For people without a significant other, Valentine’s Day has become Singles’ Awareness Day. But I think that’s a terrible name given to a stage in life that shouldn’t be looked down on. I’m already “aware” that I’m single the other 364 days of the year. And you know what? Singleness doesn’t have to mean loneliness, which has been something I’ve had to come to terms with.
Giant Costco bears <3
According to Merriam-Webster, “single” means “not married,” “unaccompanied by others,” and “consisting of one part.” But it also means “consisting of a separate UNIQUE WHOLE” and “UNBROKEN and UNDIVIDED.” I love that!! If you’re single, this is the only time in your life that you can make decisions for yourself without having to take another person into account. This is the time when you’re not obligated to spend your money, or save it, because of joint bank accounts. If you feel like sushi, eat sushi. If you want to buy a nice but expensive jacket and eat a whole pizza for dinner, by gum, TREAT YO SELF. Make your own schedule, make your own plans, and hang out with whomever you want without worrying about checking in with your partner.
Above all, this time of singleness is when you have COMPLETE FREEDOM. So for this Valentine’s Day, instead of wallowing in self-pity and odiously judging everyone around you, I suggest making the most of it by spending all your money on YOU. Because we can do that. ;)
So, I hereby dub February 14 Singles’ Celebration Day! To honor this auspicious occasion, here are some suggestions on how to celebrate.
Eat your favorite food, and watch your favorite movies.
Guess what? You don’t have to take your partner’s terrible food or movie preferences into account. Watch what you want, eat what you want. #youdoyouboo My perfect meal will most likely consist of pizza, beer, and Hulu, or BBQ ribs, mac ’n’ cheese, steamed broccoli, and a glass of Cabernet — depending on how healthy I want to be. :P
Be single together.
Me and some of my best gal pals. Friends for over 20 years and counting. <3
If you didn’t go to a Christian college (let’s face it — at this point, they’re all on their “babies” stage), you most likely have several friends that are still single. If they live close by, make plans together! Go out to dinner, or pool your money and spend your night binge-watching Netflix and eating as much food as possible, Gilmore Girls style.
Binge-watch romantic comedies — good for guys and girls.
Yes, I know romantic comedies are a girl thing. But there are a lot of options out there that actually have great writing and are absolutely hilarious — no matter your gender. Check out our top 12 picks.
Curl up in blankets with hot cocoa (or whiskey) and a good book.
When you get home, take a hot, luxurious shower, get in your comfiest pajamas, and start a new book with a drink in hand. (Add some Bailey’s and whipped cream to your cocoa to make it go from “eh” to “YAAASSS.”) To me, nothing feels better than opening up a new book. Don’t know what to read? If you like books like Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train, try In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware. I picked it up on a whim in the airport, but it’s FANTASTIC. I also recommend Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One (which Steven Spielberg adapted into a movie, in theaters March 29). If you have any recommendations, let us know in the comments!
Buy yourself something special.
Pshh who says you gotta wait for that special someone to buy you stuff? They’ll probably get it wrong anyways. Treat yo self by buying that one purse you always wanted, or get yourself something fun online. You have extra money from not having to spend it on someone else anyways. :D
Do something nice for someone else.
Valentine’s Day as a holiday is supposed to be unselfish, and Singles’ Celebration Day doesn’t have to be any different — despite the fact that it’s all about yourself. Surprise single friends or coworkers with flowers or chocolates. I guarantee you’ll make their day. You know that homeless man at the freeway exit that you always try to avoid making eye contact with? Hand him a bill from your wallet, or even pass him a meal from a fast-food place or your grocery store’s prepared-food section. You think you’re single? Try being single without a home or loved ones. Single is looking pretty good right about now.
Most importantly, spend your day thinking about what you have — not what, or who, you don’t have.
Santa Barbara's annual Old Spanish Days
Many times, we’re not unhappy until we start comparing ourselves to other people. She’s skinnier. He’s more muscular. They have a better house. Everyone has a special someone but me. At the end of the day, do you have a family? Do you have friends that love you? Is your biggest problem what to watch next on Netflix? I know that I definitely spend a lot of time complaining and not enough time thinking about how good I have it. I’m a single, independent female with a college degree, my own job, and my own bank account, which are enormous blessings I should be more thankful for. So while you’re eating Chinese take-out or being sorted into your Hogwarts house with your Harry Potter bath bomb, try to enjoy these moments because some people would give anything to be in our shoes.
From one single to another, I promise that you don’t need another person to feel joy and peace, and even in your singleness, you’re not alone. :)
Happy Singles’ Celebration Day, friends.
Love,
