Galentines Day!

 So here it is, the day us singletons dread the most, and even more so in this never ending lockdown! 

I woke up this morning to a news feed full of Valentine’s posts. Insta and Facebook showered with love. It does make me smile to see so many of my friends in happy relationships. I’m definitely not going to be bitter I tell you that much! But as I lay there with my two cats snuggled up to me, I got a sudden stabbing feeling of loneliness. 

Maybe I’m destined to wake up the same way every day and maybe the amount of cats by my side will multiply, who knows? Or maybe it’s just not my time yet. 

This is no where near the life I had envisioned for myself. I’m not even sure I remember now where I thought I’d be by this age. Married, kids on the way, dream job in the bag. The traditional journey I’d say. But who is to say what is traditional anymore, who is to say what is the right way to do things? 

I have spoken before about the fact there is no set timeline in life and I stand by that even more so today! This was reiterated to me by the best Valentine I could ask for, and that’s my beautiful sister. She reminded me that I can’t look at others peoples lives and feel sad or deflated about my own. Even though I’ve seen many happy, lovey dovey posts today, there are many people like myself and in the same position as me. So this blog is for you! 

Let’s celebrate the things we have in our lives right now. Make a list in your mind about all the things you are grateful for and what makes you smile. Enjoy the fact we have complete control over the TV and don’t have anyone judging us when we order our body weight in McDonald’s. I can rewatch Riverdale and Friends as much as I like with no objections or arguments. We can do the weird and wonderful things that bring us comfort because there is no one to tell us we can’t. 

I spoke to a customer at work this week who was turning 86 next month. He wanted to have a bit of a chat with me because he doesn’t get to see or talk to anyone at the moment. The one thing he said to me was “you are young, wait, don’t rush into anything, you have all the time in the world, just make sure you find the right one.” Such wise words and something I really needed to hear! He told me to enjoy myself, enjoy being young. And that is exactly what I plan to do! 

Treat yourselves today. Have a long hot bubble bath with a glass of wine or a gin. Engross yourself in today’s football. Order a ridiculous amount of junk food and binge watch your favourite show. Paint your nails in as many colours as you like! Do whatever makes you feel warm inside, whatever plants a smile on your beautiful face. Eat all the chocolate in the cupboards or order a huge pile of pancakes. Dance around your living room to your favourite song or sing a long to your favourite cheesy musical. Maybe even a session of yoga to relax you and bring peace to your soul. 

We live in a world that is unpredictable, so why can’t we stand side by side (2 metres apart of course) and do the unpredictable ourselves. Challenge the so called norm and live our lives the way we want to and not the way society says we should. We can prove that we can stand on our own two feet and have everything we need. My Valentine’s Day will consist of many cat cuddles, all my favourite foods, maybe a sing a long to high school musical, a couple of Gins thrown in there too, and a cosy candle lit night in front of the tele. That today is all I need.

Don’t listen to what other peoples versions are of what life should be or what makes them happy. We all desire different things. It wouldn’t work if we all wanted the same. 

Most importantly, don’t look down on this day with dread anymore. Please, instead use it as a day for self-care. Enjoy your own company and treat yourself. Spoil yourself rotten because you deserve it. 

I’m sat now with my two cats curled up on my knee and I feel content. Anyone would only come second to them anyway unfortunately. Cat lady for life. 💁‍♀️