To be perfectly honest, I’ve never been fond of Valentine’s Day. Or more specifically, haven’t been for more than a decade. The last great Valentine’s Day I had was about in first grade, simpler times where it was mandatory to give everyone in class a card, and if your parents were particularly generous a piece of candy. I can distinctly remember the joy I felt sorting through my pile of valentines, and picking out my favorite candies (and throwing away the tootsie rolls, because I find them disgusting). But then the years passed, and suddenly handing out cards wasn’t a thing people did anymore. Instead Valentine’s Day turned into awkward sea of handholding teenagers, nervous laughter, and worst of all I was left bereft of my chocolate compensation for surviving the year. Since then I haven’t had much fun on the holiday, spending it grumbling past couples on the street and mentally berating them for their PDA. I could say that I don’t like the holiday due to the blatant show of consumerism it lends itself to, but that would be a lie.

Mostly it’s because, I’ve commemorated the last couple of years by lying on my couch with a bag of Godiva chocolates bemoaning my lack of ability to find a significant other.

This Valentine’s Day, I promised myself, is going to be different. No, I’m not going on a last minute mad dash to find a significant other to shower with attention; this time around I’m going to take the day to appreciate myself. To spend the day loving myself, and doing things I like, instead of moping about what could have been. To some people self-love is a radical notion, as people this day and age are told to scrutinize every aspect of their being, to punish themselves for looking a certain way. I want to take the first steps toward loving myself, and what better day to do in on than Valentines? Below are 14 ways to show appreciation for yourself on Valentine’s Day, and the good thing is, none of them require a date.

1) Take a long, luxurious bath.

Maybe even light some candles, play some of your favorite music in the background. You might want to add to the experience by getting a bath bomb from lush, or putting in a couple drops of your favorite essential oil. Remember to keep a towel close by.

2) Eat chocolate. 

Tons, and tons of chocolate. My favorites are from Godiva, and I can never bring myself to turn down a dark chocolate square with sea salt caramel filling.

3) Have an in home spa day.

Give yourself a facial, it's easy to make a homemade sugar scrub, all you need is the sugar of course, and a bit of olive oil. Use the hair mask you've been meaning to get to for weeks, anything that makes you feel good about yourself.

4) Call up one of your friends.

And gossip on the phone for hours on end. Valentine's day isn't just about romantic love after all. Why not show your best friend how much you appreciate them?

5) Have your favorite food 

You deserve it. It's not so bad to indulge once in a while.

6) Brew a cup of your favorite tea.

Nothing is more relaxing then having a steaming mug of tea in reach. Peppermint and rooibos are my favorites.

7) Get cozy 

You don't have to bury yourself in cushions and pillows, wrapping up in an oversized blanket is almost enough for me to forget about any problems I may be having at the moment.

8) Give yourself a manicure.

With sparkly nail polish, and tons of glitter.

9) Belt out your favorite songs.

As someone much wiser than me once said, life is too short to pretend not to like pop music. Put on your favorite tunes, and go at it.

10) Mall trip?

What better way to treat yourself than to go shopping?

11) Marathon your favorite television show.

With a bowl of popcorn in reach, of course.

12) Put on a pair of your most comfortable PJs.

Straight from the dryer is always best.

13) Treat yourself to a massage. 

Get all those knots worked out.

14) Make a list of things you love about yourself. 

The most important item on the list. Take the time to think about what you love about yourself, it can be something as small as I like my smile. Be kind to yourself, you deserve it.

I hope you've enjoyed the list, and have a happy Valentine's day! And don't forget the deals on chocolate start the day after.

DANIELLE SIDHU is a current student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities pursuing a degree in theatre arts, and hopes to eventually work in the field of theatrical makeup design. She has a strong interest in fashion, beauty, and creative writing and believes strongly in self-love and body positivity. She is an avid fan of science fiction, red lipstick, and winged eyeliner.
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