Is anticipating the upcoming doom of Valentine’s Day leaving you extra sad and lonely? We’ve got some remedies for your woes

By: Yanika Saluja

The new year is not usually great for us singles, especially by the time the dreaded month of February comes around. Our “self-growth” and “focusing on ourselves” resolutions are not even enacted until Valentine’s Day comes to haunt us. I mean, who wants to see their social media flooded with couples who are going out of their way to tell their partner how much they love them (I’m secretly crying inside as I ponder)?

Every partner-less person handles Valentine’s Day differently. Some might love being single and thank God that they can focus on finishing their assignment when others are out spending money. Some might wish they had someone to celebrate the love-struck day with them, but, with a sigh of acceptance, move about their day. And some people might be like me, screaming into pillows to sounds of.

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students have their own opinions on being single this Feb. 14.

Eisha Mueed, a second-year student at TMU, feels great about being single on Valentine’s Day because for her, it’s a choice.

“I think it’s how you look at it; yeah, it’s great when you have two people who have an allocated day where they celebrate love, but it should be more normalized to [celebrate] life every day,” said Mueed.

While we often associate solitude during Valentine’s day with a hatred for all things amour, some, like TMU student Virgil Andre, simply like seeing love in the air.. He feels really happy for his friends in relationships and is glad that they found someone who understands them during a time as difficult as our adolescent years.

“I think love is a beautiful thing you can see in people,” said Andre.

“Every single person, from the guy you’re working with to a woman you’re seeing on the train ride home to a teenager you see at a grocery store; everyone has someone in mind that they love. And it is nice that on a day filled with love, you get to see love everywhere.”

For TMU journalism student Kyana Alvarez, some single people still manage to enjoy Valentine’s Day.

“I think even if you are single, you can enjoy the holiday as it depends on the type of person. So yeah, I know some of my single friends who like to celebrate Valentine’s in a different way than just romantic love,” said Alvarez

And it is nice that on a day filled with love, you get to see love everywhere.

To all my lovely singles out there who don’t want to spend this day of love moping around waiting for their soulmate to climb through their window like Marcus Baker, I got you covered.

Go on a shopping spree

I believe this is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day. Instead of spending money on your partner, spend it on yourself. Pamper yourself. Buy the most random things you’ve always wanted. Discover new stores and go thrifting. Who doesn’t love treasure hunting?

Do something spontaneous

If I went this route, my first stop would be a tattoo shop and then getting scolded by my parents would be tomorrow's problem. Point being, go out and be rebellious. If you wanted that purple hair colour, now is the time my friend. You wanted that piercing? Go and get two of them. Let yourself free and enjoy that adrenaline.

Go on a solo date

Okay, now I know it sounds like something a loner with no friends would do but trust me it’s so much more than that. I prefer dates with myself where I can get a cup of coffee and read my book or watch Netflix to force myself to do something I don’t want with someone else. So, pick out the restaurant or café or even a park you always wanted to go to and don’t wait for someone to take you there. Dress up in your best clothes, and fly solo. Learn to be comfortable with yourself and your company.

Buy yourself flowers

If you have heard the song Flowers by Miley Cyrus, you know what I mean. Now I am sure you must have all wondered what it felt like to get flowers from someone. Even though flowers can be super cliché, but in some sense, it is kind of cute when you get them. You know the best part about flower shops? You don’t need a second person to buy them for you. Pick out the most extraordinary flowers that you see and tap that credit card. You deserve it.

Beat your friends at bowling

Go on a group date with your friends to a bowling alley and show off those skills that say “I might be single, but I can still strike.” Go out and have a fun day with your friends and then go have a nice dinner with everyone or watch a movie together.

To my single, but totally amazing humans out there, try not to be gloomy or feel disheartened if you haven’t found love yet. It will come to you when it’s meant to. Until then, enjoy and cherish the time you have with yourself. So, take a second and wish yourself a very happy Valentine’s day.