If you’ve found yourself saying “must be nice” and rolling your eyes at every couples’ cringey Instagram post today, join the club. Whether you’re a single-pringle, self-partnered or a free-spirit, no matter your relationship status (or lack thereof!), we’re here to help you indulge in a little self-love this Valentine’s Day. You deserve it.
Netflix and Chill
If you’re cosying up to your blanket rather than a partner this Valentine’s Day, switch on one of our fave rom-coms. After all, who needs a pesky other-half asking you a question about the movie every five minutes, anyway?
If you needed a reminder that you’re beautiful just the way you are, then this is it. Full-figured Texas teen Willowdean Dickson (Danielle Macdonald) enters a beauty pageant hosted by her ex-beauty queen mum (Jeniffer Aniston) to prove a point about body positivity. This feel-good film is guaranteed to make you laugh this Valentine’s Day, not cry.
Love, Simon
This heart-warming coming-of-age, coming-out comedy stars Nick Robinson as a teenager whose well-kept secret about his sexuality is threatened by a classmate who starts blackmailing him. The movie has inspired a spin-off series (Love, Victor), which is set to hit Disney+ on 23rd February. Be sure to catch Love, Simon tonight at 9pm on Film 4 for its UK Premiere.
After flirtation leads two flirts quickly from the bar to the bedroom, they test whether their physical chemistry is enough to carry their relationship into the real world. Featuring some of our favourite Black actors Michael Ealy, Regina Hall and the hilarious Kevin Hart, this raunchy but witty comedy will certainly keep you distracted for a while.
Self-Love Strategies
You don’t need to rely on someone else to prove that you are loved. Valentine’s Day is as good a day as any to show yourself a little love. Here’s our favourite self-love strategies.
Have a Pamper Sesh:
There’s no better way to wind-down than with a pamper day. Since we can’t hit the spa right now, why not bring the spa to you? Pop on a face mask (we love the au-naturel Sukin Pink Clay Facial Masque for sensitive skin), run a warm bath, drop in your fave bath bomb (ours is easily the Rose Jam, popping-candy-filled Heart Beat bath bomb by Lush) and finish off with a lick of paint on your nails and toes. Trust us, your mind and body will thank you later.
Retail Therapy:
You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy clothes, and that’s kinda the same thing. Why not use today as an excuse to treat yourself to something new? Missguided have 40% off selected lines right now, while Debenhams are offering an extra 15% off all beauty and fragrance with code PX23 today only. What will you get your paws on?
Be a Freak in the Sheets:
Why should couples get to have all the fun down under? Make it your goal today to discover what your likes and dislikes are when it comes to sexy times, alone. The clitoris has up to 8,000 nerve endings, which makes for a lot of possibilities when it comes to an earth-shattering orgasm. Whether you’re a fingers or toys kinda gal, know there’s no shame in masturbation. It’s totally normal, and everyone does it.
If you’ve yet to find your favourite toy, check out Lovehoney (who also give an extra 20% off for students, too!). They have plenty of choices from vibrators, to dildos, oral-sex simulators and everything in between, and they always delivered in discreet, plain brown boxes, so you’ll never need to have an awkward conversation with your parents or flatmates ever again.
Let us know in the comments below how you’re spending Valentine’s Day!