Valentine’s Day lies: How single and bitter people console themselves
As the world gets drenched in shades of red and romance by lovers who can’t help but display their affection for one another, there is a side of Valentine’s Day no one talks about. The petty, lonely, and unapologetically bitter side of this special day. And this is the day single comrades post quotes like, “Roses are red, violets are blue, I thought you were different…
So what do single and lonely people do on this day? Come with me; I have an idea or two of what these lonely fellas do. Cue in ‘Valentine is Coming’ by Kabusa.
1. Pretend Valentine’s Day is overrated
Some of us have been here before, no lie. They aggressively scroll past lovey-dovey couple posts and convince themselves that flowers, chocolates and candle-lit dinners are overrated. I mean it’s just an overpriced meal under dim lighting.
Bonus points if they can act unbothered by this annual Valentine’s Day Olympics, casually sipping their coffee like it’s just any other day. Or if mature enough they take the high and healthy road by filling their day with activities they genuinely enjoy or tasks that keep them occupied like work, gym, and hobbies.
I do not know about other continents, but in Africa, I think some men will outrightly talk you into believing they do not celebrate Valentine’s Day. They will even say it’s not a man’s thing. Fragile masculinity doing cartwheels, right?
You’ll hear the classics: “I don’t see what the fuss is about,” “It’s just like any other day,” or “My religion doesn’t celebrate this day” or “It was today?“
That man is either broke, emotionally unavailable, or simply not romantic. Walk away or make peace with that, pick a struggle sis.
2. Stalk an ex
Are you bitter if you do not stalk your ex-partner? This is where one puts their inner detective to task. Scroll on his or her social media pages and analyze their new relationship.
Remember the key is to survive this dreadful day by any means necessary. Note the forced smiles, read between the captions and reassure themselves that they are thriving alone and it is for the best they are not together.
3. Post thirst traps
A hand up if you posted a thirsty photo before or during Valentine’s Day in the hopes that someone notices and asks you out. But sometimes it works if you are desperately looking for a temporary fix for the fuss of that day alone, not genuine love. That’s awfully sad!
The salty comrades will have you convinced that they are not crying in the shower with their thirst traps captioned; ‘Self-love is the best love’, ‘vibing and thriving’ just to sell the delusional. Anyway to feed the ego that they are unbothered about how red the waters are.
4. Solo dates and Galantining
The tomfoolery of solo dates disguised as ‘self-love’ screams desperation but if it works, who are we to judge? You’ll spot these aunties strutting into fancy restaurants dressed like they are auditioning for the ‘Young Famous &African’ TV show. They will be there digging into their meal while throwing deadly daggers at beautiful couples.
Do not get me started on Galentine’s. Sure, it’s cute but in theory. A wholesome celebration of the girlies, right? But let’s be real, half of them aren’t there for the sisterhood.
They are just dodging the tragic disaster of spending Valentine’s Day alone. A glass of overpriced rosé and forced laughter later, and voilà, loneliness temporarily cured!
5. Self Care
I’ve seen this movie before. It later ends in self-pity and tear-soaked pillows from scrolling bitterly on happy couples on the streets of the internet.
So you bought yourself some extravagant skin care products, had a bubble bath, and bought yourself an expensive bottle of wine and flowers. Very dramatic if you ask me!
It’s only healthy if you do all that because you are genuinely basking in self-love and celebrating yourself on this special day, not because the internet made you do it.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are the writer’s. They do not necessarily reflect views of K24 Digital or Mediamax Network Limited.
Writer’s comment: This article is purely meant to break Valentine’s monotony and sprinkle a little comic relief. It’s not an educative piece. I sympathize with those who do not have a date on this special day. Sending you love. Hang in there.
