Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, whatever you prefer to call it — it’s a day of love. Personally, I like to call it Love Day (or Self Love Day when I’m single).
I’ve talked about the reasons single people are lonely on Valentine’s Day, and now I’m going to share some strategies that I use which can help you make this day a celebration to look forward to. These are perfect for single people, but you may fall in love with them so much you keep them around when you’re happily coupled as well! I know I did, and I encourage you to do the same — never stop dating yourself!
1. Make it about you
As I mentioned in a previous post, the main reason Valentine’s Day is so painful for us single folks is because we fixate on what we lack, and discount what we have. We focus on other couples and that special someone we wish we had, while forgetting the most important person — ourselves (and our loved ones, but I’ll get to that later).
2. Prioritize it
This may sound extreme (and maybe it’s not for you), but I take the day off work every year on February 14th — whether I’m in a relationship or not (if my partner doesn’t want to, then I spend the first part of the day doing my own thing till they get home). I love Valentine’s Day. I love the energy and romance of this day, the red and pink everything, and aaaall the heart-shaped things. More than this, I love the idea of devoting an entire day to celebrate love, whether it’s for myself or my partner. So I book the day off, tell everyone I’ll be busy, and plan the events of the day ahead of time. Everything is more meaningful when done with intention.
3. Fill it up with good things
What does a perfect day (or evening) look like for you? Picture it. Are you immersed in your hobbies, indulging in a beauty regimen, eating delicious food, watching your favourite shows, practicing self-care? Imagine your perfect date — how can you show yourself love?
“Good things” can include good people as well! If you have some single friends or family (or even coupled ones) who want to join, get them all together and celebrate your love for one another in your own unique ways!
Personally, I use the day for self-care, introspection, writing, reading, and doing things I enjoy like eating good food and snuggling up to watch my favourite shows. I wear my favourite clothes, use my favourite dishes, and sometimes I splurge a little on cute Valentines-themed stuff. And chocolate. Oh, and flowers! There’s no way I’m gonna wait on anyone else to bring me flowers!
Ask yourself, “how can I make this day amazing?”
Here are some ideas to get you started
Practice self-care
- Take a luxurious bath (with candles, music, essential oils, flower petals, etc.)
- Give yourself a massage and apply your favourite lotion or body butter
- Do some yoga or stretches, or attend a yoga class!
- Meditate or attend a meditation class!
- Apply a face mask
Treat yourself
- Make yourself an extra special meal, order in, or take yourself out to a restaurant
- Bake yourself some goodies!
- Buy yourself a gift
- Get a massage
- Go to a spa
Do something fun
You can do these alone or with friends!
- Go out to the movies, a play, or the opera
- Watch a movie or show at home (bonus points if you’re wrapped up in a soft blanket and eating snacks!)
- Take a class or join a group event (like a drumming circle or a group hiking trip)
- Go to the beach or your local pool
- Try a new sport or play your favourite sport
- Do any (or all) of your favourite hobbies!
Invest in yourself
- Journal
- Take a class (like cooking, marketing, etc.)
- Read self-help or other how-to books
- Create a 5-year plan or write out your to-do list
- Take a self-assessment test like the most scientifically validated and reliable personality test (not a sponsor, I just love recommending this test)
- Open a TFSA or RRSP (maybe this is too boring? Probably. It’s not for me, though, so maybe others will like it as well, haha)
- Start an exercise regimen (or get back on track with the one you started in January.. Hint, hint..)
- Create a meal-plan and get clear about what you want your diet to look like based on your needs and goals
Practice self-love
These are a little different from self-care.
- Read aloud affirmations (in front of a mirror or during a meditation are great ways to do this!)
- Write out a list of all the things you love about yourself, and/or all the compliments you’ve ever received (or read a list of these you’ve made already)
- Look at yourself in the mirror and say, ”I love you” over and over again until you start to smile (or cry, in which case, refer to this next one)
- Give yourself a long, loving hug
Recap
- Make the day about you
- Prioritize it on your calendar
- Fill it with good things
Are you gonna have a Self Love Day? Let me know what you plan to do! And if you use any of these ideas, let me know how it went cause I’d love to hear from you!
Send this to a friend and let’s revolutionize this day for single people everywhere! Have a joyous Love Day!
