Being single on Valentine’s Day will be something that some of us have to endure once February comes around, but it doesn’t need to be a pity party. Seeing all the happy couples can be triggering. Still, technically, Valentine’s Day is a day of love and celebrating relationships, so what better relationship to celebrate than the most important of all: your relationship with yourself? Self-love will never be something that you can have too much of, so why not shower yourself with love this Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day will be quite different this year as there won’t be many places open to have a sit-down meal due to COVID-19. Staying inside this year’s holiday seems like the only viable option without having to risk your and the public’s health. The sadness that can come with this holiday will most likely be amplified from the pandemic, but you can make this designated day for love all about yourself. 

One form of self-love is food. Target and Hobby Lobby both sell Valentine’s Day baking cooking ware like heart-shaped cake and cupcake pans to make cute heart-shaped treats for yourself to enjoy. If you’re not into sweet things, you could opt for a heart-shaped pizza from several participating pizza places like my favorites: Papa John’s and Lou Malnati’s. Thin crust to deep dish, a heart-shaped pizza is fun for anyone. When and if you’re not feeling like eating pizza, plenty of other restaurant chains take part in Valentine’s Day discounts and specialty meals. Dunkin’ Donuts is a popular choice. Their menu features a Pink Velvet Macchiato, Mocha Macchiato, Brownie Batter Donut and Cupid’s Choice Donut. Of course, the donuts are heart-shaped! The best part is that no one will be around to judge you for how much food you can take down in an hour.

Perhaps the most exciting activity you do if you have extra cash is to feed your ex to a zoo animal. This Valentine’s Day, the San Antonio Zoo is holding a fundraising event called “Cry Me a Cockroach.” You can name a cockroach for just $5, and the zoo will feed it to an animal on Facebook Live. The zoo also offers rats for $25 donations to feed to a reptile (even more fun if your ex is a snake). However, the cutest part of this fundraiser is if you are vegetarian or vegan, you can pay $5 for an herbivore option. This is a unique way to be petty and celebrate Valentine’s Day while donating to a worthy cause. Why not show some animals love during the pandemic, especially since zoos have been struggling financially due to decreased park visits and stay-at-home orders?

If you’re trying to save money, my favorite option is giving yourself a few hours or the day to do all the simple activities you love. Whether watching your favorite movie or taking an extra-long nap, you don’t need to spend money to celebrate being by yourself. Simply taking care of yourself can be the best form of celebration,. One of my favorite ways to celebrate is to make a big pan of chili cheese dip and eat the whole thing while watching Disney movies with my dog. Practicing self-compassion and thinking about everything you’re grateful for can take your focus off of the happy couples and channel it into making sure you’re okay before everyone else. As RuPaul always says, “If you don’t love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else? Can I get an amen?” 

Remember, you can always invite your single friends over so that you won’t feel too alone because, once again, friendships are loving relationships. Have a Galentine’s photoshoot dressed in something that makes you feel confident. If none of these options sound fun enough, take the day to reflect on yourself and let yourself feel your emotions instead of keeping them pent up. If Valentine’s Day needs to be sad, then so be it, but I highly encourage everyone to make the most out of the holiday.

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