Be Your Own Valentine

By: Katie Leis

Valentine's Day, the day of roses, chocolates, and teddy bears. It’s known as the day of lovers, or sometimes the day to get together with your besties. So many people dream of having a Valentine. How could you not want to spend a day loving and spoiling somebody? That can still be achieved on Valentine's Day, whether you are spending it with somebody or not. The art of self love is hard to figure out. But, knowing how to love yourself exceeds any relationship you could possibly have with another person. Having self love is what can help you achieve and maintain a romantic relationship.

I’ll admit it, seeing everyone I surround myself with have a Valentine and be so openly loved leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I have had countless thoughts wondering why I could never have what others do. It feels as if a piece is missing from the puzzle. Every conversation I have with my friends about this topic always ends with “relationships contain so much emotion, I swear you aren’t missing out on anything.”  Maybe they are right that us singles aren’t missing out on anything. We are able to provide ourselves the same things a partner can. 

Think about what Miley Cyrus sings, “I can buy myself flowers / Write my name in the sand /Talk to myself hours…”  Music is an ultimate mood changer. Having an upbeat playlist filled with all of your favorite hype songs is one of the easiest ways to uplift yourself. Listening to that while doing self care is such a fun way to spend a night. Long hot showers, face masks, manicures, and matching pajama sets are such simple ways to pamper yourself. It is also a great way to create self confidence which overall improves your outlook on the world.   

This time of year I always find myself spending time in the flower aisle at Trader Joe’s. Buying colorful floral arrangements helps me brighten up my apartment. Romanticizing your own life in ways similar to that helps fill the void of a lack of romance that another person may provide you. Updating the space you surround yourself with can help prevent you from falling into the slumps. Food is another way to get to someone's heart. Instead of having somebody else treat you to dinner, you should treat yourself to a nice dinner. There are so many fancy, tasty dinners that are easier to cook than you’d think. Pair it with a nice wine, and it feels almost as if you created your own fine-dining restaurant at home.  

What is self care without retail therapy? Treating yourself to something you’ve been eyeballing for the past few days is another easy way to boost your mood. It can be clothing, makeup, skincare, or even something needed for one of your hobbies. Sure, you may come to regret spending the money, but life is short and it is okay to treat yourself to things. I am always buying from Depop whenever I need a pick-me-up. 

You can treat yourself just as well, if not better than another person can. Valentine's Day is so much more than spoiling and loving somebody else. Giving yourself that same treatment is so important for your self confidence and well being. Self love goes farther than Valentine's Day. Begin having nights like this once a month. Pampering yourself is a gift that will never go old.