From me, to me: A Valentine鈥檚 self-love playbook
Celebrate Valentine’s Day filled with self-love using this comprehensive guide to being your own Cupid, one love language at a time! Graphics: Lance Uy/黑料社
Love never takes a day off; people will always love and be loved. It becomes more prominent and felt when Valentine’s Day rolls around, as we celebrate for someone special. We plan dates, gift flowers, and prepare heart-racing confessions, but it is also high time to add another activity for the 14th and beyond: loving self.
Whether you’re spending the day relaxing on your own or surrounded by loved ones, this list is a comprehensive guide to being your own Cupid, one love language at a time!
Words of affirmation
If heartwarming words sweep you off your feet, remember that the reassurance we need to hear sounds sweeter when it comes from us.
Start a daily journal to track your progress — something interesting you learned recently, how many kilometers you’ve run in a day, and other small wins! When all the pages have been filled out, read back to remind yourself you’re worthy of all the love in the world, especially your own.
Quality time
Think about this: when was the last time you truly spent quality time with yourself? Whether you know it at the top of your head or not, Valentine’s Day is the best time to reignite our lost and abandoned passions!
Article continues after this advertisementNo matter how long it’s been since your last guitar chord, basketball shot, or paint stroke, you’d be surprised how fast you get back in the groove. You know what they say: you never forget your first love!
Article continues after this advertisementPhysical touch
Sometimes, the best thing to come home to after a tiring day is a long and comforting hug from our loved ones and “fur-iends.” Hugs have the unique ability to melt hours’ worth of stress in a second, and you never know; the person you’re embracing may have needed it, too.
Similarly, our pets always seem to sense whenever we need a cuddle. Tuck them in a warm and cozy blanket with you, and they’ll sneak in a few kisses if you’re lucky! Never underestimate the power of a hug from your family and four-legged friends.
Receiving gifts
Ever heard the saying “To be loved is to be seen”? Swipe through those shopping carts and get ready to check out — it’s time to fulfill the fourth love language: receiving gifts!
Giving yourself something you’ve always wanted but never got around to buying is a reminder that you also deserve the thoughtfulness others receive from you. This love month, heal your inner child and shop for gifts that give you that same child-like joy.
Acts of service
Acts of service don’t have to be public displays of affection; they’re small things that make life a bit easier, showing us we’re worth going the extra mile for. These gentle gestures often feel like your past self telling the present you that they always have your back.
Staying true to those eight glasses of water and eight hours of sleep a day is a great start to help you serve yourself and the people you love even better. Soon enough, you’ll be falling in love with the most unexpected person — you.
AS we celebrate the season of love, let’s remember that love is a language we all speak. Imagine how life would be if we all spoke it fluently. Seize the rest of the month and celebrate it with the same love and affection you readily give others toward yourself too. Happy Valentine’s Day! — Antoinette Salamanca, 黑料社 trainee
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