I will be honest, I don’t care much about valentine. I’m not one of those that “hate” the holiday because I don’t celebrate it. I just think it’s overly commercialized. It’s in your face, you know? Social media, Tv commercials – everyone is trying to sell everything from roses to Egusi soup bowls as a Valentine Strategy.
This time it comes on a Friday, which means it will be a weekend celebration. Things may also feel weird for the people who don’t have any “valentine.” So sis, I just want to tell you that it is not that big of a deal jare! If anything, I can give you free advice that you have saved yourself some money and time for something that will make you cringe in a good or bad way, a few years from now. Lol.
For those that are celebrating, I promise, this isn’t for you to feel weird. Live your life as fully as you want to. Buy the cheesy gifts and dispatch it with your whole chest. But if you find yourself feeling weird about not having a romantic partner, here are a few ideas to go through this weekend.
Something you want
Give yourself a proper gift, something well thought out, probably something you have always wanted. Ask the vendor to get it wrapped and addressed to you. Name and maybe even a sweet note. Don’t feel awkward. You are not doing it to deceive anyone or create a false impression. It is simply for you. So, babes, that’s a boss move. That’s self-care! That’s like the prime minister of self-care! lol.
If you don’t want to gift yourself a physical gift, you can book yourself a spa session or a fun activity.
Alternatively, you can take the night and weekend of engagements and stay home in your pyjamas and eat ice cream and watch your favourite movies. Remember, that’s self-care, love.
Think of a friend
Send a gift to your friend. At the risk of looking like a creep? Sure! Lol. But seriously, it could be someone you haven’t seen in a while but have been in contact for a long time. Make it as platonic as possible because you don’t want anyone getting any wrong ideas. Haha! Just state that the point is to show love to everyone and not just your partner at this time of the year.
And then your parents
Your parents are your greatest love, aren’t they?! If you’re blessed and lucky to have them around then show them that. Send them something small or big. It really does not matter. And remind them that you love them. Nigerian and African parents are not big on expressing love but you can teach them that it is okay to do so.
Still keep giving
The woman that washed your clothes or cleans your house. The widow you buy your foodstuffs from. The man that sends his son to clean your car every morning. A colleague that is going through a tough time. Extend kindness to them this season. They probably do not need chocolates and teddy bears but you know they’ll need some extra cash or a thoughtful gesture. So do something for someone who isn’t expecting anything from you and just watch their eyes light up. It’s all worth it.
How are you spending your Valentine’s weekend?