Well, well, well. It’s that time of the year again. Valentine’s Day. Every broke student’s nightmare, especially if they’re in a relationship. It can be a time of loneliness, stress, and well… unnecessary pressure. Here are six things that can make your Valentine’s Day easier.
- Make a playlist – whether the playlist is for you, or for your SO, it’s a cheap, easy way to elevate your Valentine’s. If it’s for your single self, it can be filled with angsty, anti-love songs like “You Give Love a Bad Name” by Bon Jovi, “All By Myself” by Green Day, “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback and more. Or sad songs like, “Close to You” by Rihanna and “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé, if that’s more your vibe. But, if you have a SO and you don’t have a lot of money for gifts, playlists are a great way to show you’re thinking about them. Even if it’s filled with your favourite songs together, love songs that make you think of them, or songs that have stories behind them. It’s the modern version of making the person you like a mixtape.
- Pick flowers outside – believe me, I know. It’s the middle of winter. But, you’d be surprised at how many daffodils are already sprouting outside. Obviously, don’t pick them from someone’s garden, but if you see some stray flowers, a cute little handpicked bouquet is so sentimental and sweet. And, if it’s for you, well, who doesn’t like flowers?
- Cook dinner – pick their (or your) favourite meal and put some ‘sauce’ on it if you will. Take those flowers you picked and put them in a vase with some water and a sprinkle of sugar (or if you’re like me and can’t find a vase you actually like, a pint glass will do fine) and light a candle or two. Set a place at the table and just go to town on cooking. Creating an atmosphere on Valentine’s is key.
- Don’t scroll on social media – even though I’m in a happy relationship, I purposely avoid social media around this time of year. Everyone seems to post these big, over-the-top gifts from their SO and these wildly unrealistic expectations of what the holiday should look like, when in reality, most of those big displays of affection are once, maybe twice a year. It makes my relationship feel invalid, or that we’re not ‘doing it right’. So, I remove myself from the situation. It keeps me in the moment and helps me enjoy the day without being constantly distracted by other people’s situations. And, if you’re single, save yourself the pity party. Instagram stories of couples out at dinner get tiring pretty quickly.
- Call your friends – even if you’re single and they’re not, or the other way around, or – actually, this is for everyone. Calling your friends and wishing them a happy Valentine’s may be unexpected, but it’s bound to create a good giggle between the few of yous. Set up a group Zoom call if you’re all at home on Valentine’s night and watch a film or TV show. Galentines is for everyone – even the guys.
- Remember it’s just a stupid capitalist holiday – sure, this holiday was probably made with good intentions, but it’s just become a capitalist scheme to make more money. I mean, come on. The cards, stuffed animals, chocolates and sweets, wines and proseccos, jewellery, accessories, aftershaves… the list goes on. Society will take any excuse to spend more money than necessary.
And well, if you don’t feel better after that list, scream into a pillow. Or have some ‘me’ time. It’s any other day of the year. <3
Written by Isabella Ambrosio