This year I will be 25 years old, and I can honestly say I have never been in a relationship on Valentine’s Day. Over the years I have learned a few things about making the best of a day dedicated to being in love when you are not in love. Full disclosure, I used to hate Valentine’s Day. Not in an authentic way. But in the same tongue-in-cheek way I hate New Years because it means I have to wait 45 minutes for a treadmill for two weeks after. But for Valentine’s Day, it really came down to a simple phenomenon: FOMO.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, FOMO is an anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website. Valentine’s Day gave me the biggest case of FOMO. Everyone seemed to be in love and they all broadcasted for everyone to see or hear (looking at you downstairs neighbors). However, over the years, I learned that Valentines could be a fun day even if you are single. Here is how you can make the best of it!
Remind Yourself That You Are Enough
You are an incredible person. I do not even know you, but I can tell you without a doubt that there is something in you that sets you apart from everyone else. You need to find that thing and you need to embrace it. Nurture it.
–Erin Bahadur, HuffPost
Naturally, being alone on Valentine’s Day can lead to wonder if there is something seriously wrong with you. You may have questions like, “why doesn’t anyone want to be with me?” or “why didn’t my last relationship work out?” These can be valid questions and lead to self improvement. However, on Valentine’s Day they are often counter-intuitive, and leave you feeling bad about yourself. Here is what you need to remember: you are an incredible, one-of-a-kind person. Being single on Valentine’s Day does not take away from that.
Treat Yourself
Now that you understand that, there is nothing wrong with you. You should use this day as an opportunity to treat yourself. I recommend going all out. I am talking spa days, ordering take-out, binge-watching Elite. I do not know your life, but let whatever floats your boat float it. My only recommendation is to make sure it is special and a treat. I always know I can look forward to Valentine’s Day because I know that even if I am single, it will be special.
Be kind to yourself this evening. Buy something for yourself. Treat yourself to a meal. Look in the mirror and give yourself a smile
–Yoko Ono
Stay Positive
Above all else, remember to stay positive. It comes one day a year, so it will be over before you know it. Only you have the power to make it or break it. To be frank, too many people think a relationship will solve their problems anyway – you can at least say you are not one of those.
To the lovers out there, love your partner and love yourself. Also, be courteous to your upstairs neighbors.
