Me, Myself and I: Celebrating self-love on Valentine’s Day

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Seasonal merchandise such as flowers, stuffed animals and chocolates for Valentines Day. (Dylan Connell | Collegian Media Group)

In my 22 years of life, I have rarely seen Valentine’s Day depicted as anything but sad and lonely for single people, whether in pop culture, on social media or from my coupled-up friends apologizing when I say I don’t have plans.

This year I decided to switch up the narrative and make it a day to focus on myself. I mean, it would be hypocritical not to celebrate self-love on the “day of love” when I am constantly preaching self-love every other day of the year.

I started my day off early and really committed to the whole idea of treating myself, grabbing Starbucks for breakfast and caffeine to mentally prepare myself for the day — I even splurged and got a venti.

My morning honestly wasn’t too interesting. Valentine’s Day fell on a Monday, so I had my normal routine of doing some work, homework and going to class.

After classes wrapped up, I came back to my house and went on a walk with my roommates.

This is when I realized having no plans sounded so much better than being with someone and going out. I could literally do anything I wanted — and I did!

I came home from my walk, hopped in bed, caught up on HBO’s “Euphoria,” painted my nails and did a face mask.

I finally ordered take-out for dinner while I watched my favorite ’90s romantic comedies until my roommates and I convened in our living room for festive cocktails and a “Great British Baking Show” marathon.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. In the past, I would’ve written off Valentine’s Day entirely, but it took on a whole new meaning for me this year. Yes, it is a day dedicated to showing your significant other that you love them, but I think we forget about family, friends and, most importantly, ourselves.

Whether you are single or in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is what you make it. I am so glad I seized the opportunity to make it one of the best days I have had so far this year.

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Hey! I’m Maddie Daniel and I am a junior in mass communications. This semester, I'm the assistant culture editor and have previously served as a staff writer. After I graduate, I plan to go to law school to pursue a career in Federal Indian Law. I love art, history and anything outdoors.