2 Days Left to Valentine’s Day, and I’m Still Not Sweating It.

 2 Days Left to Valentine’s Day, and I’m Still Not Sweating It.

Okay, we’re officially down to two days. Two. And if I’m being totally honest, I’ve started to feel a little bit... well, bored. Not in a bad way, but in the kind of way where I’ve been thinking about this whole Valentine’s Day thing a bit too much. I mean, I’ve been pretending like I don’t care, but is it weird that I kinda want to do something? Just a little? Maybe?

But also, what am I even supposed to do on Valentine’s Day when you’re not in some epic rom-com-style relationship? I could sit around all day eating candy and binge-watching movies that are basically built on the idea that I should somehow feel bad for being single. But then I remember that the last thing I need is some cheesy movie telling me that love is the answer to all my problems. Like, no thank you. I’ve got my own thing going on.

Still, there's this tiny voice in the back of my head wondering what if. What if, just once, I got swept off my feet by some super cute guy with messy hair who brings me my favorite coffee in a heart-shaped mug and makes me laugh until I forget how awkward I am in public?

But, pfft, whatever. That’s just the Valentine’s Day hype getting to me. I’m not going to let some candy-coated day convince me that I need a relationship to feel good about myself.

I’m sitting in my room now, scrolling through my phone, and it’s like everyone is posting something about their Valentine's Day plans already. Chloe, of course, has posted an annoying boomerang of her and Ryan holding hands, with the caption “My forever <3” (sickening, right?). Megan, naturally, is planning a cute couple’s dinner with her current crush, and she’s already complaining about what she should wear (spoiler: it’s probably something sparkly and totally over the top). And then there’s me—sitting in my room, in my comfy sweats, scrolling through all of this while sipping on my third cup of hot chocolate.

But here’s the thing: for the first time this week, I realize something. I’m kind of okay with this. I don’t need to compare myself to anyone else. I don’t have to get all caught up in the drama. Why should I? I’m in charge of my own happiness. And right now, happiness looks like eating chocolate chips straight from the bag and watching Shimmer Girls for the third time this week. (It’s amazing, by the way. No judgment.)

I close my phone and look at the clock. It’s almost time for dinner. Hmm. What do I want to do? I could go out with Chloe and Ryan, but the idea of spending the evening surrounded by their perfect couple vibes just doesn’t appeal to me. Maybe I’ll go out with Lola instead. She’s the only one who gets it. She’s also single, so she won’t make me feel weird about not having a date.

Just as I’m texting her, Megan sends me a message.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come to my party?” she asks, with one of those little smiley-face emojis. “I promise it’ll be fun! And you need to meet my friend Caleb. He’s, like, the best guy ever. You’ll totally hit it off. #ValentinesDayVibes.”

I stare at the message for a solid 10 seconds. Caleb? Really?

The last thing I need is to be set up with some random guy for Valentine’s Day. What’s even worse, she’s already acting like I’m some charity case who needs a guy to make the day “better.” I mean, seriously? Ugh.

I quickly type back, “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m doing my own thing. I’ve got a self-love celebration planned. You know, pizza, movies, no pressure. Have fun, though!”

Megan doesn’t respond right away, but I feel strangely relieved. I don’t need her matchmaking me. I’m good. And I’m totally good at making my own fun, without all that pressure to make Valentine’s Day into something it’s not.

I turn to the mirror and stare at my reflection for a second, thinking about how I’ve been treating this whole situation. And you know what? I’m proud of myself. I’m doing exactly what I want to do, and that’s all that matters. No guy is going to magically make me feel whole. I’ve already got everything I need—right here, with me.

My phone buzzes again. This time, it’s from Lola.

“Valentine’s Day plans?” she asks. “Netflix and pizza?”

I grin. Yes. Finally, someone who gets it.

“Totally. I’ll bring the ice cream,” I reply.

Just as I’m about to get up and head downstairs for dinner, my phone buzzes again. It’s a text from an unknown number.

“Hey, it’s Caleb. Megan gave me your number. I heard you’re single this Valentine’s Day. Want to hang out? Maybe a movie or something?”

I can’t help it. I roll my eyes and immediately type back, “Sorry, I’m all booked up with self-care. Have fun, though!”

It feels weirdly empowering to send that message. No pressure. No stress. Just me doing my thing.

Maybe I’ll be single this Valentine’s Day. But you know what? I’m going to make it my day. And that’s way cooler than any date could ever be.

And as for Caleb, well… I’m sure he’s a nice guy. But I’ve got my pizza, my Netflix, and my best friend Lola. What more do I need?

P.S. I just remembered I still have that giant bag of chocolate hearts I bought for myself. Maybe I’ll eat them all tonight. Why not?