Long before spending February 14 waiting for a “surprise” flower delivery or writing a love letter, I spent it savoring it. At school, I studied notes from my elementary school friends while enjoying one of the many lollipops. At night, my grandmother would cook a candlelit dinner: spaghetti, a chocolate heart-shaped cake, and a pink fist in a large glass bowl. We’ll eat hearts and cherry gum truffles as appetizers, then grab a few more on the way when it’s time to go home.
More gifts—usually including a hand-cut heart-shaped valentine from my mother—followed, and that night I fell asleep thinking about how loved I had been. February 15th? Always a little disappointing.
I still love Valentine’s Day. To be fair, I have a sweet boyfriend… and friends who appreciate fancy dinners and a mom who still makes me homemade Valentines. BUT if celebrated properly, I think anyone, regardless of their romantic tendencies, can have a shot at falling in love with it.
Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, regardless of your relationship status. It’s about love, after all! Romantic, personal, friendly, family — wherever you feel it, feel it.
Eat sweets
May the talking hearts never stop doing business.
Make it beautiful
Whether you prefer a candlelit takeout or a night out with an orchestra, spend at least part of your day enjoying something special. Wear cashmere for no reason. Soak your water with basil and strawberries. Get an extra shot of espresso.
Break the way with pink tones
Sometimes you just need to add a little warmth to your palette. Studies have shown that pink can promote calmand it looks good to anyone.
Skin to skin
Do you know about that? touch the lack? Humans physically need touch, and the lack of it can contribute to anxiety, stress, and even trouble sleeping. If you feel hungry from skin-to-skin contact, take a moment to get a massage. Do not have time? A hug or a simple handshake can also help.
Gives formerly loved a new life! How is that a V-day metaphor?
Learn a little
Do you know yours love language? Where does Venus fall in your astrological chart (and what does that mean)? How did your great-grandparents meet? Ask thematic questions and tackle a little self-discovery in the name of love.
Read
Greek mythology about Eros (AKA the Roman god of love) and Psyche as a great read. I’m a part of Stephen Fry’s wonderful retelling of it Legend, but you can search stories for yourself and see what you find. If not, there’s always Nora Ephron.
… Or watching
this is a list great movies to watch when you need an upgrade.
Eye-catching
Did you know it’s been scientifically proven that looking at pictures of cute animals reduces stress? The same can be said for the Harry Styles music videos; I am willing to do research.
Take the camera
Practice self-worship by taking some photos of yourself — for personal use or to send to that special someone. Optional clothing, affirmative talk essential.
Goals
Because what better gift is there than to be excited about the future?
Share love
We all need a little tenderness sometimes. If you recently had a kind thought about someone, share it. Bake cookies for a neighbor, celebrate Valentine’s Day at your local retirement home, and do any other great ideas that pop into your head.
Get glitter glue
DIY Valentine’s Day is a classic and super sweet way to include all the people in your life who mean a lot to you—once you start thinking about who gets a Valentine’s Day. very hard to stop. Choose a theme — there’s nothing wrong with cutting hearts! —Go to your heart’s content and send them their way.
Write a love letter
Don’t feel like you’ve become too artistic? A pen, paper and some nice words will also help. Pro Tip: Mail to yourself and review when you need a pickup.
Go one bubble bath
Not that you need an excuse.
Rely on it
Heart shaped chocolate box! The most ripe berries! Champagne! Velvet! There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the classics.
Sophie Vilensky (@sophiavilensky on Instagram and Twitter or if you met her in second grade) is a Real Housewives scholar and daughter of Naturopath. At this time, these things are very important to her.
