I wrote this post last year, but it’s still relevant to my current life. New year, still single and happy!

Although I have been single for well over 365 days, Valentine’s Day is the one day that I am constantly reminded of my single status. I will not spend this day feeling lonely, unloved, and envious of people in relationships; I am going to embrace the single life! I’ve decided that I’m going to spend this man-made holiday doing the things that I love the most: getting dolled up for no reason, going to the movies (yes, alone), eating all of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups I can get my hands on, and browsing my favorite stores – Pier 1 and HomeGoods. It may seem like I don’t have friends, but my friends are either married, engaged, in relationships, or live out of state, so what’s a single girl supposed to do – embrace being alone.

You’re probably wondering why I’m writing this. I’m honestly sick and tired of hearing so many single women complain every year about being alone, not getting gifts, and not going anywhere for V-Day. They’re so focused on the negative that they can’t see the positives of being single. Well, here you go:

1. You don’t have to worry about your man having a side chick or side man (that’s happening a lot these days).
2. You don’t have to worry about being the side chick.
3. You don’t have to worry about watching countless hours of ESPN and see the look on his face when you ask him who Steph Curry is.
4. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, with whomever you want. No questions asked.

Of course there are more positives, but those are the main ones.

Now let’s get to the main reason for this post – how to be single on Valentine’s Day. Well, since Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, go ahead and make it a whole weekend of self-love. If you’re able to get off early on Friday try to hit the movie theater before the couples take over. Also, opt out of the cliché chick flick romance movies and go for the comedies or action movies. Whatever you choose to see, just make sure the movie makes you smile. It’s all good if decide to see the new Fifty Shades movie and go home and ENJOY yourself lol.

For Saturday, Valentine’s Day eve, if you’re not in the mood to be around couples, stay in with a bottle of wine, order Chinese or pizza, and watch romantic movies. This way you can ugly cry without having people stare at you. They will probably Snapchat it to the world or make a meme out of your misery, and you don’t want that. If you aren’t afraid to brave the crowds of couples, then get dolled up and head out. I plan on window shopping (because I’m broke) at all of my favorite stores, and I plan on looking my best – face beat, hair laid, and outfit on point. I’m gonna look damn good walking through HomeGoods, and it’s not with the intention of getting a man. I truly believe that when you look good, you feel good!

Just because you’re single that doesn’t mean you have to spend the holiday alone. Have a girl’s day with your single friends, even think about exchanging gifts. You can also spend the day with your family, your nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. Spoil the kids with love and gifts. You can even babysit them and give their parents the gift of a Valentine’s Day date night.

However you decide to spend your Valentine’s Day, just make sure you enjoy yourself. Treat yourself to an amazing weekend of self-love and focus on your happiness. You are single for a reason, so don’t fight it, embrace it!