Bite Me V-Day

Valentine’s Day is a holiday fraught with sadness and loneliness for people without romantic partners. In a society that places a high value on marriage and family, single people can feel left out, unfulfilled, and incomplete. The search for a significant other consumes a lot of time, money, and swiping. Well, screw that. It doesn’t have to be that way.

The times they are a-changing. More and more people are finding happiness in a state of singlehood and rejecting the idea that only romantic partnerships make you complete. Sometimes we come to that conclusion through pain and loss, sometimes it’s a slow dawning, and sometimes we’re transformed by anger at past wrongs. Whatever the path, you can coopt the holiday and choose to celebrate yourself on Valentine’s Day. Celebrate your strength and resilience. Pay homage to who you are and to all the difficult things that got you here. Love yourself like no one else can.

That’s how I’ll be spending the day, reveling in whatever is the opposite of a pity party. And this is the playlist that will help me do just that. It crosses genres and every song is sung by a woman. Sorry guys. While I usually love nothing better than to belt out It's My Life by Bon Jovi at the top of my off-key lungs (fist pumping included), this list is a little personal and represents me at various times of my oft reinvented life.

You Don’t Own Me by Leslie Gore

This iconic song was recorded in 1963, the same year the Equal Pay Act was signed into law by John F. Kennedy, and a year before the Civil Rights Act became law. It’s a powerful paean to personal freedom. Plus, who didn’t get chills watching Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler belt this out in The First Wives Club? You go girls!

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

Rolling Stone may have ranked the song number two on its list of best disco songs of all time, but this song has always been number one for everyone who has survived a breakup.

Survivor by Destiny’s Child

Surrounded by negativity? Play this one real loud and remember that you are fierce and you can handle anything. Listen and repeat until you believe it. Thanks B!

I Don’t Need a Man by The Pussycat Dolls

When it's time to get up off your chair and dance it out, this is the beat for you. We’re celebrating our independence, our strength, and our pride. The title says it all.

Stand in the Rain by Superchick

Let’s face it, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns when we’re fighting for ourselves, who we are, and what we believe in. Sometimes we fall down. What matters is that we get back up and stand our ground. Need some hope? Here’s a song for that.

Roar by Katy Perry

Not sure if you have the confidence to stand on your own? Think a bad choice is better than nothing? Don’t worry, it’s never to late to learn to roar. This catchy, upbeat pop song is a feel-good empowerment anthem, and the video is just plain fun.

Good as Hell by Lizzo

When it’s time to walk out the door, don’t look back and put this celebratory song on repeat. You are beautiful, you are strong, and you deserve better. You got this.

Confident by Demi Lovato

Finally, there’s a little badass in all of us and when it’s time to take charge this is the anthem for us. This song marked a new musical direction for Demi Lovato, making it an apt listening choice if you’re looking for a new direction in your own life.