The Empowerment of Being Single on Valentine’s Day

Illustrated by Julia Gomez

Alba Rosa/ Staff Writer

Valentine’s Day approaches, the loveliest time of the year to demonstrate appreciation to your partner. Please, reader, if you’re single during this time, don’t let it get you down!

This is not the time for you to sulk in your bed, wishing for romance. 

Actually, being single isn’t a bad thing. Being single doesn’t mean that you’re unlovable or ugly, and it isn’t proof that you’re incapable of settling down.

Being single is an opportunity to focus on yourself entirely. Most importantly, figure out what you like. Ask yourself these questions: 

  • What do you want out of a relationship?
  •  How do you express your love? 
  • How do you like to be treated?

Really, really internalize them.

You can do this by meditating or journaling, as well as hanging out with your friends. You can even try mindfulness, an exercise that’ll make you aware of your surroundings. These practices will enable you to figure out what you enjoy and don’t.

Once you figure out the answers, these revelations will become your ultimate tool for success in your future.

Science will tell you the advantages of being single include getting better sleep, increasing your focus on fitness and finding yourself with fewer financial problems. While it is accurate and a good thing, it sounds like a sad attempt to cheer a friend up.

Trust me. I wouldn’t feel great if my friends told me that I’m lucky to be single because I save money and sleep more. It seems like financial problems, rest and your health matter more than expressing a natural need for love. 

What about our feelings?

I appreciate being single, yet I still love the idea of having a confidant I can trust wholeheartedly. I still want to experience desire, passion and appreciation. Besides, as a college student, I already worry about financial obligations and the amount of sleep I get, even though I’m single.

I learned the hard way that the single life is a mental experience. I experimented with myself and others without judgment. I took the opportunity to love myself and pursue things that make me happy. I also started seeing the positive in life instead of feeling gloom and despair thanks to being single.

But it wasn’t easy accepting it, especially after my last relationship.

When we separated, I felt broken and incredibly stupid. Even though I was “free” and able to do whatever I wanted, the emptiness rendered me unable to do anything. For the longest time, I was stuck with the feeling of being unlovable. Like nobody wanted me.

I went on many dates, but it felt like a waste of time. None of them could ever compare to what I had.

I whined for months until I began to take advantage of my loneliness. I figured out what and who I was interested in and felt happier with myself. I discovered how I like to present my love and how I’d want to be treated.

I acknowledged my self-worth.

So, if Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, then it’s time to celebrate!

 Celebrate with your friends or family. Celebrate with the people closest to you! Shower them with gifts, spend time with them and especially, tell them how much you mean to them. Don’t be afraid of giving yourself treats, too. You deserve them!

Happy Valentine’s Day, singles!

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community

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