I have some experience flying solo on Valentine’s Day. All throughout middle school and high school, I was the nerdy kid who had trouble fitting in. Even in college, I didn’t date much, and the rare romantic interest didn’t last long. I was 23 when I had my first relationship that lasted more than two and a half months, and I was beyond excited to finally have a boyfriend on February 14th. I couldn’t wait to celebrate! I framed a nice photo of us together and wrapped it beautifully. The week before Valentine’s Day, I asked if he’d thought about where to go for a special night out.
He dumped me.
Needless to say, some Console and Forgive would have been handy right about then.
It was three more years before I met the man who would become my husband, and I would get to celebrate my first Valentine’s Day with a boyfriend. He suggested we stay in, but I insisted that we go out to a posh restaurant, order wine, dessert, the whole shebang. I had waited 26 years for this! And you know what?
It ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.
He tried to warn me. Restaurants are really crowded. It’s nearly impossible to find parking, there are waits even with reservations, and even “quiet” places are noisy because there are so. Many. People. After that first time, I wanted to avoid the crowds like the plague. So now we make a fancy meal at home or do something special on the weekend before or after the holiday itself.
Though I found my prince, I still vividly remember what it was like to be flying solo on Valentine’s Day. It especially stung during college and the first few years after, when it felt like all my friends were paired up, getting married, yada yada. So here are 6 ways to make February 14th a special expression of love, no matter your relationship status.
Give a friend or family member a “heart attack.” Spend a few minutes cutting out hearts and writing nice things on them, plant them in your location of choice, and voilà! Their day is made. Learn more here.
Hand out Valentines. Spread the love. Get a box of kids’ Valentines for a few bucks and pass them out to friends, coworkers, your barista, the person next to you at the gym or in line at the store … have fun with it and bask in the warmth of their surprised smiles!
Write love letters. Take the time to tell your parents, grandparents, or other important people in your life what they mean to you. They love you unconditionally. Expressing your gratitude will give both them and you a powerful boost.
Spend time at a nursing home, children’s charity, or homeless shelter. Let’s be honest, giving feels good, especially when you expect nothing in return. It’s heartwarming to be needed and appreciated. These places typically like to know who’s coming and when, so make arrangements in advance.
Volunteer at an animal shelter. Puppies and kittens. ‘Nuff said. Again, make sure to call ahead.
Pamper yourself. Self-care is vital for mental, emotional, and physical health, but it’s often the first thing to go when we’re busy, stressed, or otherwise not feeling our best. Pop Serenity or your favorite relaxing essential oils in the diffuser. Try these DIY recipes for a foot mask, strawberry lime sugar scrub, hair mask, and bubble bath (below). Not the DIY type? Splurge on a doTERRA spa kit and settle into the lap of luxury! Then curl up with a favorite book or movie and go to bed early. Gotta get that beauty rest!
Bubble bath: Combine 1 cup castile soap, 1/2 cup vegetable glycerin, and 2 Tablespoons water in a glass container. Add 15 drops of your favorite essential oils and stir to combine. Add 1/4-1/2 cup of the mixture to warm, running bath water. (Note the bubbles will be relatively small if you’re used to conventional bubble bath. It’s impossible to create that kind of foam without a surfectant.)
