By: Ava C. Green, Editor-in-Chief
“So far, it’s looking like I have no Valentine’s Day plans. What do I do that day to avoid feeling all lonely and sad?”
Valentine’s Day is not to celebrate having a date – it’s to celebrate love in all of the different forms it comes in. Sure, hearing that sentiment is no quick fix for “feeling all lonely and sad,” but taking this time to do something you love – or be with the people you love – can be. I’ve never looked down on going the “just distract yourself” route for getting through tough times and tough feelings. With how much modern romance relies on the convenience of dating apps, if you swipe enough, you’re sure to find someone to spend the holiday with; but if you’re not willing to take those chances, I’d like to pitch a Valentine-less Valentine’s Day.
Like I said, it’s never too late to find a valentine. Maybe your secret admirer has been planning to sweep you off your feet, but just needs the lovey-dovey vibes only present on the day-of to give them the confidence to make a move. If this is the case, you want to make sure you look fall-in-loveable. If it’s not, you’ll at least have the fact that you look super hot as a good consolation. I truly believe that if you look good, you feel good, and vice versa. Those less corny than I am may not get as much of a kick out of dressing for a theme as I do, but I really do think that throwing on some red or pink is an easy way to get into the spirit of the holiday – no significant other needed.
Dressing up might not be enough for you, though. Like I said, today’s the day to seek out what you love, and that can come in many forms. Thankfully, the City of Good Neighbors leaves no man behind and there are plenty of things to do all over Buffalo that require no significant other. Feeling social but not in a “watch people hold hands” way? Find a bar with trivia, karaoke or an open mic night. Watching someone forget a state’s capital in front of a crowd or absolutely butcher a Backstreet Boys song will remind you that there are things far more embarrassing than not having a date. Or maybe today’s the day you finally try that random hobby you’ve been meaning to start – pottery, painting, kickboxing, whatever lets you either create something beautiful or punch something without consequences. And if all else fails, get outside. Take a walk around Delaware Park, go ice skating or just stomp dramatically through the snow while listening to an ultra-dramatic playlist.
The point is, Valentine’s Day is just another day, only it has added heart-shaped marketing and a temporary spike in flower sales. The best love story is going to be the one where you end up happy, so reject all of the consumerist, couple-y traditions of Valentine’s Day, accept only the parts about following your heart’s desires and do with it what you will.
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