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Writer's pictureKim Min Young

How to Stay Alive: Valentine’s Month (COUPLES, KEEP OUT)

Let’s be honest with ourselves: February is only called ‘the Month of Love’ for couples. Let’s be honest: you’re single, I’m single, and no, this isn’t some dodgy pickup line. Whatever the case, right now, whether we like it or not, men and women alike have to band together against a common enemy: loneliness. However, this year, I won’t let you cry alone whilst shoving chocolates in your mouth. I will provide YOU, my fellow single allies, some tips to survive Valentine's!

1. You don’t have to be alone!

Many people, seeing young couples in love, tend to isolate themselves. They sit inside alone or walk around with a death stare while they try to get through the day (Maybe this is why I’m single). But according to research (HelpGuide.org, 2022), isolation only makes bachelors more miserable! Not having a date for Valentine’s doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Soon enough, you’ll figure out that spending your free time with friends, rather than with the pressure of a relationship, is much more fun.


To help you in this awakening, here is a very important tip: Do not watch romantic movies. This may differ from person to person, but I guarantee you, it will bring out your worst enemy: longing for someone. If you still intend to watch romantic movies, for the sake of your tissue expenses, please help yourself and get an empty jar, because it will trigger feelings of loneliness… and tears.


2. If you don’t look at it, it’s not there.

What you see affects your emotions; whether it’s good or bad, it will be bad. Throughout Valentine's season, you see countless posts on social media with hearts, chocolates, and messages — each leaving you more mortified than the last.


What do you do about it? Well, you’ve got two options. One involves a cycle of despair, and the other is just ignoring it! Spending a day off from social media is never a bad thing, and if it’s really affecting you, it can be the pre-supposed Valentine’s defense mechanism you’ve always been looking for.

3. Treat yourself! If you still want to celebrate, you can treat February as a month for self-love. Redirect the love for your non-existent valentine to yourself! It is time you become your own valentine (as sad as that sounds), and treat yourself like how you would to your supposed “future” valentine. If you like to bake, you can bake some sweets and share them with your friends (or yourself)! If you like watching movies, gather a few stuffed animals and enjoy!


Here are some ideas that you can try when you want to celebrate this day full of fine lines between misery and hatred…


Baking (for your friends or yourself):

Movies (Though, I won’t be recommending romantic movies for the sake of your heart):

4. Plan a single date with your single friends

Who cares if others spend their Valentine's with their romantic partner? You have your single friends! What better way to celebrate a day for couples than to gather together your last-standing allies? Sharing is caring, cut your sorrows in half, and don’t hesitate to share them with your friends. Show your love to your friends with some of these recommendations:

  • Host a Single-Dinner Party Spending time with your friends is a great way to celebrate a relationship that doesn't involve romance. Invite them over, cook their favorite food, talk about your past memories with them, and toast to each others’ independence!

  • Go on a picnic and pack a Valentine's lunch The process of packing a Valentine's lunch with your friends would be an exciting way of honoring togetherness. You can compete with each other to see who can pack the cutest, most delicious meal that you can bring to a park to celebrate.

  • Activity date Activities that don’t require couples are highly recommended (so your feelings of loneliness don’t intensify). You are here to prove that you don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to go on a date! Some activities you can do with your friends that DON’T require you to be in a relationship include scavenger hunts, escape rooms, board games, secret exchange gift, and pajama parties.


After all, Valentine's is just another season to bond with any of our loved ones (not just romantic). Whether you’re single or in a relationship, it’s a day to make cute memories all together. Ditch the vision of being at home sad and lonely. Go outside, touch some grass, and spend a meaningful day with your friends or yourself. Make memories that will last a lifetime!

About the author:


Charis Kim is a grade 10 student who loves to meet new people and learn more about them. She aims to raise the voices of people in need of help by writing and drawing. She also loves to write and draw about the events that happened in school and outside of school.


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