February is the second month of the year, as well as the month of love. As Valentine’s Day is coming up, people are engrossed in a world where the need to be in love is almost forced. But what happens when you are not?

Alonement is a word that describes celebrating and valuing the time you spend in solitude. Feeling alone and being lonely are two common statements that have turned into misconceptions over time. Feeling alone is an emotion commonly based on the thoughts in our heads and by the way the world seems. Being lonely is a condition, commonly based on the fact that there is no one there to assist our needs or wants. Both of these examples, friendship-wise or relationship-wise, are all feelings that people try to avoid as often as possible but are also valid feelings to feel.  

Spending time in solitude is not as bad as many make it out to be. Hobbies to take on during your alone time are: journaling, reading, meditating, knitting or sewing, upcycling old clothes, and so much more. One could also pick up cooking or baking, learning to play an instrument, or even take up art. While many of these may seem boring, there are lots of benefits through gaining new skills and experience. 

Although spending time alone never sounds enticing, self-discovery throughout it all has rewarding profits. Journaling, for example, is a great way to express your thoughts, feelings and emotions on paper through writings and drawings. Through this one can also draw connections to things they enjoy and do not enjoy. 

During this Valentine’s season, whether feeling alone, feeling lonely, or even being lonely, take some time for yourself and do things you enjoy. Watch your favorite movie and eat your favorite snacks. Treat yourself to a spa day or even out to lunch that you wouldn’t normally indulge in. Start romanticizing the life you want to have and do things that will work up to it. 

In a world where the thought of relationships are all around us, it can highlight the special pleasures in being apart from the crowd. Realizing the joys in being single can make you self-sufficient and able to enjoy your own company.