Pages

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: For YOU.

Last year, for the first time in my adult life, I spent Valentine's Day alone. Almost all of my close friends had plans with their boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, or wives, and, well, I had no plans at all. I sensed - judging from the sympathetic looks and the many (very kind) offers to keep me company - that this was supposed to be a sad day for me.

But the truth was, I wasn't sad. I've always loved Valentine's Day - the flowers, the chocolate, the happy indulgences - why shouldn't I get to celebrate love, just because I was single? After work on the evening of the 14th, I picked up a slice of red velvet cake and some flowers, and treated myself to a book that I'd had my eye on for months. When I got home, I cooked myself foods that I love, and put down a deposit on a set of ten French lessons. It was not just a good night, it was a great night. It was empowering. Dateless didn't have to mean depressed. Corny as it may sound, I was my own Valentine that year, and, if I do say so myself, I was lovely company.

Whether you've got a Valentine this year or not, why not treat yourself to a happy little something that puts a smile on your face: a peppy prize ribbon; a chocolate pig; a tiny, sequined heart of gold? Buy yourself a ring, splurge on beautiful flowers, cook yourself the best meal of your life. Celebrate you.

18 comments:

  1. This makes me love you even more than I already do! All I can say is AMEN.

    ReplyDelete
  2. GO SHOKO! Love your thoughts, and your guide :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes! That sounds like a fabulous day to me. French lessons, how fun!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is a WONDERFUL way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Such a positive outlook on life. I love the picture you painted about your day. How empowering! Also, love the little pot the hydrangeas come in!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great attitude and I totally agree with your point of view that you can still have a fabulous Valentine's Day even if you're single. After all the day is about love and there is is no one who you should love more than yourself. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  6. youuu. you're awesome.

    question - where did you find local french lessons? and did you do group or private? i yelped and nothing good came up. i'm in the ellll lay and want face-to-face action, none of that skype lesson business. unless it's really good.

    merci. xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. You have such an inspiring attitude! I absolutely loved this post.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've never had a Valentine, and that's okay because I love being alone. This post made me so happy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. yes!
    love the roundup, and am totally with you - my most fun valentine's day was spent single.
    a group of us went out, and when we wished the ladies at the table next to us a happy valentine's, they responded with a PSSSHHHHT - HAPPY LOVE YOURSELF FIRST DAY, YOU MEAN? we conceded IMMEDIATELY, and it's a philosophy i can totally get behind.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It truly makes me so happy that this post made YOU all happy. Thank you all so much for your sweet words - I really enjoyed writing it!

    wmbg, I took the classes in New York, actually, and I found them through Daily Candy. I wish I could be of more help for LA, but a quick google search brought me here: http://www.afdela.org/SchoolNews.php. Have you by chance looked into this?

    April, you're right. It's more than okay, it's GREAT!

    Panda Head, that's a wonderful story!

    ReplyDelete
  11. oooweee! I love them all! Especially the "I know how to cook" book [love the illustration] and all things Satomi Kawakita...her work is so beautiful and timeless! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a sweet little post. Thanks for the smile. And happy early Valentine's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  13. why are you so cool!?!? i love it. :)
    j.

    ReplyDelete
  14. shooooooko.

    i looked up the french school you found.. and called them today because after some research over the wknd, i determined they were LEGIT.. and they were like 'are you calling about the daily candy deal' and i was like 'ummm, yes..?' and then i looked it up and they're currently offering 50% off.

    so. moral of the story = you are a hero.

    and i will hopefully be able to tell this tale in french someday.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks, Jen!

    wmbg, that is so great! I'm so happy to hear that! Definitely keep me updated on your progress in French class :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I couldn't have said it better myself. Shoko, you rock!!!

    ReplyDelete

 

© sho and tell All rights reserved . Design by Blog Milk Powered by Blogger