Every February, stores fill with red roses, heart-shaped candy, teddy bears and reminders that Valentine’s Day is all around us. But in a place such as high school, where relationships can feel like everything, Feb. 14 can make those who are single feel as if they are “behind.” This year, maybe it is time to change the narrative and love ourselves.
The first step is understanding the most important relationship that you will ever have is the one that you have with yourself. While movies and media often highlight grand romantic gestures, real self worth is built on how you talk to yourself after a bad test, how you handle failure and how you treat yourself when no one is watching. You are already enough, and reminding yourself of that can make all the difference.
High school is overwhelming, and being your own valentine is a perfect excuse for self-care and slowing down. This could be as simple as doing a face mask, going to bed early, getting yourself a coffee, journaling, watching a comfort show or spending time with friends who make you feel valued. Anything that is necessary to remind yourself that you are capable of giving yourself the love you desire is exactly what you should do. Choosing to celebrate yourself is such a powerful action.
Even though Valentine’s Day is over, the love we give ourselves should not be. Whether you are in a relationship or not, remember that loving yourself is not selfish – it is foundational and necessary. Buy yourself flowers, buy the chocolates, write yourself a note, take yourself out for a meal. Even after the red and pink shelves are cleared and the candy is gone, the one person who is always there for you, is you.