It’s that magical time of year again. A time when couples feel pressured to show their love through material items, and single people get together to drink and talk about how much they detest couples. First and foremost, it is my opinion that the quality of your relationship should not be defined by a day that originated from Romans literally whipping women with the skin of an animal they just killed, but hey that’s just me. I also don’t believe you need to be in a relationship to enjoy a holiday about love. I have been single on Valentine’s Day and I can honestly say that drinking mimosas and sharing valentines with my sorority sisters was the best Valentine’s Day ever. There are many forms of love, and this Valentine’s Day I encourage you to celebrate the love you have for yourself.

Here are a few ways to treat yourself, and I’m not just talking about those gross assorted chocolates.

1. Treat yourself to dinner.

Whether it's ordering your favorite take-out and cozying up next to your laptop to be in the company of your favorite Netflix shows, or going out to dinner. Sitting by yourself might seem scary, but enjoying great food with great company (i.e yourself) is always a good time.

2. Go on a walk.

The catch is you don’t listen to music or take a bunch of pictures to prove how outdoorsy you are. Take the time to disconnect yourself from the craziness of life and just appreciate the silence. Appreciate that you have the ability to take this time for yourself.

3. Or if you live in the tundra like I do, read a book.

Immerse yourself in someone else’s world. Read a book that takes place somewhere you’ve never been before. You don’t need to read anything intellectual, even though I highly recommend The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.

4. Buy your favorite dessert. If you're brave, you could even bake it.

I’m biased to chocolate, specifically unadulterated chocolate. My personal favorites are flourless chocolate tortes. Keep in mind that chocolate releases endorphins which make you happy, if it’s good for your soul its good for your body. At least that’s the rule I live by.

5. Have a spa night.

Face masks and pedicures are not just for women, everyone deserves soft skin and perfect cuticles. I personally use an avocado mask which is green, so of course I send tons of snapchats. On the other hand, there’s my roommate who has a 24k gold facemask. How can you not feel special when you literally have gold on your face?

6. Share Valentines with your friends.

They don’t need to be sappy, but a genuine compliment can do more than you think. Whenever I feel down, my friends are always there to pull me back up. You may need to be that person for someone else. You can even make a night out of it and have a potluck. The possibilities are endless.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day, and remember that no matter your relationship status you are loved. The best love you can receive is the love you give to yourself. Though this may not seem true on a holiday designed for couples… The relationship you have with yourself lasts your entire life and it needs to be nurtured just like any other.