It can be difficult to be single on Valentine’s Day, especially if you are desperate for a relationship. 

Everyone else seems to be flaunting their happiness while you are stuck at home crying into a gallon of ice cream and watching a bad romance movie. Just kidding — there is no such thing as a bad romance movie.

Fear not, fellow single person. There is no need to let your singleness get you down this year. Here are some of my favorite tricks to making myself feel loved and appreciated — which is exactly how you deserve to feel. 

Host a “Palentine’s” Party – Nothing lifts your mood quite like surrounding yourself with friends. Get a group of your besties together and enjoy the time you get to spend with them. 

Do whatever it is your group likes to do together, whether that be cooking, watching a movie or going out for the night. 

Make sure everyone is having fun and feeling included. There’s no point in celebrating Palentine’s Day if you are not enjoying being with your friends.

Take yourself on a date – I realized last year that I am an adult and have never eaten at a restaurant or gone to a movie theater by myself before. 

There is something incredibly intimidating about going out by yourself, especially when you know there are other people there in happy relationships. Pro tip: no one is judging you for being alone.

Step out of your comfort zone and do something by yourself that you would want to do with a significant other. 

This is your chance to not be disappointed by your expectations because you can do exactly what you want to do. Instead of waiting around for that one special someone who will know all your likes and dislikes and be able to plan the most romantic date ever, do that for yourself. 

If you have never been given flowers, buy yourself some. Check out this article for tips on picking the best bouquet. 

Want a 3-foot card? Don’t just buy it. Buy it, write a note telling yourself how awesome you are and open it on Valentine’s Day with some of your favorite chocolate. 

Relax and de-stress — As a college student, I can confirm that life is stressful, money is tight and I sometimes feel too busy to actually do anything. 

Treat yourself — and your mental health — by relaxing at home on Valentine’s Day. If it is going to stress you out to plan something or go out, just don’t. 

Use Feb. 14 as an excuse to lounge around in your pajamas, watch Netflix and drink tea out of your favorite mug.

If it suits your fancy, put on a face mask and relax knowing there is no one around to see you or judge you for the way you look. Isn’t that the best?

Lighten up – If you’re like me and humor is your way to dealing with being single, keep on laughing and cracking jokes. Whatever you do, don’t get down on yourself. 

Check out our selection of satire pieces, watch a funny movie or go to YouTube for plenty of stand-up comedians at your fingertips. 

If you feel like going out for your laughs, Nuthouse Improv Comedy is hosting a Valentine’s Day show at 8 p.m. Friday in the CUB Junior Ballroom. 

Show appreciation — There are plenty of other people in your life who support you — with or without a significant other.

It is easy to fall into the trap of self-pity when you feel lonely at this time of year. Instead of indulging that side of you, be grateful for all that you do have and all the people who care about you. Expressing gratitude is a great way to take your mind off your own problems and focus on making other people happy. 

Reach out to someone who made a big impact on your life and thank them for making you who you are today. 

One of my favorite things to do for Valentine’s Day is making treat bags for my friends, as a way of saying, “thanks for putting up with me constantly.” It may be a given that we are friends, but I want the people in my life to know I love them. 

Being single doesn’t define you

A lot of people would argue that being single sucks, but I disagree. What sucks is the belief that there is something wrong with being single or wrong with a person because they do not have a significant other. Your worth is not tied to your relationship status.

Everyone is bound to be single at some point. You may as well make the best of it instead of waiting around for “the one” to walk into your life. 

These suggestions seem lame or a little cliché, but they are a solid starting place for how to enjoy your singleness and appreciate just how you are. 

As you explore all the ways there are to #treatyourself, feel free to share your favorites with me by emailing [email protected].