1.

“My husband is away on deployment so my girlfriends and I are going to celebrate Galentine’s Day (like on Parks & Rec) the night before Valentine’s Day! We’re going to do a big dinner and just share things that we love about ourselves and each other.” —Joy, 22

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2.

“A few years ago, I ended a very emotionally draining relationship that had me doubting everything about myself. So for Valentine’s Day, I decided to write down a list of the things that I loved about myself. And every Valentine’s since I’ve done the same thing. It’s just reaffirming my love for myself, and remembering what I’ll never accept from someone again.” —Penny, 29

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3.

“I’m looking at Valentine’s Day as another day to take care of myself, physically and mentally. I’ll hit my early morning workout, crush it at work, get a mani/pedi, and enjoy the evening with some friends. Basically, remembering to live for me and always put myself first.” —Kathleen, 35

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4.

“This Valentine’s Day, I’m choosing to listen to what I need and remember that it’s important to be unbiased and have unconditional self-love. Instead of having judgment, I’m going to be my own best friend. And listen to me with love.” —Dixie 28

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5.

“Two years ago, I decided that there was no better way to show myself love than conquering a fear I’d had for so long… so my best friend and I went skydiving on Valentine’s Day! It was the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had, and definitely a Valentine’s I’ll never forget!” —Samantha, 27

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6.

“I ended a 3-year relationship with a very unsupportive ex last January. So for Valentine’s, I created a mini bucket list of some cool things I wanted to do over the next year because every time I had mentioned them to him, he had rolled his eyes. It’s been a year of me reclaiming my adventurous side and my final thing to do is learn to surf. I’m stoked!”—Jason, 33

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7.

“I’ve always been single on Valentine’s Day, but I’m especially excited for this one because I’m taking myself on a little getaway out of state, somewhere I’ve never been, and I get to explore new places and meet new people, and just really connect with myself and focus on what it is that I want.” —Nicole, 34

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8.

“Last year a bunch of girlfriends and I took a mini vacay to LA, splurged on a fancy hotel, watched our favorite band live, and spent the night chatting away! We got glitzed up and felt sexy as hell! It was a night filled with love, for ourselves, friendship, music and popping champagne! For me, there’s no better way of feeling more special and confident than with a group of girlfriends, treating ourselves. Life can get in the way sometimes, but having a night dedicated to the love of best friends and yourself is all you need.” —Alanna, 23

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9.

“My mom and I took a Valentine’s Date Night cooking class together, and spent the evening laughing as the 3 couples in the class were nitpicking each other about the way they chopped or stirred or sautéed. It was a confirmation that you can get nagged in relationships, and right now in my life, I don’t want or need it.” —Tina, 29

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10.

“I’m planning an entire day for myself, and I’m so excited! I’m giving myself my favorite flowers, getting a massage, and doing a fun dinner with girlfriends. I just want to show myself more love and appreciation.” —Lacie, 33

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11.

“I forget how important it is to talk to myself with affirmations. Every day, we put ourselves down with negativity, but if we really paid attention to ourselves it would be a huge wake-up call. So I’m going to spend Valentine’s Day (and every day thereafter!) having that awareness, monitoring it and responding to myself in a loving way.” —Hali, 24

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12.

“My game plan is to spend a mellow evening with friends, hanging out and playing board games. Some of them are married, some are single, but we would all rather bask in each other’s radness than worry about what’s expected on February 14th.” —Tim, 34 

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13.

“I hosted a big dinner at my house with a bunch of friends, and we just ate, drank, were merry and laughed our asses off. Then we danced into the early hours of the morning, and that shit always makes me happy.” —Carmen, 37

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14.

“2 years ago, my best friend and I were each other’s dates and at dinner, we planned our summer trip to go traveling in Europe! Which then was the best trip of my life so far, filled with so much love and adventure and memories I’ll never forget! I’m looking forward to next year because my new husband and I will be living in Italy, and I can’t wait to celebrate a day specifically for love in such a romantic country!” —Courtney, 22