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Be Your Own Valentine

by Maryann Pisano on January 27, 2015

Emme’s Maryann Pisano talked before about the benefits of being single around the holidays, and a lot of those ring true for Valentine’s Day as well. Your time is your own, you don’t have to stress over finding the perfect gift, and you have no one you have to impress. Thus, you can relax in some leggings and a T-shirt with your hair in a messy bun.

But on a day where you’re going to be bombarded with images of romance and lovey-dovey couples, some of us may need a little more help in getting through this Feb. 14. Lucky for you all, I’ve had several opportunities over the years to perfect the art of being your own valentine. Here’s a breakdown of how you can make the day amazing even while single, peppered with several of my own experiences.

First, I treat myself to a speciality coffee from a nearby shop instead of the usual bland stuff from home or the awful supply at the office. It’s a small, yet effective, way to perk up my mood in the morning and start my day off right. Most Feb. 14s I was stuck in the office until the afternoon, but since this Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday, I’ll have much more time to spend on myself. After all, I’m supposed to be showing me just how much I love myself, right?

Next, it’s time to go shopping. In lieu of office work this year, I plan on buying myself a couple amazing Valentine’s Day gifts, just to show me how much I care. If you have another single friend, grab them and hit up the best boutiques. eHarmony says that spending the day with friends and splurging on yourself is one of the best ways to celebrate your single status on a day for those who are partnered up. And I can personally attest to how amazing it will make you feel to indulge in all of the shoes, bags, and accessories your bank account will allow.

Later on in the day, take advantage of all of the specials created for couples around this time. If your single friend is still in tow, hit up a nice restaurant for a world-class meal, or take advantage of one of those couple’s massage or spa packages. No, they’re not going to ask you to “prove” that you’re a couple. Believe me, I’ve done it enough to know that they’re either too scared to ask or just don’t care. Pamper yourselves to your hearts’ content.

After parting ways with friends for the day, I show myself a little more love—of the physically kind.

No blushing here, we can all agree there are just some things that you can handle better yourself, and studies prove that self-love is certainly one of them. According to the Self-Love Infographic from Adam and Eve, four out of ten women actually prefer it to traditional sex. And with the benefits including natural pain-relieving qualities and an increase in self-esteem, it’s the perfect way to wind down and treat myself. Do it up right with everything from candles and oils to the perfect “bath toys” for a relaxing evening soak. When the candles are lit, bath oils are within reach, wine is poured, and things are… charged (or have been loaded up with new batteries), you’re ready for a romantic, and very, very satisfying bath.

End the night with some of your favorite indulgent snacks. No, I’m not talking about dainty chocolate-covered strawberries. I’m talking about the foods you would be embarrassed for someone else to see you stuff your face with. Pick your most indelicate delicacies—cheese fries, chicken wings, ribs—the works. No one to impress means no one to judge. Then pour yourself another glass of whatever floats your boat and enjoy a binge on Netflix.

Another Valentine’s Day survived. Another Valentine’s Day enjoyed.

On a final note, if you’re one of those people who insists the best part of Valentine’s Day is the end, hey, I agree with you. Not because I’m cynical or because I hate seeing little hearts on everything from window displays to my morning coffee cup, but because Feb. 15 is when all the candy gets marked down to half-price. Time to stock up!

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