Wifey’s & Gentlemen,

Okay, I get it. We hate Valentines Day, right? 🙄

Eh, maybe for some of us, hate is a strong word. I mean, V-Day isn’t exactly my favorite holiday or anything. Honestly, I don’t have the best memories. I remember being so depressed my Sophomore year of college because I didn’t have a Valentine; I was all bent out of shape because Cold Stone Creamery (which was all the rage back then, I’m sure) was doing these special-mini-couple’s-ice-cream-cakes and I desperately wanted someone to like me enough to buy me one.

I was a weird girl, I know.

From that point on, I kind of forced myself to truly hate the holiday, even during times where I was in a relationship. I got so used to being “disappointed” in the outcome that I decided it was easier to just hate it.

Sometimes I think those who hate it are just taking it too seriously. You know? Like, even if you’re single and want nothing to do with a relationship right now, there is still this weird pressure to do something fun or prove to the world that you’re okay being alone.

Thankfully, as time went on and I started understanding myself better, I realized that I didn’t need to put a bunch of pressure on myself to have a perfect Valentine’s Day, regardless of my romantic situation. This epiphany has made the opportunities to celebrate a lot more fun.

Let me let you in on a HUGE secret: Valentine’s Day is whatever you want or need it to be.

That’s really the long and the short of it.

Whether you’re in a long term relationship, just casually dating, or totally single, there is room for everyone to have a kick ass Valentine’s Day; even if having a great day means not celebrating at all.

…because I love you guys so much, I took the liberty of making a list of some Unconventional V-Day ideas that you might consider trying out this year:

1) Go Old School With it:

When was the last time you went to CVS and bought a box of those cheesy thematic Valentine cards we used to hand out as kids? Why not make nostaligic Valentine’s for the people you love?! The cheesier the better. What about sending an old fashioned love letter or being someone’s secret admirer for the day? If you have a long-term partner, maybe you can try to recreate your first date?

2) Celebrate Friends and/or Family:

I hate that we assume that Valentine’s Day has to always be about romantic love. Are you close to your mom or dad? Maybe ask them if they’d like to have a fun evening out? When’s the last time you called your sibling(s) and took them out to dinner? Buy some candy for your best friends or take the guys out for drinks. Feel free to dabble with celebrating any and all of your loved ones.

3) Do Something for Your Spirit:

This can be as simple as taking a yoga class or as elaborate as building an altar for worshiping the patron saint of love. I think it would be so fun to turn the holiday into a celebration of the concept of love. Why not channel love’s energy through deep meditation or break out your favorite tarot deck and ask love related questions to the universe? Spend timing praying for love and peace for others. Maybe attend a religious service with a friend or find and read some famous love quotes or poems? Take a walk in nature or cuddle up with your furry friend; anything that’ll make you feel connected to positive, loving energy.

4) Do Something Alone:

Again, these suggestions are designed to apply to ANYONE, regardless of your relationship status. I firmly believe we ALL need to spend time alone, being our purest and most authentic selves. If you’re the kind of person who likes to eat a meal while reading a book, go out and do that! Is there a movie you’re dying to see that you know your partner or friends would hate? Go see it and eat your favorite movie snacks! Take yourself out on a date or give yourself an hour in the bathtub with your favorite music. The possibilities are endless; you get to decide what you do when spending time with yourself, that’s what makes it so amazing and restorative.

5) Be The Anti-Valentine:

Sometimes hating is what brings us closer together. Do you and your single friends always feel left out? Throw a singles party or get drunk and watch horror movies together. Some people think it’s fun to dress all in black, some like to find funny ways to prank their friends. Maybe you’re feeling really crazy and decide to hop on Tinder for the night…just to see what happens?

*Don’t act like Tinder isn’t the place where love and happiness goes to die!* 

6) Try Something Adventurous:

Have you always wanted to try role playing or sexy BDSM games? Why not use this cheesy holiday as a good excuse to let your freak flag fly?! Romantically themed holidays (read: holidays in general) set the stage for extra kink between consenting adults, but this doesn’t have to just be about sex, I promise!  Maybe you’ve always wanted to go go-carting or read your poetry at an open mic night? Maybe you feel like trying Ethiopian or Thai food for the first time? Whatever the case may be, this could be a great day to try something new either by yourself, with friends and family, or with your special someone.

Getting back into dating apps might apply here as well…🤔.

Of course, there is always the option to not do anything at all. Valentine’s Day is on a Thursday this year and not all of us have time to go out. Some of us have children to take care of or work the next day. Some of us are fighting our own personal battles and truly feel alone and anti-social; that’s okay too. It is always okay to gage your situation and decide to abstain from making plans, buying gifts, or even acknowledging the holiday exists. I encourage all of you embrace being an individual and walk away from the pressure of having a picture perfect Valentine’s Day. This year, enjoy it on your own terms!

Let me know how you plan to celebrate in the comments below!

Until Next Time,

Carry on Wifeys!

Love,

Mrs. Renai

🙂 ❤ 

Be a lamb and tell your friends!