Valentine’s Day. A day dedicated to celebrating love, giving out valentines, and eating copious amounts of chocolates. Sounds great, right? Well, let’s face the facts. A majority of the people on Lakeside’s campus (around 71%) are single, and for some, being single on Valentine’s Day can make the day significantly less fun. The abundance of couples professing their love can make some single people think, Why can’t that be me? and lament about the cute high-school romance… that they don’t have. If you feel this way, know that you’re not alone. But, Lakesiders, Cupid is calling to tell you that you don’t have to be both single and sad on Valentine’s Day. Who said Valentine’s Day could only be fun for couples? That’s right, no one. Here are 5 ways to celebrate and be single on Valentine’s Day.
- Host a Galentines or Palentines party
Valentine’s Day is all about love, after all, and the affection of friends perseveres through thick and thin. Get your friends together, wear pink and red, make Valentines themed snacks, eat lots of candy, and hang out with the people whose company you treasure. It’s the perfect excuse to take a break from our busy lives and hang out with great company. Plus, Valentine’s Day is on a Friday this year, so it sounds like a Friday Night Function is on the way.
- Have a self-care night
You know what they say: you must love yourself before you can love others. This Valentine’s, treat yourself to a self-care night — whatever that means for you. It can be pampering yourself by doing your skincare, watching your favorite show, working out, reading, or sitting in bed listening to music! Whatever floats your gondola. One night doing something you adore and having some “you time” is a great way to be single on Valentine’s Day.
- Give out valentines
Remember in first grade when everyone would make valentines and pass them out to the class, and you’d come home with some cute notes from your classmates and boatloads of candy? Well, there’s no reason that this has to stay in elementary school. You can make valentines for your friends, advisory, class, or even your whole grade! It can be anything from a Pinterest-worthy, stenciled-out DIY valentine to a thoughtful, handwritten note or some candy; it’s really the thought that counts. These valentines are sure to brighten up someone’s day.
- Spend time with family
Life at Lakeside can get so busy sometimes, and it’s important to make time for family who support us in our day-to-day lives. You can help make dinner for the family, host a date night for your parents, have a family game night, watch a TV show, or simply just spend quality time together.
- Movie night
While you may not be the star of your own movie-worthy love story this year, you can still watch one! Valentine’s Day is the perfect day for any kind of romantic film, from a cheesy but heartfelt Hallmark movie to a nostalgic 2000s rom-com. Pair this movie with lots of snacks and candy, a fuzzy blanket, your favorite stuffed animals, and possibly some tissues for an extra special Valentine’s movie night.
Ultimately, Lakesiders, Valentine’s Day is all about love, but it doesn’t have to be restricted to just a romantic partner. This day is also about celebrating friends, family, and, of course, yourself by doing the things you love and surrounding yourself with people you love. However you ultimately choose to celebrate, Happy Valentine’s Day to all the singles (and couples)!
