Love yourself and let the world be your Valentine

Love yourself and let the world be your Valentine

by Marlies Dekkers

And so, I will spend my first Valentines alone. Not literally alone; as usual, I will be surrounded by friends, family, lovers even. I’m just not in a steady relationship, for the first time in almost 25 (!) years.

I have to confess, the idea of being officially single scared me at first. Like, a lot. But once I started putting the energy I used to pour into my partner into the rest of the world –going out dancing, taking up kick boxing, chatting to random strangers-, I got so much back. It was like I fell in love with the world!

So all you single ladies (and gentlemen!) out there, don’t desperately look for love. Love Yourself, and let the world be your Valentine! Here are some simple tricks to let the love come in:

  • Give three random compliments a day. Tell the supermarket check out girl she has lovely hair, tell the barista he is a hunk. And while you’re at it, why don’t you compliment yourself?
  • Don’t wait to hear from your friends, go out alone. Yes, a date with yourself. You’re worth it.
  • While you’re out by yourself, don’t hide in your phone. Put it down! Dare to look around. Engage!
  • As you’re looking around, you might –accidentally perhaps- make eye contact with someone. Instead of quickly looking away, hold that person’s gaze. Smile. There might be magic, there might just be a smile back. It’s all good.

And if you’re waiting to be treated, don’t forget to Love Yourself and treat yourself to some seriously glorious lingerie!

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