Shine Without a Valentine

Believe it or not but we owe Valentine's Day to the ancient Romans. I wouldn't be just speaking for myself, saying that we'd be much better off if they kept it in their era. Anyways, at the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius made it official that every year on February 14th, the world will celebrate St. Valentine's Day. So here we are, 1525 years later celebrating love with cheesy pig shape chocolate boxes and coffee mugs with sentences that deserve a creative jail time. People are desperately trying to make up for the lack of love they shared the other 364 days of the year. They buy gifts neither needed nor appreciated. They feel like everyone around them should celebrate too, and they fire arrows from their eyes like confused little cupids. The reality is, not everyone wants to celebrate Valentine's Day, whether it's because we don't have a significant other or maybe we hate the cringe of it all and the unnecessary pressure to be part of it. Valentine's is not for everyone, and it might be genuinely unpleasant for some of us. But there's a way around it- good music. Let's lift our spirits with this unique playlist made by me for us.

"Love Myself" by Hailee Steinfeld

Remember to love yourself first.

We all still need a reminder at times to love ourselves. I chose this song as an opening to our playlist to set the mood. Happiness, acceptance, self-love are the main themes of it. It brightens up your day and makes you want to dance. This song always reminds me of summer 2016 when I was in New York, having the best time of my life. It is a perfect reminder of how powerful loving yourself first is.

"Send My Love" by Adele

... to your new lover and anyone else on the way.

Broken heart? Say no more. Adele's on her way to save the day. Valentines can be a haunting reminder for people who got hurt by others. Let's unite together and celebrate Anti-Valentine's Day with this playlist. Adele is such an iconic performer. Her strength and talent inspire people daily. Her incredible body of work is a perfect example of how you can turn your emotional pain into art and end up victorious. If Adele can do it, so can you. When Adele sings: "Send my love to your new lover." that's such an empowering move. Don't you think? Maturity, distance, and confidence are what she serves for us to enjoy.

"Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa

Please, don't start now.

Sometimes people mess up big time and never actually apologize. I know, wild concept, isn't it? We've all had this one person (or more) in our life that messes us up emotionally and then leaves. Then, after a long time, you suddenly hear from them with a random: "How are you?" or "This reminded me of you." Um, thank you? Some people choose to ignore the reality of situations. They hope that by the time they reach out to you, you won't remember what happened between you or that you randomly don't care anymore. No. People reaching out to you in such an insensitive manner should change their strategy or- don't show up, don't come out, don't start caring about me now.

"Feel Good as Hell" by Lizzo

Allow yourself to feel good as hell.

Lizzo is on her way to give you some important life advice. It's time to focus on you now. Let's use Valentine's Day to do something to enjoy ourselves as opposed to putting ourselves down. Different things make us all feel good, so whether it's dressing up for a zoom call with your friends or going out to a grocery store for ice-cream in your PJ's, own it! Keep it moving and always focus on the bright side of things.

"Pompeii" by Bastille

Everything's okay when you listen to "Pompeii".

It is one of the most uplifting songs ever made. It puts a smile on your face and brightens up the day. This song on our playlist will remind us that it's not the first Valentine's Day we have to spend as singles, and it's not that big of a deal after all. Spending this holiday alone can empower you if you approach it the right way. It doesn't have to be essentially about fear of stasis, loneliness, and boredom. It can be a fun day you spend with your friends, family, or by yourself doing things you love!

"Goodbye" (feat. Lyse) by Feder

Get ready for all the hellos.

This song reminds me of how some people just come into our lives to waste our time with unfulfilled promises. I feel like this is quite a relatable issue. Feder made this banger of a song to remind you that sometimes you have to walk away from toxic relationships and leave the people who cause you to feel bad about yourself far behind.

"Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson

What doesn't kill you makes you want to listen to "Stronger" by Kelly C.

Who's going to empower you more than Kelly Clarkson? Honestly, I don't know. In 1888, Nietzsche wrote: "Out of life's school of war- what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger." He knew what he was talking about, and so does Kelly. With the right mindset, you can turn negative life situations to your advantage. "Stronger" gives you this powerful energy that makes you feel like you can do anything you wish. And guess what, you really can! So, don't let anything as silly as Valentine's Day ever doubt that.

"People I Don't Like" by UPSAHL

Let's keep it real.

Fake smiles, awkward conversations, and not remembering people's names are some of the highlights of social events we don't want to be participating in but often have to. Think Valentine's Day themed party. We've all been to parties or other social events where everything and everyone slowly (or very fast) become frustrating or/and uncomfortable. This song will remind you that sometimes being unsociable can save you a day of cringe encounters and one-way conversations. "People I Don't Like" is an honest song that highlights the reality of most of the unwanted social gatherings, including Valentine's.

"No Tears Left To Cry" by Ariana Grande

Me: Alexa, I have no tears left to cry.

Alexa: "No Tears Left to Cry" by Ariana Grande is now playing.

Valentine's day is overrated. Whatever is the reason you hate February 14th, enjoy yourself! Ariana will help you with that. No matter how unpleasant and sad are the memories that come to your mind while thinking of Valentine's, dance your worries away! Sing a little too, or a lot. Eat a double cheeseburger with fries, order yourself a bubble tea, go wild! And if there's any moment when you feel like shedding a tear, turn up 'No Tears Left To Cry' and shake the sadness off! It is a perfect tune to wrap up our Anti-Valentine's Day playlist.

Here a link to the playlist on Apple Music:

I hope this playlist will help you enjoy yourself on Valentine's Day and challenge this overrated holiday. Remember, you are not alone, and you are loved!