Valentine’s Day is coming up, but who says that there’s only one kind of love? Self love, platonic love, and familial love are equally, if not more important than having a significant other. Especially in high school, dating isn’t the most important part of our lives; we have time to be kids and take care of ourselves. Here are ten ways to celebrate taking care of yourself and loving yourself without having to worry about your relationship.

1. Make sure the day is about you. This can mean many different things. Maybe you prefer time spent shopping around in the mall or in a thrift store, or maybe you want to spend a day in, watching Netflix for hours on end. Whichever you choose, ensure that it’s time spent doing something that makes you happy.
2. Spend some time with one of Coronado’s many clubs! On Wednesdays, there is the Black Student Union, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Math Club, Spikeball Club, and Film Club, as well as Future Problem Solvers and Astronomy Club, which both meet in the morning before school.
3. Doing something nice for someone else is a great way to spread non-romantic love. If you have someone in your life that you appreciate, make sure they know that by you doing something for them. Call your grandma, or make dinner for your siblings, or buy your best friend a coffee. If acts of service is your love language, this is the best way to spread the Valentine’s Day cheer.
4. Eat some Valentine’s day themed food! Heart shaped pizzas from Papa Murphy’s, cheap chocolate, and some heart shaped bagels from Einstein Bros. are just a few sweet treats you can splurge on while having holiday spirit.
5. Buy something for yourself! If you’re tired of significant others always getting you the wrong gift, why not buy one for yourself? Valentine’s Day chocolate is super cheap right now (it’s going to be even cheaper after the holiday), and so are other cheesy presents like stuffed animals. Don’t be afraid to go beyond that, though; if there’s something special that you’ve been wanting, go get it! Treat yourself!
6. Take some time to learn about something new! You can go to the Pioneer’s Museum, the Natural History Museum, Rock Ledge Ranch, and much more here in Colorado Springs alone! There will always be something new to explore in the city.
7. Celebrate Palentine’s day with all of your best friends. This is more commonly Galentine’s Day, but who’s to say that you can’t spend time with your friends of every gender? Go see a movie, or go get coffee, or do something that’s going to be fun for all of you.
8. Have a movie marathon of your favorite celebrity crush. It’s a good way to appreciate those who love their craft and love offering it to audiences. Relax, have fun, and start binging some great movies!
9. Cook a meal for yourself or another person. A home cooked meal is one of the most romantic things a person can do on Valentine’s Day, but it’s not like food is only for people in relationships. Make your favorite meal, or another person’s favorite meal, and revel in how much you can accomplish when you set your mind to a task.
10. Reach out to those you may not be able to physically see on Valentines Day. Those who you may not be able to spend time with may appreciate your effort in saying something kind on a special day. Maybe even send them something nice, show you appreciate their companionship!

No matter how you choose to spend your Valentine’s Day, remember that the love you feel for yourself and for others is the thing that makes the world go round. Make sure to tell your friends and family how much you appreciate them, and don’t forget to save some appreciation for yourself!