There’s more to mid-Feb than just public displays of affection

Valentine’s Day is famously celebrated as the day of love—romantic restaurants booked, red roses sold out, and everyone showing off their significant other on social media platforms. It’s hardly surprising why many of us singles feel a little bit pressured.

Singles Awareness Day, hilariously abbreviated as S.A.D., is celebrated each year on the 15th of February. Some describe it as a complement to Valentine’s Day, a day to simply celebrate individuality. Others prefer its negative connotation, an anti-Valentine’s Day subverting the dramatic displays of affection the day prior.

Whichever meaning you choose, a celebration is in order. Here are some ideas on exactly how to celebrate this joyous occasion:

1/3 Celebrate Yourself

You are important, and worthy of love. That isn’t up for debate. But sometimes you just need to remind yourself that it’s always that way.

Whatever you are craving right now, maybe it’s not so bad to treat yourself a little. Order from your favourite Pad Thai place, or your usual fried chicken joint. Maybe your friends are urging you to grab some soju at a new Korean place they found on Instagram. Join them!

True, it’s not always healthy to eat your feelings. But not everything has to be healthy. Remember, it isn’t always bad—as long as it is in moderation, and you properly take care of yourself afterwards. It can be exhausting to look as perfect as you are all the time. You at least deserve a cheat day all for yourself.

2/3 Celebrate Other People

Having a significant other sounds nice and dandy, sure—but this day exists right after Valentine’s to shift the spotlight to the people who will always be there for you. When you’re down, your family never fails to comfort you (many times with food). When you get in a fight or let down by relationships, friends are the first ones to spring into action (many times with alcohol).

Remember to show them some appreciation. Remind them that, while you might not be in contact with them all the time, the bond remains the same. And trust me, you don’t need to do grand gestures to show your friends and family that you love them. For the family, just visit them. Some food would help, but in the end, they want to see you. For friends, hit up the group chat and see who’s up for dinner. Most of the time, good friends show appreciation by gossiping over a meal. A good bar hangout session never hurts anybody, either.

3/3 Celebrate Love

We all go through times when love isn’t our best friend. Sometimes it makes us feel like we could move mountains, other times it feels like the world is crushing us.

Love is great, either way. Love shows us that people can be happy to share part of their life with us. Even if you still can’t find that person, love reminds us all the time that happy moments are real, and people to share them with exist.

There are already people around you who love and support you, and genuinely believe that you deserve greatness and success. Make sure you celebrate them, too.

You are deserving of love, and do not let anyone—not even yourself—say otherwise.

Happy Singles Awareness Day.