Ways to show yourself self love on Valentine’s Day
By Sara Silverman
February 25, 2024
Image Credit: Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash
Self love is hard; there is no question about it. On a day dedicated to showing love for others, loving yourself can become even more difficult.
It is easy to tell people to love themselves, but how does one start…especially on Valentine’s Day? It can be a difficult holiday for those without a significant other, but that is why it is even more important to focus on the relationship you have with yourself. It is time that we take back Valentine’s Day to celebrate not only love for others but also love for oneself.
“Love for yourself is the impetus to success…how you treat yourself is how others will have an expectation to treat you,” School Adjustment Counselor Amy Goldfine said.
She stresses the importance of self love to her students. In many of her conversations, Goldfine discusses that she is certain social media has had a negative impact on teenagers' self love.
In an article written by Keith N. Hampton, Ph.d., he confirms Goldfine’s thoughts on social media’s negative effect. However, he says it specifically impacts girls.
“A multiple group analysis indicates a direct, negative relationship between social media use and self-esteem for girls,” Hampton said.
On Valentine’s Day, it is common for those with significant others to post on social media. When anyone goes onto Instagram, they will most likely be bombarded with posts about perfect relationships. It is only human to compare yourself to what you see.
“Social media on Valentine’s Day is definitely different than any other day,” Freshman Emma Ginseberg said. “I try to take breaks from social media and… be present in the moment.”.
There are many different ways to show self love ranging from listening to music, to being outdoors to surrounding yourself with friends. It is important to find what works best for you, as “some people need social interactions to refresh them, other people do need their time in solitude,” Goldfine said.
Some people struggle to show themselves love more than others. Freshman Adam Lingelbach said there are many different types of self care and “a lot of males demonstrate that but they just don't admit it.” Lingelbach expresses his annoyance with Valentine's Day when you don’t have a significant other. However, he says that, “it also is a good reminder that you should prioritize yourself.”
Self love is customizable. Every person holds different types of needs, therefore, the way people demonstrate self love will vary. But, a big part of self love depends on the people around you. Try to surround yourself with people who will recharge you and appreciate you for you.
“It’s really exhausting and hard to try to be someone that you’re not,” Goldfine said.
Take a walk outside, exercise, read something interesting or listen to music. Self love will only enhance your life and secure your other relationships, so use Valentine’s Day to focus on your own progress.
“Staying off my phone and just really surrounding myself on Valentine’s Day with my friends was really important,” Ginsberg said.
Don’t believe everything that social media is displaying. Buy yourself chocolate and write yourself a letter to open next Valentine’s Day. And most importantly, be proud of yourself on Valentine’s Day because again, loving yourself is hard but essential.
It is easy to tell people to love themselves, but how does one start…especially on Valentine’s Day? It can be a difficult holiday for those without a significant other, but that is why it is even more important to focus on the relationship you have with yourself. It is time that we take back Valentine’s Day to celebrate not only love for others but also love for oneself.
“Love for yourself is the impetus to success…how you treat yourself is how others will have an expectation to treat you,” School Adjustment Counselor Amy Goldfine said.
She stresses the importance of self love to her students. In many of her conversations, Goldfine discusses that she is certain social media has had a negative impact on teenagers' self love.
In an article written by Keith N. Hampton, Ph.d., he confirms Goldfine’s thoughts on social media’s negative effect. However, he says it specifically impacts girls.
“A multiple group analysis indicates a direct, negative relationship between social media use and self-esteem for girls,” Hampton said.
On Valentine’s Day, it is common for those with significant others to post on social media. When anyone goes onto Instagram, they will most likely be bombarded with posts about perfect relationships. It is only human to compare yourself to what you see.
“Social media on Valentine’s Day is definitely different than any other day,” Freshman Emma Ginseberg said. “I try to take breaks from social media and… be present in the moment.”.
There are many different ways to show self love ranging from listening to music, to being outdoors to surrounding yourself with friends. It is important to find what works best for you, as “some people need social interactions to refresh them, other people do need their time in solitude,” Goldfine said.
Some people struggle to show themselves love more than others. Freshman Adam Lingelbach said there are many different types of self care and “a lot of males demonstrate that but they just don't admit it.” Lingelbach expresses his annoyance with Valentine's Day when you don’t have a significant other. However, he says that, “it also is a good reminder that you should prioritize yourself.”
Self love is customizable. Every person holds different types of needs, therefore, the way people demonstrate self love will vary. But, a big part of self love depends on the people around you. Try to surround yourself with people who will recharge you and appreciate you for you.
“It’s really exhausting and hard to try to be someone that you’re not,” Goldfine said.
Take a walk outside, exercise, read something interesting or listen to music. Self love will only enhance your life and secure your other relationships, so use Valentine’s Day to focus on your own progress.
“Staying off my phone and just really surrounding myself on Valentine’s Day with my friends was really important,” Ginsberg said.
Don’t believe everything that social media is displaying. Buy yourself chocolate and write yourself a letter to open next Valentine’s Day. And most importantly, be proud of yourself on Valentine’s Day because again, loving yourself is hard but essential.