There is no greater love than the love between friends, especially the love between best friends. Your best friend is one of the few people in the world who lets you be yourself and accepts you for it, making it one of the rarest loves of all. I've yet to find a man who accepts me the same way any of my closest friends do, which is kind of sad considering even the weirdest parts of me are pretty damn awesome.
Because of this love, it's not something that should be ignored on Valentine's Day, but instead celebrated. "Love is not just an emotion, it’s an ability," Clarissa Silva, Behavioral Scientist and Relationship Coach, tells Bustle. "Valentine’s Day is approaching and this holiday is designed to remind us about love... Celebrate you and that you have the ability to love."
In celebrating that ability, one of the first things that comes to mind, even when I have been in relationships during Valentine's Day, is the love I have for my friends. Sure, we can celebrate Galentine's Day, but why can't we celebrate our love for our friends on Valentine's Day, too? We can and we should.
As Virginia Woolf so eloquently put it, "Some people go to priests; others to poetry; I to my friends." I'm the same. So since I find myself in a relationship that's a non-relationship, it's with my friends that I'll be celebrating Valentine's Day this year.
1Play Secret Valentine
So, basically this one only works if you have a handful of best friends, which, if you're life is like an episode of 90210 or Saved by the Bell, then you do and that's great.
"Do Secret Santa for Valentine's Day," says Silva. "Purchase flowers, plan a dinner, and/or buy chocolates and give them to the friend you get assigned."
And, unlike playing Secret Santa at work, with your best friend choosing the gift, you know it's not very likely to be yet another coffee mug with some silly saying on it.
2Go To That Restaurant You've Been Wanting To Try
Right now, the best restaurant in the world, according to magazines, experts, and foodies is Eleven Park Madison in New York City. This is also the restaurant that my best friend Mattie and I have been talking about going to since it first opened. So, we figured we'd celebrate Valentine's Day there. Unfortunately, *someone* didn't book well in advance and we were unable to get a table. Instead, we're going to go at a later date to celebrate our friendship on a day that isn't packed to the gills with reservations. Although we'll be missing out because of his faux pas, getting dolled up and hitting up that talked-about restaurant you've been wanting to go to, is a perfect best friend date for Valentine's Day.
3Kick It At Home
If you don't want to spend a lot of money, then have an evening at home with your best friend. Silva suggests curling up with some wine and laying low.
4Do Something You've Never Done Before
For exactly how many years have you and your best friend been talking about trying a yoga? Or a painting class, a wine tasting, and about 100 other things? Probably a very long time. So make Valentine's Day the day you finally try it. Quit putting these things off that you've been meaning to try and actually put them into motion on Valentine's Day.
5Share Your Love
Since you and your best friend have each other, why not share your love with others? You know, with strangers, by volunteering and giving back to your community. It won't just be a unique way to spend your Valentine's Day together, but a way to share the love you have.
"Create and celebrate Volunteer Day, and use your energy and resources on behalf of people who need your help," Tina B. Tessina, aka Dr. Romance, psychotherapist and author of Love Styles: How to Celebrate Your Differences, tells Bustle.
6Go Sex Toy Shopping Together
Since one of the best things you can give someone you love is an orgasm, consider going sex toy shopping together? You can each pick out a toy, then your friend can buy it for you. Talking about sex — and sex toys —with your friends has a ton of benefits, so if you're comfortable, try making a day of it. And, when you go into the store together, letting each other choose which toy they want, you don't have to worry about picking out the wrong one.
7Go On A Double Date
If you're looking to meet someone but also want to spend the day with your friend, why not combine the two? According to research by Match, December 25 through February 14 is peak online dating season, so why not get on your favorite apps and try to make a double date thing happen? Not only will you be spending time with your best friend, but experiencing an adventure together. And who doesn't love a Valentine's Day adventure?
Even if you're single this Valentine's Day, as long as you have friends, you're not alone. So celebrate the love you have with them instead of concerning yourself with the romantic love you don't have in your life at the moment.
