Treat yourself this holiday season, regardless of your relationship status
By RUMA POUDELL — arts@theaggie.org
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and it’s time to bring some love into your life — whether you’re single, taken or in a “situationship” of sorts. Mainstream media shoves the narrative of a fancy dinner with a partner down our throats, but we can rewrite the script to fit whatever state of love we’re in. For all my single ladies (and people), here are some ways to spend the holiday.
Number one: Axe-throwing. It’s a bit extreme, but hear me out. If you just got out of a relationship and are angry or resentful, let all of those feelings out with the powerful throw of an axe. Don’t be like SZA’s “Kill Bill,” where she outlines how she killed her ex, but throw an axe instead. Not at your ex-partner, but at a wooden board. Some may deserve it, but you don’t want to be a murderer — no matter how strong your rage may be.
For those experiencing softer — though maybe just as intense — emotions like grief or sadness over a loved one, listen to music. There’s something about sad love songs and just love songs, in general, that tug on your heartstrings when you’re already hurting. It’s a healthy way to get in tune with your feelings so that they can eventually pass, rather than suppressing them and having them come out all at once more drastically later.
When a song fits my situation perfectly, I begin to absolutely sob in my room (but in a good way). An artist that comes to mind for me is Coldplay — their songs are very versatile and you’re bound to find one that fits your current situation. And, to end your night off, “So Sick” by Ne-Yo should leave you feeling ready to move on from crying. If songs don’t quite get the job done, you can always watch cheesy romance movies.
Now that you’ve hypothetically gotten any intense feelings of rage and sadness out of your system, it’s time to get some love flowing in you.
A trending activity that is sure to fill you with love is a picnic with friends, which has been popular on TikTok recently. You can bake cakes, grab some themed table decorations and a pretty table set up and just enjoy each other’s company.
Similarly, you can go to a park for a painting date and illustrate your feelings. If you go with someone, try making it a challenge by switching canvases every five minutes or so.
If you’re set on a traditional Valentine’s day, buy yourself flowers and a box of chocolates and wait on no one to do so for you. You can do those cheesy Valentine’s Day traditions for yourself.
Regardless of the situation you’re in, if you’re in the Valentine’s Day spirit, there should always be a way to celebrate. For me, the holiday is a reminder to love myself and those I care about extra hard. Maybe redefining it for yourself can make you feel the same way too.
Written by: Ruma Poudell — arts@theaggie.org
Correction: A previous version of this article contained a typo. This article has been corrected to reflect proper spelling.
