L-O-V-ME

So it’s that oh so glorious time of the year again. The time where women everywhere will be gifted with an ‘extra special’ Pandora ring from their boyfriend, which he hopes will warrant a blowie in the back of the car. It’s every couple’s favourite holiday, and every single person’s nightmare. Valentine’s Day.

I’ve never really been that big on Valentine’s Day (what a surprise). Ever since I was 6 years old and majorly crushing on the total stud of year 2, who rejected my offering of a very thoughtful, ASDA bought, Valentine’s Day card I practically begged my mum to buy, I have completely lost faith in ‘the day of love’. Maybe it’s because I’ve always been single, or maybe it’s because it’s a completely fabricated day for businesses to make mugs out of the population, but it’s just never been for me.

All my past Valentines Days have been spent in my room watching Bridget Jones and wondering when Colin Firth and Hugh Grant will smash a window for me. But not this year. This year I am reclaiming Valentine’s Day. Just because you’re single it doesn’t mean you’re unloved. So who will be my Valentine this year? It will be all of the people I am completely and utterly in love with.

Just because you’re not in a romantic relationship with someone it doesn’t mean it’s not love. People in relationships want to be cared for. Want to know that someone will always be there for them. Want someone to share their lives with. No description could fit my best friends more perfectly. I am lucky enough to have a close group of friends who I know will always be there for me no matter what, and if people in romantic relationships insist on showing their love for each other to the world come February 14th than so will I. This year I will be surrounded by the lovely ladies who inspire me every day, probably getting drunk, and taking the piss out of all the couples we see.

My friends aren’t going to be my only Valentines this year though because there is always that one special person in your life that you can never forget. Yourself. Why should Valentine’s Day be solely about couples when you’re pretty amazing alone? I will be taking some much needed time out to appreciate myself and all the things that I’ve done. As a wise drag queen once said “If you can’t love yourself then how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?”

So this Valentine’s Day if you are single don’t worry about it. Appreciate all the people around you who love you regardless, and of course, don’t forget about yourself. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.