Love is in the air. Or, you know, Lysol.
It’s Valentine’s day, and I couldn’t post on the actual day without sitting up and taking notice.
That is, noticing how many people are suffering this Valentine’s Day. Each situation is different; maybe they were widowed, or single, or separated. Regardless, most of the focus is on couples each Valentine’s Day.
But those who aren’t in a relationship shouldn’t be left out either.
Valentine’s Day should be about so much more than couples making out under the stars and all that jazz (not that I’m opposed … quite the contrary).
However, if Valentine’s Day is (semi) about love, then we shouldn’t forget that there is more to love than the love between a couple. For starters, there is self-love. And that, my lovely, is where we will begin.
Self-Love for the Unattached:
- Get a manicure or pedicure (bonus: go with a friend!)
- Spa day: treat yo’ self! This is super simple to do at home – just soak in a tub full of hot water with bubble bath or a bath bomb, and relax with a good book or soothing music and a cold beverage.
- Pancake Dance Party! Okay, I admit it … I totally stole this idea from my sister-in-law, who does this with her daughter – but it’s a great idea! Insert your favorite breakfast or brunch for “pancake”, crank up those happy tunes and dance the morning away while you prep/cook! It’s a great way to start off on the right foot.
- Get a massage: definitely a deposit in the self-love bank, and a great way to ease some tension!
- Read a book: Watching a movie can make you feel more alone (unless you watch with friends) but reading a book is a great activity alone or with a partner. With a partner you could take turns reading out loud, or for silent reading it’s simple to just enjoy each other’s presence and read quietly to yourself.
For a more “love” centered theme, I would recommend Mom’s Perfect Boyfriend by Crystal Hemmingway. With mother-daughter issues, comedy, and romance, it’s a great quick and quirky read.
In a Relationship?
If you’re in a relationship, it’s still okay to skip the chocolate and flowers and show yourself some love!
Instead of gifts each year, my husband and I plan a meaningful activity for us to do together … and sometimes usually this is as simple as a board game and some homemade kombucha, or video games and a drink to share!
Being in a relationship shouldn’t mean you start neglecting yourself – time to be on your own and caring for your personal needs is just as important as it ever was. Don’t forget that!
How are you celebrating self-love this Valentine’s Day?
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
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