Valentine’s day is fast approaching which means love is in the air. Stores are putting up their displays of artisan chocolate paper mache hearts and plastic cupids, couples are making out in transit, and your social media is filling up to capacity with lovey-dovey posts.
But if you’re single, then the emotions singlehood evoke feel like they’re amplified by ten.
Here are a few tips on how to cope being single on Valentine’s Day, and overcoming #FOMO.
1. Spend Valentine’s Day with Friends or Family
You don’t need to be alone for Valentine’s day, and you’ll be surprised at how many people in your life would love to spend it with you.
Being with someone you love, even if it is only platonic, is a great way to escape the feelings of loneliness on Valentine’s Day. Go on a dinner with a relative, take your nephews and nieces to the movies so your brother or sister can spend Valentine’s day with their partner, or plan a party and invite all your friends.
2. Treat Yourself Out On a Date
During this time in the year, much like Christmas, people tend to focus on what they don’t have. Take the time to appreciate all that you have. You’re alive, and just existing is such an underrated privilege.
Take yourself out on a date. Treat yourself like the boyfriend/girlfriend you wish you had. Go to the spa, buy yourself a new outfit, just dedicate the day to you.
3. Stay off social media
Prioritize your mental health by muting your social media apps during the week of Valentine’s day. The saying, “Out of sight, out of mind,” is very much effective when practiced. And February is a good month for the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind,” is very much effective when practiced.actice it, especially with all of the “boo thing” posts going around. As a single person, I don’t need to be reminded of my ‘singleness’.
4. The Triviality of Valentine’s Day
Let’s be honest. Valentine’s day is just that, a day. A day that has been heavily commercialized by companies who convince people that spending millions on candies and teddy bears is the best way to express an emotion you should be showing 365 days. If someone truly loves you, they will treat you with the level of affection that you desire not just once a year, but every day.
5. There’s Always Next Year
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a companion, it’s a part of human nature. If you feel as though you’ve reached that point in your life where you want to settle down, then invest now in looking for a long term partner. First by investing in yourself. Loneliness is only a state of mind and no person will ever be able to save you from that but you.
And remember, good things come to those who wait.
