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Seven ways to survive Valentine’s Day as a single
It is true that Valentine’s Day is best spent with a significant other, but what if you’re alone on that day?
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There's no reason why you shouldn't enjoy being perfectly alone, even on Valentine's Day. (Shutterstock/File)
W
hile Valentine’s Day is considered best spent with a significant other, those expecting to be alone on that day may use the opportunity for some good 'me time'.
Below are some interesting activities you could pursue alone on Valentine's Day:
Catch up on your reading
Reading is one of the best ways to spend your time alone. If you are usually into romantic novels, you may want to check books that can give you a new perspective of love, such as O by Eka Kurniawan, which narrates a story between a female monkey, O, who falls in love with a dangdut superstar named Entang Kosasih. Then there is Monsoon Tiger and Other Stories by Rain Chudori, a collection of eight short stories about love and loneliness, or The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, which follows a woman who falls in love with a womanizer.
Binge-watching movies or TV series
Cheer yourself up by re-watching some of the best TV series, such as the all-time favorite Friends, The Big Bang Theory, or the popular show Saturday Night Live. If you are interested in a movie marathon, you may opt for films with rather bitter endings, like James Cameron’s Titanic, Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love, Christopher Nolan’s Memento, Isao Takahata’s Grave of the Fireflies or the tragic Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.
Read also: Say it with flowers: 7 florists to check out this Valentine’s Day
Pamper yourself
Shower yourself with some love by getting a beauty treatment in the comfort of your home. You can consider purchasing the relaxing Eternity Set by Glerry Home Décor Premium & Svasti Spa that includes cushion, diffuser and lavender oil. If you want to have your nails done with colorful and bright shades, go for the Pony Nail Tropical Dream Set and pamper those nails by having a Pedi Set by Credo Solingen. As the day comes to an end, have a glass of wine or two, like the 2012 Chateau Grand Village Bordeaux Superieur Rogue that’s 93 percent Merlot and 7 percent Cabernet.
Have a cooking day
Treat yourself to some delicious food that’s easy to make, no matter how lazy you are that day. For those who have very basic skills, bakwan udang (shrimp and vegetable fritters) with colo-colo sauce is easy enough. After that, you can move to the next stage by cooking the warm and inviting soto ayam (aromatic chicken soup with noodles). You can try these recipes with your friends by having a happy cooking day together.
Embark on a culinary adventure
When was the last time you talked to your parents or long time friends? This Valentine’s Day, spend some time with them and have a short adventure together. You could all embark on a culinary trip around Jakarta by visiting the legendary gado-gado (mixed vegetable salad with rice and peanut sauce) joints, the Setiabudi area, the best nasi uduk (steamed rice cooked in coconut milk with sides) stall, or food joints on Jl. Sabang.
Read also: Roses? No, try roaches for an unusual Valentine's Day gift
Be healthy and do some exercise
Studies reveals that running can generate happiness and calmness, thus reducing stress. That is because endorphin hormones, the ones that reduce the feeling of pain, will increase when you run. If running is not your favorite exercise, you can try swimming or cycling.
Solo tripping
If you usually go to a karaoke joint with your friends, try to do it alone this time. You can scream your heart out inside the karaoke booth or get mellow with some slow tracks. If you need some inspiration, you may check out playlists on Spotify, such as the “Single & Fabulous” that has a combination of local and international tracks and consists of various genres, from pop to R&B. (kes)
