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We’re a week into February, which means every convenience store is well-stocked with red-and-pink everything—chocolate, roses, and stuffed animals. This can be fun for couples who celebrate Valentine’s Day (or friends who celebrate Galentine’s). But where does this leave people without company on Feb. 14?
Valentine’s Day does not just have to be about romantic or platonic love. It can be about self-love, too. Here are some alternative ways to spend your Wednesday night—whether that’s with friends or by yourself.
- Watch a good movie!
If you’re in the mood for a good rom-com, consider one of the classics: “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Clueless,” “When Harry Met Sally.” Pop some popcorn and enjoy an old-school movie night.
If you want to steer clear of the romance genre, consider rewatching a classic movie from your childhood. “The Hunger Games” and “Harry Potter” are classics that will transport you back to the nostalgic days of middle school. Hole up in your bed for a showing, or invite your friends over for a full-blown dress-up movie marathon! Do as much or as little as you want.
- Have a date with a book!
One of my favorite ways to spend a night in is with a good book. Pick up that book that has been sitting on your “must-read” list for months and finally crack it open. If you don’t have a book in mind, try a blind date with a book. Just select the genre you want to read and be surprised with a book at your door (or in the Little Building mailroom lockers).
If you really feel like spoiling yourself for Valentine’s Day, try a literary blind-date kit from Etsy. Different kits can come with anything from hot tea and stickers to new bookmarks, and many more surprises to elevate your date with a book. You never know what you are going to get!
- Bake a sweet treat (baking is optional)!
One thing about me is I love indulging in a sweet treat. What’s better than an $8 Ben and Jerry’s ice cream pint from the Max? Baking your own sweet treat!
An easy go-to is M&M’s Valentine’s Day cookies! But any baked goods—brownies, snickerdoodle cookies, cake—are a Valentine’s Day sweet treat if you make them on Feb. 14. And baking can be way more fun, though maybe less productive, if done with friends!
If you’re like me and only have access to a microwave in your dorm, try one of these easy microwave dessert recipes! Mug cakes, brownies, and even cookies can all be made in a 700-watt, dorm-safe microwave.
P.S. It is always easy and fun to go to the Dining Hall for an M&M cookie or ice cream!
- Have a self-care day!
There is no better way to spend the holiday of love than by taking care of yourself with a self-care day. Take a soothing everything shower, paint your nails, or do a facemask. Devote time to the little forms of self-care you never seem to find time for day-to-day.
Self-care days don’t just have to be by yourself! Get together with a friend you’ve been wanting to hang out with or binge-watch your favorite show. This is your day!
- If you’re bored of everything, try something new!
There’s no time like the present to find your next hobby. This Feb. 14, purposefully set aside time to try whatever you have been waiting for. Buy that yarn and hook and watch a beginner’s crochet or knitting tutorial. If you want to go a step further, sign up for a class—pottery, glass blowing, you name it!
If you’ve never painted before, get a canvas and attempt to paint your best Van Gogh (or an easy Pinterest painting). Any of these activities can include friends, too: try switching canvases every 10 minutes to see what you and your friend(s) paint together!
- Be your own Valentine!
If you don’t want to steer completely clear of the holiday, then be your own Valentine on Cupid’s Day. Go out to eat at your favorite fancy restaurant—or get your favorite fast food meal—and make a day of it!
Buy yourself flowers, chocolate roses, or a cheesy pink-and-red Valentine’s stuffed animal. Write yourself a love letter: who says you need a partner to celebrate? You can’t break up with yourself, so you might as well put as much love and effort into your relationship with yourself as you would with your significant other.
Whether you’ve been married for 50 years or are happily single, Valentine’s Day is for you. While it can be frustrating to see happy couples around this time of year, don’t disregard your relationship with yourself. Valentine’s Day can be your excuse to treat yourself when you are normally too busy.
Instead of letting the sea of red-and-pink overwhelm you, take Feb. 14 to do something you enjoy. Regardless if you go all out on a self-care day or just read a book, make Valentine’s uniquely yours. While you may not have a partner to celebrate with this year, you will always have yourself, so don’t forget to treat you, too!
