Whether you are single by choice and thriving, or your lack of a relationship is a miserable misfortune, there are plenty of ways you can still enjoy February 14th ! Valentine’s is about love of any kind, and what sort of life would we live if our only love was found romantically? We all love our friends, so, the holiday can be flipped on its head so that the singles of the world can rejoice in a different form of love and just have a fun, fantastic Friday evening.
There are so many ways to celebrate “galentines” and show your friends how much you truly appreciate them. At the end of the day, your friends are the people who will show up for you every time, to hear about relationship issues from years past, family drama, or your current thoughts about the state of the world. A friendship like this needs to be properly celebrated, so, why not seize Valentine’s for that opportunity? Gifts such as flowers, cakes or maybe even a homemade craft show your appreciation for friendship.
Dinner parties where heart-shaped pizzas are made are a beautiful idea to share a fun, albeit somewhat messy, time. This is a popular idea demonstrated across various social media platforms every year and it never fails to miss. Who doesn’t love pizza, let alone when it’s in a heart shape? If pizza is not your cup of tea, any form of meal can do the trick, maybe a potluck, or a board night where everyone brings snacks in different colours or themes. Regardless of the food consumed, it is a lovely concept that allows you to show appreciation and affection for your dearest friends.
This year, in particular, bodes the amazing option of going to the cinema to watch the newly-released film, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. There is truly nothing better than becoming lost in Bridget’s world and the manic chaos she seems to constantly attract. Also, there is the major bonus of getting to watch Hugh Grant and Leo Woodall both in the same film! It’s a fun exciting romcom that can be taken light-heartedly, which is exactly what you need if you find yourself becoming slightly overwhelmed by your “singleness.”
A final idea could be a night out on the town with the girls… Valentine’s Day just so happens to be on a Friday this year, which is practically a gift to the singles, an offering from Saint Valentine himself, because who wants to stay in on a Friday night anyway? It is completely socially acceptable across all spheres to indulge in a boogie, or maybe even a cheeky bit of karaoke with your friends: scream to your favourite hits, embrace that no one can tell you what to do – you are your own, free individual! Seriously, it’s a blessing to enjoy a perfect night out!
Illustration by Lauren Tooze @laurentooze