By Tiger Shi
Web Content Contributor
Dinner reservations, chocolate gifts and stuffed animal exchanges are frequent on Valentine’s Day. If you are single, it may spark a sense of jealousy within to see couples enjoy such things, and it is completely natural as human beings to have such feelings.
The key is to re-direct those negative thoughts. I prescribe this list of constructive activities to do if you are single for Valentine’s Day.
No, not in that way. What I mean is to literally go hiking and explore nature. I personally find wandering around the parks in San Marcos helps clear my mind off of worries. Good spots around San Marcos for hiking are Rio Vista Park and Purgatory Creek.
2. Start a new hobby
This is how I personally started making short films after one particularly lonely Valentine’s Day a few years ago. What used to feel like wasted time is now spent working on myself. I say occupy yourself with a particular talent or interest to keep your mind off of solitary thoughts.
3. Listen to songs
Aside from romance, there are plenty of other genres to listen to. From my experience, I would recommend “Piano Man” by Billy Joel or “Africa” by Toto. These songs actually empower my self-esteem and made me take pride in being single for now. It builds my confidence to get back out there whenever I am ready to.
4. Watch movies
Similar to music, instead of picking a romance film, try watching your favorite genre. Genres such as sci-fi, action and comedy are my preferences. Love does not necessarily require another person. Love can also be shown for and through entertainment mediums.
5. Take a break from social media
It may be tempting to engage with Valentine’s posts on Twitter or Instagram, but all that is going to do is trigger self-consciousness. Social media has a direct effect on our self-esteem, so get off social media for a day or at least hop on for as little time as possible.
After Valentine’s, social media engagement can resume in constructive ways, such as documenting and taking pride in what you did for that day.
6. Celebrate
Valentine’s Day is not only a celebration of significant others but of all loved ones.
Celebrate alternative relationships with “Galentine’s” or “Palentine’s.” The strong bond between groups of friends should not be underestimated. If you have a friend group of singles, have your own fun day out while keeping COVID safety precautions in mind.
If you are stuck at home, showing appreciation and care to relatives is also an enjoyable way to spend the holidays.
7. Mind off romance
It is hard but necessary to clear your mind and prevent jealousy of happy couples. Keep away from self-esteem reducing dating apps like Tinder or Bumble so romantic obligations will be a weight off your shoulders and you can spend time actually enjoying the holidays.
Valentine’s Day is not the end to ever finding a significant other, but really a time to enjoy the relationships we do have.
Featured Image by Andie Mau via Canva
By Melanie Love SalazarWeb Content Contributor Some people (who are incredibly cheesy) say that “music is the language of feelings.” I too am a part of that group of cheesy people who believe music is the language of feelings. Where words fail and our mind can not accurately string together the thoughts we want to say, I think songs can. An interesting characteristic about love songs is it is difficult […]
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