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Depending on where you are in your position with love—the words Valentine’s Day might trigger one of two eye responses: an eye widens, or an eye roll. At least it can feel that way, as though we’re all just a house divided when it comes to being for or against the “day of love.” But as many things go in life, it is seldom that simple.
Love may not touch us all in the form of labels that we can use to let other people know that we’ve got it. Sometimes love is a lot sneakier than that. It exists in places we forget about and corners we pass often and overlook.
If it’s mid-February and it feels like love is in the air: it is. Except it always is. Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day, even and especially if you’re single. Get it started with these ideas.
1. Cook Yourself a V-Day Meal
Go all out with three courses of food you’ll enjoy. What would your ideal valentine make for you? Give yourself the magic of granting yourself precisely what you need without having to ask for it, you know, food-wise.
Don’t feel like running around town, grabbing groceries? Make it a one-stop deal with these delicious recipes fully made with ingredients from Trader Joe’s. Being in a relationship often puts pressure to compromise and perhaps settle on meals we wouldn’t choose. Enjoy the luxury of having full control with no side of opinions.
2. Get Yourself a Gift
It’s simple, logical, and necessary. You don’t need to run out and gift yourself some lavish item unless you’ve got the funds. It could be something as small as a pack of new pens. Treat yourself in the name of honoring love by ceremoniously gifting yourself, make it a thing. It doesn’t need to be elaborate. A few easy self-care ideas will work. Or, give yourself the gift of self-care, with these last-minute ideas.
3. Expand Your Idea of Romance
Valentine’s Day paraphernalia tends to come off oriented toward couples, and to be fair, it is. Forget this idea entirely. Celebrate with friends, family, and anyone you share a loving bond with. After all, friend relationships can be just as emotionally potent as those with partners.
The term romance itself can be defined as excitement associated with love, but it is also defined as a feeling of mystery and a temporary hiatus from everyday life. To be remote from every day is to be intrigued, entertained, and made curiously. Anything in your life that causes these feelings is worth a celebration.
4. Host an Event
What better way to celebrate than a gathering? The dynamic of Valentine’s Day lends itself to couplings abound and a pack of individuals doing: something other. You’re never the only one. Throw a singles party or just a party in general. Blur the lines between the implied “us and them” feeling of Valentine’s Day. Let the couples in your life know you appreciate their love just as much as the singles, and let the singles know who the other singles are.
5. Pamper Thyself
Remember that bit of #3 that suggested that romance is much more than a person to person connection? Relaxation is romantic. Not to mention, a form of self-love. Put together a self-love playlist, throw on some CBD-infused socks, break out some bubbles, and draw a bath. If you’ve got time to plan for it and resources, book yourself a one night stay somewhere nice. Pampering is for everyone, be your valentine and show yourself some love.
6. Just be Productive
If you’re simply not feeling it this time around, don’t deny yourself of your reality. Sure, there might be some underlying reasons why you might feel this way that is probably worthy of attention. But for the sake of celebration: gently place it to the side.
Allow yourself the same deep breath you would if perhaps you were feeling it. Recycle your energy back into yourself by making it a day where you stay true to your priorities and productivity. Maybe challenge yourself to make an extra effort. Turn on a self-development podcast as you get things done. There is no shame in the game of self-investment, yet another valuable form of self-love.
Whoever you are, however you feel about love, Valentine’s Day is just another word for opportunity. It’s an opportunity to celebrate all that feels well and good with the world. So whether you’re celebrating with some socks, a lover, a friend, or your to-do list—there is no wrong way to define what you value about love.
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