Valentine's Day In The Lonely Hearts Club

It's that time of year again, pink hearts are plastered to the walls, overpriced chocolate symbols of love fill the grocery store forefronts, and long-time husbands are preparing more for the "I forgot" apology than for a night of sweet romance.

If you hadn't guessed already, I'm talking about Valentine's Day. The holiday that best serves newly weds and 1st graders who have a liking for art projects and sugar. For hot, fun, singles like myself, it's historically been a day to get out there, grab the last couple of available men (thanks for always being there Ben & Jerry), and take it back to your place for a night of Netflix and chilled wine.

And while I'm all for keeping with tradition (The Notebook and self bought candy hearts have become as much of a yearly staple as my Christmas tree and Thanksgiving turkey) I think it's time for a change. Yes, free love and the lonely hearts club are products of bygone eras, so here in 2022, a little behind the ball, I'm finally embracing the self-love movement and am reclaiming the season of make-or-break hearts for myself.

If you too are done waiting for Ryan Gosling's 365 letters to magically show up in your mailbox or you're still waiting but figure why not kill some time. Then feel free to hop on the idea train, were skipping the usual stops at ice cream and tears and heading straight over to the self-love station where we can make ourselves swoon with "you shouldn't have(s)".

1. Love is in the hair

(and the nails, skin, and back)

Nothing says "I'm in love!" like having Anna the Swedish masseuse's fingers knuckle deep in your back tissue. Yes, darling, I'm talking Spa day! Just because you have nowhere to go, doesn't mean you can't look and feel like a million bucks. This Valentine's Day treat your black heads like a bad ex and go no contact after a enjoying a facial, get your glow on in the steam room, or be adventurous and try that sassy bob that you saved on your Pinterest board forever ago.

2. Table for one, please!

Listen, I know it can seem intimidating, showing up alone to a restaurant on a day where couples are flocking to them like seagulls but that doesn't mean they get to claim "mine, mine, mine". No, today you are romancing yourself. So gussy yourself up in your finest attire, and head to your favorite dining establishment for some ambience and delicious eats. And since there's no need to worry about who's paying, you can order to hearts content and there's no need to skip dessert. You're definitely a better date than that last minute Tinder match!

***If you aren't feeling all that peckish but a you're in the mood to go out on the town, grab a book and head to a local cocktail bar. Nothing says cool & mysterious like wearing a little black dress, sipping a gin and tonic, and reading a classic. Can someone say brains, beauty, and confidence!

3. A Secret Admirer?!

(but you're in on the secret)

"Who could have sent these?!" that's the exclamation that'll be pouring from your lips when a bouquet of flowers arrives at your desk with a sweet little note signed by your "secret admirer". It may be a little cheeky but sending your hard working self a little treat doesn't hurt anyone, at most it might make your office crush a little jealous, or stifle the brags of that newly engaged office neighbor who won't stop asking for your opinion on color schemes every time you pass them on the way to bathroom. Either way it's a win, win and your work space gets a pop of spring to brighten your day and help ward off the 6 more weeks of winter Punxsutawney Phil predicted was in the forecast.

*** When I was in middle school they sold carnation orders every Valentine's day, and there's nothing to cause anxiety in a bunch of awkward children with newly arrived hormones than the will they, won't they arrival of a flower delivery in front of your whole class. So me and my best friend always made sure to send a special "secret admirer" valentine each other's way, just to make sure we were spared the embarrassment of an empty desk. So if you have a friend in the same boat this holiday, maybe plan a gift swap to make the surprise a little more fun and to express a not so secret admiration to someone you care for.

4. Take A Class

(May I suggest dance lessons?)

It takes 2 to Tango, well me and my mop would disagree. But if you've got rhythm and you're not ready to act out Step Up with the broom closet then maybe it's time to join a dance class! If you don't want to heat things up doing the salsa with a stranger, then can always try freestyle, hip hop, or burlesque if you want a hands free way to get your groove on. Not feeling the music? Try taking a paint class, cooking, or become a certified sommelier. Whatever your interests, you can usually find something local or online to boost your hobbies to the next level. Besides nothing says self-love like learning for fun!

5. Love isn't in the stars?

(Well maybe it's in the cards)

So you checked your daily horoscope and it basically told you that the cute barista you've been flirting with everyday since July doesn't even know you're alive, work is going to be tough for awhile, and that you're probably going to have a bad hair day. Great... just what we needed to hear. Well just because it isn't written in the stars, doesn't mean love isn't in the cards, the tarot cards that is. It's time to find your local psychic and get a reading! Sure it might sound a little silly but what could be more fun than taking a look into your future and maybe finding out how you'll meet Mr. or Mrs. right! Plus if you tip well, maybe they'll spare some leftover love potion #9.

6. Back to the basics

Alright, maybe the budget is a little tight this year, maybe your social distancing (thanks Covid), or maybe your feeling a little less like a social butterfly and more like a socially awkward moth. Well it's okay to stay home and bring it back to the basics! Sometimes in our busy lives, the best way to have a little fun and care for ourselves is to just stay in, draw a bath, and sit back and relax with our favorite rom-coms and some ice cream. But that doesn't mean it can't be special! Put on some mood music, cook yourself something new, burn a candle, maybe read a little of that novel you started a year ago, and enjoy your own company. Because your a catch and you deserve nothing less!

Choo Choo! Well this is our final stop for now, hopefully the idea train gave you something other than "not gonna happen" conversation hearts to chew on. Remember, no matter what you decide to do this Valentine's Day, be kind and love yourself first!