Written by: Madeleine Jenness

This year, like many people, I’ve found myself single on Valentine’s Day. Between all the heart-shaped chocolate displays, giant teddy bears, and the romantic movies coming out at this time (Sonic the Hedgehog anyone?) the heightened bombardment of the pressure to couple up can get pretty depressing this time of year.

But try not to let it get you down.

If you, like me, find yourself feeling bummed that you won’t be receiving a bouquet of overpriced flowers or a cute stuffy that you’ll donate in a month, take some time to care for yourself. I for one plan on taking myself to a movie (again, Sonic anyone???) totally alone. And I plan to be happy about it! Being single is a great time to work on yourself (which should always be your first priority btw) and to work on a new skill. That skill could even just be accepting being single, and learning how to enjoy your own company. Learning self-love is important at this time, and can even be beneficial for future romantic endeavors, if that’s even something you’re looking for.

It’s also important to remember the importance of friendships this time of year. Platonic, non-romantic friendships hold just as much value as romantic ones. If you’re feeling lonely at this time, call up your friends and get out and do something! You could even do conventional Valentine’s Day things as a way to fight back against “the man”. Cook a fancy dinner, bake heart-shaped cookies, or go out to a movie (I heard Sonic the Hedgehog is VERY good…) Take a word of advice from Parks and Rec’s Leslie Knope and host yourself your own Gal (or Guy) entine’s day. Treat yo’ self!

But on a more serious note, you may never get that nagging thought out of the back of your head that “this holiday is meant for couples.” And that can be a hard thing. What I find best in these times is to remember that I am no less of a person without a romantic partner. I am complete regardless. I can still enjoy life just as much, we all just have to find what that means for each of us.

I hope you all had a good Valentine’s Day regardless of whether you spent it snogging over Sonic or not. But keep in mind that this advice doesn’t just

have to apply on Valentine’s Day. I advise that you work to be happy about yourself and where you are at this point of life regardless of wherever that may be.

XOXO,

-Your local journalist, Madeleine Jenness