Writing by: Kaela Maloney
Photography by: Andie Davis
Art Direction by: Lillian Yung
Modeled: Olivia Gutierrez and Lara Spurgeon
Valentine’s Day has arrived and so have the excessive cute couple pictures and heart decorations everywhere. Being single on Valentine’s Day may feel like the ultimate diss to your relationship status, but there are many perks that come with being alone on this love-filled holiday. Love on Valentine’s Day does not just have to be romantic; platonic and self-love are just as valuable on this special holiday!
Here are a few of the many ways you can make your solo Valentine’s Day special. There are two options for the decisions you make on the big day; how you want to spend your money, who you spend your time with and what you decide to wear!
1. Save some money
This is the first thing that comes to mind when not having a partner for any holiday. Capitalism consumes us all, and Valentine’s Day brings expectations of extravagant dinners or special presents that will break the bank for a college student. Instead, us single ladies, can save our money and choose to make a home-cooked meal or staying in and having a movie night. The possibilities are endless!
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2. Treat yourself
No need to wait for someone else to buy you that shirt you’ve been wanting or that lipstick you have saved in your cart. Valentine’s Day is for loving yourself too! A good investment in yourself is the best present of all so treat yourself on this special day and put a smile on your own face. Nothing is better than feeling confident in a new piece of clothing or finally getting your nails done after feeling down this dreary winter term.
3. Throw a perfect Galentine’s party
The best part of being single during V-day is when your friends are single as well. Valentine’s Day doesn’t just mean romantic love. The best love is between your college girlfriends. No need to be alone on the 14th! Whip out a Trader Joe’s charcuterie board, dress up confidently and have a themed photoshoot with your girl group that brings out your love for each other.
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4. Enjoy your own company
A strong relationship with yourself is the most valuable relationship; Valentine’s Day is a good excuse to hang out with yourself all day! Enjoying your own company is the ultimate power move and means you will never be alone. Take yourself out to that movie you’ve been wanting to see, do a face mask, bake cookies or work out. Whatever form of relaxation and enjoyment you prefer, spend the day or even the weekend doing these things to keep yourself thriving. When you love yourself, every day is Valentine’s Day.
5. Embrace your feminine side
Not that any person needs a reason to dress a certain way, but it is fun to dress up on special occasions. Valentine’s Day is the perfect holiday to wear that dress that you’ve been keeping in the back of your closet, or that cute pink top you never know how to style, and rock it this weekend! There is something fun about dressing differently than you usually do, looking in the mirror and telling yourself “Wow, I look good.” Go out to brunch with your family or go on a coffee date with yourself and slip on that girly outfit you’ve been too afraid to wear and watch your confidence soar!
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6. Take advantage of the comfy look
Maybe Valentine’s Days just isn’t your thing or you feel the best in your favorite sweatpants and baggy t-shirt combo. If that’s the case, then do it and go all out. Fully embrace the fact that you do not have to live up to anyone else’s expectations except for your own and wearing what makes you happy is the way to feel the most confident. Valentine’s Day is meant to be shared with the ones you love, feeling loved yourself and for eating chocolate. So grab a box of chocolates, light a few candles, and wear those comfy clothes because you know you look good and that’s all that matters!
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