Did you know that the Valentine's Day tradition of exchanging love notes with your beloved began in the Middle Ages?  The tradition which began as a ritual of courtly love has turned into a full-blown holiday for us, and can be a great excuse to show someone that you care.  If you are un-partnered, however, you may feel that you have little to celebrate; that doesn't have to be the case!  Partnered or not, Valentine's Day is a perfect opportunity to express affection for someone who's always there...yourself!  When was the last time you told yourself "I love you" or did something special for yourself?  Has it been a while?  Why not do so this Valentine's Day, and put as much care and thought into it as you would for a partner.  Even if you will celebrate with a partner, you can still use it as a day to love yourself, too!

Here are some ideas for saying "I love you" to yourself:
--Make a Valentine.  Write down some things that you genuinely love about yourself.  Many of us think so much about the things we could do better, so take the time to express appreciation for yourself.  Can't find the words?  Put some Romantic Poetry Magnets on your fridge and see how the words inspire you.
--Pamper yourself.  Take a hot bath; make it bubbly with Sex Bubbles, or fizzy with Bubbling Bath Salts; light scented soy candles and play soothing music.  Give your skin a treat with some lovingly applied lotion.
--Get a massage.  You could schedule a professional massage.  But you could also exchange shoulder rubs with a friend, or massage your own hands and feet with some deliciously scented massage oil (it's amazing how good a simple hand massage can feel!).
--Devote some time to self-pleasuring.  Set aside as much time as you..'d like, and allow yourself to enjoy giving yourself pleasure.  If you would like advice, encouragement, or toys for a self-pleasuring session, consider reading Sex for One by Betty Dodson, or talk to an AWT staff member about selecting the right toy for you.
--Do something that you really want to do, but don't usually make the time for.  This could include some of the ideas listed above, or something like eating a special meal (possibly delivered to your home?), putting a fragrant bouquet of flowers on your table, curling up with a hot beverage and a book you've been meaning to read, or going for a nice long walk.  Put some thought into what would make you feel really good, and make it happen!