Single Awareness Day: Why February is also the season for self-love

For so long, February 14 is a day dedicated only for people who are in a relationship. Valentine’s Day has always been associated with love, cuddly bears, and heart-shaped balloons—all in overwhelming hues of pink and red. It has become so commercialized for couples that it can sometimes be brutal for those who are unattached. It’s always a day when they are reminded of being alone, leading them to a depressing state of wondering why they are not with someone in the first place.
However, single people are now fighting back the pressure of finding a mate, greatly trying to get out of the boxed-out stereotype that being alone means being unhappy. They are making their voice heard that self-attachment is important and brings fulfillment the same, and sometimes better, than relationships.
The Single Awareness Day, usually celebrated on February 15, is a protest against the exclusive holiday. Instead of feeling burdened by being uncommitted, they focus on celebrating freedom and independence. It’s a day single people can stand proudly, and show the world it is okay to be single—at least until you are ready and you truly find someone worth being attached to!
An opportunity to know yourself
The Filipino Times has interviewed several Filipinos who have been single for a long time, and many of them noted that one great thing about independence is the ability to appreciate yourself first before loving another person—something that not all who are in a relationship have the luxury of getting.
“I think it is important to be appreciate singleness in the love month because it opportunity to grow and what you believe and what you want out of life,” says Jay Ramones, an IT professional in the UAE who has been single for around 10 years.

As for OFW Anabelle Fernandez, being single gives her more freedom than she ever had before.
“There are many things I learned from being single. Even if I am now in my 40s, I am happy and contented what I have in my life. Being single gives you more freedom for yourself, less worried and you are free like a bird.

Preparing for The One
Ramones says there is no pressure despite being in her late 30s, because singlehood is a great way to maturity—until such time one is ready to be in a relationship.
“I learn about myself from being single is I appreciate the freedom of being single and grow to be a better person. I love most about being single is you have a time to heal and to learn of which preparing you to be a better partner when the time comes,”
UAE-based OFW Rakhel Camhille Euvhi Pagsanjan, 22, who has been single since birth, added that being unattached gives her the opportunity to work on the best version of herself.
“Being single has given me more time to spend with myself and it has helped me discover myself deeper each day. It made me work properly on how to be the best version of myself for The One,” she said.
Love is for everyone
Pagsanjan said that the love month is not just for the happy couples, but also for those who spend the day with the loved ones—friends and family.

“Personally, I am one of those people who believe that love month is not just for couples that’s why I appreciate singleness because I have all of my time to spend with my family and friends and most especially with myself,” she said.
Fernandez, meanwhile, says that being single on Valentine’s season means more time to bond with her daughter.
“As a single mom, I am only focused now on my lovely daughter. Having her in my life is the best thing that happened to me. She makes my life complete,” she added.