For many people, Valentine’s Day is a day of full of love, flowers, cards and butterflies. For some, Valentine’s Day is full of bitterness, envy and heartache.
Yes, I am referring to the single ladies and gentlemen as we recognize Singles Awareness Day, or SAD. I am a single lady myself, and understand the frustration that comes with being single, but I am here to set aside the bitter stereotypes often expressed with being single on Valentine’s Day. I am going to share some reasons why it is perfectly fine to be alone, and also some fun things to do that will make a single person’s holiday as fun as any other day.
1. You have time to focus on other things. College gives us more than a degree and an education; college prepares us for life. Here at Mississippi State University, we will make memories that will last a lifetime. We will make our life-long best friends, and for many people, you will meet your husband or wife. So be patient, because for each day you are single, that is one more day you have to prepare your heart for the person with whom you will spend the rest of your life.
2. You can save money. You do not have to buy flowers, chocolate, or gifts for anyone. Save that money and use it the next time you need to do laundry.
3. You can lose weight. Well, maybe not lose weight, but you certainly will not gain any weight if you do not eat an entire box of chocolates by yourself. Also, do not “eat your feelings” in ice cream, as tempting as that may sound.
4. You can flirt shamelessly, but be classy. Every time I go into Starbucks, I get an overwhelming urge to drop the cheesiest pick-up line that I can come up with to get the attention of a cute boy sipping his coffee in the corner.
5. You do not need a reason to justify being single. Honestly, the reasons above are perfectly valid, but being single is not a crime. Life is too short and too wonderful to spend it worrying about being single.
Instead, you can have fun.
1. Watch a really funny movie. Ask anyone who knows me – I love silly movies. My guilty pleasures are “Anchorman”, “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” (yes, I like it, I admit.) Laugh your head off. I highly recommend it.
2. Listen to good music.
3. Write a letter to your future husband or wife. I know it sounds strange, but think about how special it could be for you to give your future spouse a letter that you wrote for him/her while you were single in college. Be sure to write the date on the page.
4. Ladies, watch a chick flick with some girlfriends. I recommend “You’ve Got Mail.” Guys, you all can watch a chick flick if you want, but I’m sure most of you would prefer something like “300.” Nothing says male bonding quite like an epic movie.
5. Go to the Sanderson Center. According to Elle Woods, the fictional character from “Legally Blonde,” exercise makes you happy. Grab your iPod and have a great workout. Work extra hard if you accidentally ate your feelings in ice cream.
Remember, the most important thing to do this Valentine’s Day is to be happy. Enjoy the life you have and embrace being single.
These years you spend in college will be some of the best in your life, and whether you are single or taken, cherish these days.
Mary Chase Breedlove is a freshman majoring in English and Spanish. She can be contacted at [email protected].