Valentine’s Day is upon us, which means we’re in the midst of a bombardment of advertisements from retail outlets and diamond dealers trying to guilt us into buying a bunch of shit for our partners. Because that’s love, ya know?
For the singles out there, this day of love can be a bit of a drag. But just because this holiday is marketed toward couples doesn’t mean you can’t use it as a day to show how much you love yourself.
There are plenty of things you can do to show some self-appreciation. Maybe these recommendations can get you focusing on you.
Treat yo’self
Sometimes the best way to feel better is to go out there and spend your hard-earned money on things. What do you like? Books? Go to Powell’s and stock up on some new reading material. Are you more into getting massages? Go to the spa, get a pedi and treat that body. Do you like buying new clothes? Toss out those rags and get sweet new digs to flaunt. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing as long as you’re rewarding yourself. You don’t have to break the bank doing it, but it’s great to give yourself the occasional gift. You’ll appreciate it.
Pornhub and white zinfandel
Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some sweaty, carnal pleasure on Valentine’s Day. There’s this idea that sitting around at home jerking off on the day of love is pathetic. But anybody who has ever indulged themselves knows otherwise. Nobody can love you the way you can, so you lonely lovers better make the goddamn best of it.
This Valentine’s Day, get yourself comfortable, open Pornhub, knock back a bottle of the most middle-of-the shelf white zinfandel Fred Meyer has to offer and furiously stroke yourself until you slip into a damp pool of exhaustion and comfort. Hell, maybe even fall asleep like that. When you awake you’ll feel rejuvenated in the wake of self-love.
All of the shit you would do if you had a partner
You shouldn’t sit around waiting for a partner to start loving and treating yourself right. Why shouldn’t you enjoy a romantic solo carriage ride on Valentine’s Day? Why not go to the top of Mount Tabor and have a picnic? Who says you can’t go to that overpriced Italian place in Northwest Portland and slurp up some pasta? Nobody. And if they do, they’re assholes. Love yourself and don’t let anybody tell you different. Your sense of self-worth and self-love doesn’t have to stem from another person. Having somebody special in your life is magical, but it’s not any more so than the love you feel for yourself. It’s important to remember that on days like this.