Celebrating You: Whether You’re in a Relationship, Hanging With the Pals or Going Solo This Valentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it can be stressful for people with and without significant others to share it with. The culture we live in today promotes the idea that you have to have a significant other on Valentine’s Day to be happy. What about the individuals who do not have a significant other to share it with? It’s simply Single Awareness Day, which is not something some individuals want to be reminded of. What can you do to deal with the stress of my friends and family members who have someone to spend Valentine’s Day with?

Galentine’s Day! Galentine’s Day is a “new” holiday that occurs on Valentine’s Day Eve where gals (and/or gents) come together to have a nice dinner out to celebrate their friendship with each other. While this holiday was originally created through the popular television show, Parks and Recreation, it has become very popular today. This holiday is a nice way to step back from the culture of feeling the need to be in a relationship to feel happy on Valentine’s Day. It allows you to find joy just spending time with people who bring you up on your bad and good days.

Treat yourself: On actual Valentine’s Day, if you currently identify as single, find something special to do for you. Also remember, it is just as important, if not more important, to show love for yourself as it is to show love for others. What does that look like? It depends on each and every individual, but here are just a few fun examples!

• Get a manicure and pedicure
• Order takeout from your favorite restaurant
• Take a bubble bath
• Watch your favorite movie
• Go shopping
• Get your make up done
• Do you favorite work out routine
• Journal your thoughts
• Meditate with some essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus
• Play with an animal
• Do some yoga
• Cook or bake your favorite recipe
• Get a massage
• Read that book you’ve been wanting to read on your bookshelf
• Watch funny animal YouTube videos; laughter triggers the release of endorphins (which are the body’s natural feel good hormones)
• Write a note to yourself on a post it note stating, “I love myself because…” and fill in the blank

Celebrate your Relationship: If you currently do have a significant other to spend Valentine’s Day with, what can you do to not fall into the cultural restrictions of needing to buy an elaborate gift for him or her?

• Spend the night in cooking for each other
• Writing a letter to each other about how you care for him or her
• Watch a movie you both have been wanting to watch
• Give each other a massage
• Turn the music on and have a dance party with each other
• Share something new about yourself
• Share some of your favorite past memories with each other
• Make each other a hand made Valentine’s Day card; time to use those creativity skills!
• Share old childhood photos of each other and a funny or fun memory as a kid growing up
• Go for a walk outside somewhere new; be sure to bundle up if it is cold!
• Do some fun karaoke in the comfort of being in a private place

Most importantly, be present! Valentine’s Day is about celebrating someone you love, whether that be your significant other, friends or yourself!

If you are currently struggling with how to care for yourself, it may be a good idea to connect with one of our skilled counselors at Symmetry Counseling today. You can contact them at 312-578-9990 to set up an appointment.