Year after year I somehow find myself more single than the year before. Sure, I laugh at myself when I over-post #SoSingle tweets, but they speak the truth. Everyone knows Feb. 14 as Valentine’s Day, but some refer to it as Single’s Awareness Day. I believe it should be called “There-Are-Seven-Billion-People-and I’m-Still-Alone” day instead, but that’s a mouth full. Instead of bringing attention to the fact that, like me, you are single, here are 14 fulfilling ways to spend your day without a significant other.
1. Take a break
As a Pepperdine student, it is likely you are overcommitted, over-stressed and over-worked. Use this day to take a deep breath and give yourself the break you deserve!
2. Hang out with other single friends
There are plenty of singles at Pepperdine. Let’s be real: the fact is relationships at Pepperdine usually fall into two categories: flirtatious friends or practically engaged. Therefore, there are a handful of friends with whom you can spend the day doing a number of fun activities. And if nothing else, you can complain to each other about exactly how single you are.
3. Netflix it
Movies are always a good choice. With Netflix just a click away, there are plenty of entertainment options at your disposal. Learn some new quotes to throw out whenever you do land yourself a date.
4. Treat yourself
Eat Oreos. A lot of them. Or cake — whatever your guilty food of choice is. BuzzFeed has some tantalizing treat options in “27 Red Velvet Desserts That Want To Be Your Valentine” to make your Single’s Awareness Day one to remember.
5. Go to the beach
We live in Malibu, yet I am guilty of spending less time at the beach than I could be. It is my happy place, where I feel completely alive and stress free. Even though it’s mid-February, it’s still a great place to breathe fresh air and let the wind wipe everything away. Also, it’s whale migration season — how cool would it be to see a whale this Valentine’s day?
6. Go hiking
The beauty of living in Malibu is that the beach is on one side and the mountains are on the other. Take your pick and enjoy the scenery in which we get to live. Some good hikes include Zuma Canyon Trail up Bonsall Drive and Tapia Park through Malibu Canyon. If you’re looking for other possible trails, click here.
7. Exercise
Certain activities, including exercise, cause the body to generate endorphins, little opiate-like chemicals. This would be a great opportunity to release happiness through your body on a single kind of day.
8. Laugh
Find something that makes your belly sore. Whether it’s cat videos, “Dumb & Dumber” or joking with your best friend from back home, find something that will get you grinning from ear to ear.
9. Call your parents … it’s actually not lame
Whether they are also alone on this day or not, it is a great time to feel connected to them. Parents can be a great comfort, and this is a great day to allow them to be that for you.
10. Read
School readings are one thing, but diving into a book of choice is an entirely different experience. Read for yourself, not for the grades. There are plenty of books being adapted to the big screen, so you could read some before seeing them from Hollywood’s perspective. Divergent is an intriguing series to read before it comes to life in March.
11. Go shopping
Don’t torture yourself by going into Victoria’s Secret or Hudson Jewelers, but definitely buy yourself a new shirt or a classic mall cookie. If you want to avoid possible gushy couples in places such as Topanga Mall or Santa Monica, check out The Artifact Tree thrift shop in Cross Creek.
12. Stay Positive
There are 7 billion people in this world; you are bound to find one who gets your quirks, respects your values and will someday change this day from Single’s Awareness Day to Valentine’s Day.
13. Be bold
Ask your crush to hang out. Normally I wouldn’t jump into high emotional vulnerability, but low risk yields low rewards. That leap of faith may be exactly what you need in order to start going through life with someone else on your side.
14. If nothing else, remember that it’s only 24 hours
There are 8,765.812 hours in a year — 525,948.766 minutes. In the scheme of things, Valentine’s Day is a minuscule portion of your year.
So choose as you wish, and carry that single status proudly!
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Follow Ashile Benson on Twitter: @ashlie_corina
As published in the Feb. 13 issue of the Pepperdine Graphic.
