It’s that time of the year again. The month of love is upon us, and maybe you’re not exactly excited about that. For couples, Valentine’s Day can be a reminder of the love and happiness you share with a special person in your life, but what does that mean for the rest of us singletons? Am I to wallow in ice cream and spend the evening watching sad romance flicks because I don’t have a significant other? Well, the obvious answer here is NO. And I’m here to remind you that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples; it can be a day to celebrate all of the love in your life (single or not), and I want to show you just a few of the many reasons why you shouldn’t fret about being solo this February 14th.
1. Single Is Not a Synonym for Sad.
I’m not really sure why so many people equate being single with sadness or loneliness, but “single” is not a synonym for “sad.” Being independent is a celebrated thing these days, so don’t think that you have to be bummed about being solo at this point in your life, whatever that point may be. So on this Valentine’s Day, I dare you to celebrate your singleness! The world grants you permission to joyfully eat ice cream in your PJs and watch cheeky British rom-coms (because Hugh Grant, duh). The bottom line is that alone doesn’t have to mean lonely. You are awesome, so treat yourself to the evening of YOUR choice.
2. Love Doesn’t Have to Mean Romantic Love
I can count on one hand, scratch that, one finger the number of times I have been in a relationship on February 14th. However, I’ve had a Valentine every year that I can remember, and it was from someone that I love in incredulous amounts: my dad. Okay, before I get scoffed at, hear me out! Who said Valentine’s Day is exclusive to romantic love? I take the opportunity every year to show the dearest people in my life just how much they mean to me. So who cares if you don’t have the earth shattering romance of Johnny and June or Jack and Rose (yet)? You have so much love in other parts of your life, and you should always remember that.
3. You Aren’t the Only Single One Out There
I think this concept is imperative to remember, especially for my fellow hopeless romantics or for those who are recently single. Love can look so glamorous and unrealistically easy in movies and TV shows. When the nation turns pink and red and advertisements sport jewelry and other luxury items, it’s easy to get sucked into the detrimental feelings of envy and sadness. It’s easy to feel like you are the only one in the world that is not in love, but, trust me, there are single people everywhere. And while that could be interpreted as dismal, I like to think of it as potential. Love is unpredictable, and you never know who you’ll meet. So stay hopeful, and always remember that you’re surrounded every day by people who love you. Your turn for romantic love will come around, I promise.
The bottom line is that being in a relationship isn’t the instant track to happiness, so why let Valentine’s Day tell us that it is? Contrary to popular belief, being single and being happy are not mutually exclusive states. So, embrace your life the way it is, and show the people you care about just how much you love them this February 14th. Spend the day with someone you love, with your friends, or by yourself. Whatever you do, do what makes you happy!