to go on an epic, one-day adventure could be waiting. Wish the surrounding couples the best, and celebrate the fact that they’ve found each other. Ask them about their love stories and really listen – it might just end up bringing about a smile instead of a scoff.
Third, gather the council. Bring together your single friends, new and old, and have a “Friendsgiving” of sorts for Valentine’s Day. Make “Galentine’s Day” a reality and spend the evening surrounded by the ones who matter most. Remind everyone about the little things that make them so adored. Make Valentine’s cards for all your friends with some cheesy lines to make them laugh. Remember, love doesn’t have to be romantic, even when the pink hearts in grocery stores say it does.
Fourth, relax. Everyone is doing their best to navigate their lives at any stage. Love can take a backseat for a few days, months or years. Focus on goals. Find a new hobby. Remember all the love in life that isn’t romantic. Love can be celebrated in so many ways that seem to go overlooked by a holiday dedicated to that indescribable feeling. Tell family members you miss them. Call a best friend from home. Compliment a stranger. Love everyone a bit more. Spend the day wrapped up in every kind of love life offers.
Fifth, romanticize. Light the candle, put rose petals in the bath, take life to the next level and own it. Who says you can’t flirt with yourself? Bend rules or break them. So what’s the point of “A single girl’s guide to Valentine’s Day”? Don’t make it about anyone else. Spend the whole 24 hours falling in love with yourself, and then keep that warmheartedness every day of the year.
