The Ultimate Survival Guide on Valentine's Day
You don't have to be an outcast on Valentine's Day, thinking that you might be the only one in the dorm who is not dating another student. You can show your affection to your family. You don't have to get in touch with your friends to ask a favor from them, even if Valentine's Day may be the right time to do such a thing. And you must not forget to love yourself. After all, you want to get a break from the routine of paper writing and studying (for examinations). You seem to have enough of sonnets and those so-called Romantic rebels, who might turn out to be bitter about not being loved. And you're thinking of sleeping early on the eve of Valentine's Day. Don't.
You can treat the fourteenth of February like any other day, but you can't ignore the public display of affection. Getting out of town is the best option, but you don't have sufficient funds to buy plane tickets. You can't persuade your folks to go on an unexpected trip after saving up for a summer getaway in Montego Bay. (Hawaii is not an option, as you've been there many moons ago.) And your coursemates might have other plans. You can survive Valentine's by coming up with a simple plan. It doesn't cost a thing. (If it does, then it won't burn a hole in your pocket.)
No Significant Other Needed: How to Have Fun
Don't isolate yourself. The sight of students holding hands can make you wonder if you must get off the market as soon as possible, and you don't want to hear a love song one more time. (If you're not a fan of Celine Dion, then it's another matter.) You might be tempted to go to social media, but don't ever do it. You might not like what your friends have posted (in their accounts). You can ask your roommate if you need help to arrange your room. (There's no bait in your offer.) You can invite your dormmates (or coursemates) to catch an early screening of "Black Panther". (If you haven't seen "Fifty Shades Freed", then it may be another option.) You must not discuss the Oscar Awards, though. If they have something else to do, then a short chat will do. Your family is a call away.
Fall in love with pizza (all over again). You might get sick with another slice especially if you're eating the same brand for months. Why not try another one? You can show your generous side and invite your (college) buddies. It's the true spirit of Valentine's (if you have forgotten it).
It high time to pamper yourself. You must make sure that you have planned it out, as you might be broke for weeks. Indulging in chips may seem to be the cheapest option, but you don't like the bloating feeling. (You can do a long walk the following day, if not the day after Valentine's.) You can also buy the one thing that you've been saving up for months. It can be the latest book by your favorite author, if not a new gadget. Don't let retail therapy carry you away (or you might end up with a lot of credit).
Find a pen friend. You can do it any time of the year. Moreover, you think you're contented with your (new) friends in college. You're not thinking of spending your gap year in another country. Nonetheless, this will keep you from getting lonely. There will be long-term benefits as well. You'll realize that you've been living in a bubble for too long, and you become aware of places on the other side of the ocean. You'll get in touch with people who don't speak fluent English, but you share some interests. And it's the best time to have pen friends at a younger age. (Older people tend to be picky when finding new friends.) If you want to travel to another country, then you don't have to think long and hard about your destination.
Community service. You won't be faulted if you're doing it to keep you occupied (on Valentine's Day). If you're thinking of your CV, then no one will be disappointed at you. Make sure that you won't do it at the last minute, as you must make inquiries in your department. You can also ask your family, if not relatives. You'll learn a great deal about networking, which you should put to good use when you're a professional. It's a win-win situation.
The Focus Is Not On You
There are other ways, which shouldn't include extra calories. (It will make you sleepy when you need to be awake for your next examination, if not deadline.) Good company will be enough, but do something to make it pleasant for everyone. Don't expect anything in return. It will make you feel good, a reminder that you don't have to wallow when there's no one in sight. And don't forget that the term is far from over.
