Singles Awareness Day
Singles Awareness Day is on February 15, so if you’re single and despise Valentine’s Day in all of its commercial glory, this is the perfect holiday for you.
Originally, Valentine’s Day became a SAD (Singles Awareness Day) day for people without significant others, so they decided to revolt and take that acronym back. They chose empowerment and self-love instead of indulging in a self-loathing soiree.
In the words of pop sensation, Lizzo, “True love finally happens when you’re by yourself.” Singles Awareness Day is now celebrated by loving yourself!
HISTORY OF SINGLES AWARENESS DAY
Like all great movements, Singles Awareness Day was created from feelings of isolation. Around 2001, Dustin Barnes decided to create a day for his group of friends to enjoy their singleness rather than drown in their sorrows. This group of high school boys not only chose February 15 as a protest of Valentine’s Day but also realized they could score candy and love-themed items at a huge discount. What’s better than chocolates and truffles? 50% off of chocolates and truffles, of course.
Dustin carried the tradition from his high school on to Mississippi State University, where the holiday gained popularity. Singles Awareness Day was legitimately copyrighted in 2005 and continued to grow from there. Considering that almost half of the U.S. population is single, according to census results, it’s no surprise that this day became so popular. College students began celebrating the day with their single friends by exchanging gifts, throwing parties, and going on friend dates.
Now adults of all ages celebrate the day as a reminder that you don’t need a relationship to celebrate love. You can love yourself, your family, and your friends. There’s no reason to feel lonely around Valentine’s Day when love is all around you. The holiday continues to evolve as people own their singleness and express self-love. The hashtag #SinglesAwarenessDay currently has over 55,000 posts on Instagram and counting.
Ultimately, Dustin found a singles church group where he met his wife. By celebrating Singles Awareness Day, you could potentially meet your future spouse. You never know!
SINGLES AWARENESS DAY ACTIVITIES
1.Practice self-care
Is self-care watching “The Notebook” in your undies with a carton of Haagen Dazs? Is it a spa day, a shopping spree, or a solo dinner? Whatever self-care looks like for you, do it! The world is your oyster.
2.Take a solo trip
Solo travel is an invigorating way to boost confidence. The journey is one of self-discovery and self-awareness. It creates opportunities for experiences you may have otherwise overlooked, and it allows you to meet new people in a whole new way. Point to a destination on a map and pack a bag.
3.Attend a speed dating event
Let’s face it. You were tired of swiping your way through Tinder anyway. Get off the couch and go meet new people the old-school way — in person.
WHY WE LOVE SINGLES AWARENESS DAY
A. You meet more people on your own
Whether it’s because you’re more willing to put yourself out there, or people are more willing to talk to someone on their own, being single often means you are meeting lots of interesting people, wherever you go.
B. You can become the best version of yourself
You often have time on your hands, as a single person, to read books, develop a hobby, deepen friendships—and yes, even go on dates. The theme of these activities is that you get to know who you are, pretty well.
C. You have complete freedom
What do you want to eat tonight? Where would you like to vacation? Is it ok to splurge on those jeans you’ve been eying? When you’re single, you can do what makes you happy. No compromises are necessary.
References:
“Singles Awareness Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/singles-awareness-day/