It’s okay if you haven’t been shot by Cupid’s bow or if the love bug’s bite has gone away. Valentine’s Day can feel like the most dreaded day of the semester.
This resentment can grow into an overall bad day between the social media posts, stores decorated with pink and red and couples everywhere.
If you’re single on Valentine’s Day, for whatever circumstances, there may be pressure to do something rather than nothing. “Galentine’s Day” is definitely something widely regarded as fun to do with your inner circle, but it’s not always achievable. There’s almost pressure to be celebrating something postable on social media.
With a day dedicated to sharing yourself with another, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless stream of couples showing off their grandiose shows of gratitude and love. This can absolutely lead to feeling generally unhappy and almost resentful, and, let’s be real, who wants to feel that way?
The truth is, there are so many other versions of love than romantic. There’s platonic, familial and self-love.
There are ways to feel a part of the worldwide network of this celebration without regrettably texting your ex (seriously, don’t).
With some simple internet surfing, charities like children’s hospitals, such as St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, allow you to send virtual Valentine’s to their patients. You can not only make someone’s day better, but encourage involvement to those who aren’t able to celebrate the holiday to its full extent.
Campus Recreation is hosting a partner night, where you and a friend could participate in a buddy climb, partner yoga or cooking class.
If you’re missing people back at home or friends who are farther away, there are ways to spend your day making Valentine’s Day crafts to send to your friends when you might be missing them the most.
Valentine’s Day cardstock can easily be found around town and is ready to be shipped off to whoever you so please in time for the holiday.
Maybe you and your friends are planning your own V-Day party just for friends, and this can help with including others on a day that might feel lonely.
If you’re one for tradition, then I highly suggest planning this out. You can decorate your dorm or apartment with hearts and balloons, rent a cliche romance movie and order some of the town’s best junk food.
The extra good news is that, this year, Valentine’s is on a Friday. Without having to worry about class the next morning, this could be the best time for a weekend road trip with your besties. You could plan a day trip to whichever town of your choosing to explore and treat yourself to anything as simple as brunch to something as pampering as a spa day.
If you’re down about spending your Valentine’s alone, try to fill your day with others or activities which will help you enjoy the holiday a little bit more.
