A Valentine-Less Guide to Valentine’s Day

A Valentine-less Guide to Valentine’s Day

By JORDAN GRESHAM

February 14th  is known for leaving a sour taste in the mouth for many people. And while I have never had a Valentine, with this year being no exception, Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite days of the year. And I think it’s time we ditch the sob stories and all the single people feeling sorry for themselves all day, because while I may be biased, there’s no way it’s as fun with a significant other. 

As a proudly perpetually alone girl, I consider myself to be a self- proclaimed Valentine’s day expert. And while I may hate relationships and everyone in one, there are few things I love more than the sparkles, the pink, the hearts, the chocolate, and the overall vibe the holiday gives off. So my favorite way to go about V-day is by the all too well known idea of self care. Now I’m not going to pretend that self care will solve all your problems if for some reason you’re sad to be alone this 2022, but my guide to feeling great on Valentine’s Day may be able to help you just a little bit. 

No matter what, it’s always nice to feel good about yourself. Whether that be a good outfit, maybe doing your hair a little differently or going full glam, I find that the best way to kick off the day is to make yourself look good, because when you feel good about yourself, you just feel better. Now unfortunately the fourteenth is on a Monday this year so that might be a little difficult, but at some point during the day, make yourself feel a little more confident. 

My annual Valentine’s Day tradition is to make cookies and watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and if you take one thing from this piece, let it be this: nothing feels better than eating sweets and watching your favorite movie. I obviously suggest any Audrey Hepburn movie alongside my constant watch, but there are many other perfect movies for the day. If you’re wanting a rom-com, I suggest watching Valentine’s Day (which stars about every celebrity you can possibly think of in one film), To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (I don’t care if it’s a Netflix original teen love story, it’s a great feel good cheesy movie), and 10 Things I Hate About You (an absolute classic, you can’t go wrong with the definition of teen angst; Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger). If you’re in for a good cry, then watch The Notebook (do I even need to explain myself here, it could have a happy ending and the fact that there’s old people would still bring tears to my eyes), Titanic (you said you’d never let go, Rose!), Call Me By Your Name (watch it for Timothee Chalamet’s big break and the love story of it all, not the other one), or Love, Rosie (an underrated masterpiece that actually has a happy ending through the tears unlike the rest of these). All of those movies will get you through a whole box of tissues and a whole box of chocolates no matter how you’re feeling. And my final movie tip is any film directed by Nora Ephron. My favorite has to be When Harry Met Sally, which will make you laugh and cry, and who wants anything different this day? Make some sweet treats and get to sobbing everyone. 

My final tip to feeling good on Valentine’s Day is to treat yourself (or your friends). All you have to do is buy yourself some flowers, make a bubble bath, or use a face mask just to make the day feel a little more special for yourself. Or, amp that up even further by having a soiree with your fellow single friends. Trade valentines, eat sushi, and talk about all the reasons why you love (or hate) all things love. Works every time. 

While this upcoming Monday may be overpowered by talk of the Bengals going to the super bowl, don’t forget that it’s Valentine’s day, and that the holiday doesn’t have to be as miserable as it’s rep usually seems. Making food, watching movies, looking good, being with your friends, or even being by yourself can make this day one of your favorites, if you let it. Or, just cry. No shame in feeling depressed on February 14, but it can be so fun when you actually enjoy it and forget about the fact that you don’t have someone to share it with, because you’re probably better on your own anyways. Enjoy Valentine’s Day!