6 Movies That Will Make You Proud to Be Single on Valentine's Day
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection1/8Valentine’s Day is one of those weird, fake holidays (though, admittedly, you could argue that all holidays technically fall under both the “weird” and “fake” categories) that you either love or hate. While some people decorate their homes, dorm rooms, lockers, and/or outfits with copious amounts of pink and red hearts and love-themed accessories, there are others out there who avoid the day like the plague. For those, the ones who hate it, Valentine’s Day isn’t really a holiday at all. It’s just a random, awful day on the calendar where they are shamed for their independence. Sucks for those people, huh?
For whatever reason, society wants you to think that spending Valentine’s Day alone is the worst thing that could ever happen — that being single is the worst thing that could ever happen. But that’s just not true. Being single means you can do what you what, when you want. You don’t have to check in with anyone or compromise on what to have for dinner or be forced to watch Sunday night football when you really just want to watch the Kardashians. In other words, being single is amazing.
Instead of wallowing away in self-pity this Valentine’s Day, you should embrace the day for what it is: a day of love. And you know who you have to love? Your friends, your family, and yourself.
Why not take the day to treat yourself to a spa day, to have a fun dinner with your parents, or to plan a fabulous brunch and movie day with your best gal pals? Sunday, February 14th does not have to suck. In fact, it could be the best day ever.
No matter your plans for the weekend, we’ve put together a list of movies that will make you happy to be spending Valentine’s Day without a significant other. With the TV channels and movie screens likely inundating you with stories of love, we figured it would be nice to have an alternate source of entertainment. Love stories be damned, these are the movies you should be watching.
©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection2/8He's Just Not That Into You
Okay, hear us out. We realize that this movie, like most every romantic comedy out there, ends with some people falling in love and getting married. But it also ends with some people breaking up, getting divorced, and putting themselves on the path to self-discovery. This movie teaches you that you can’t force things to happen — no matter how hard you try — and that being with another person doesn’t always make you happy. You have to be selfish, put yourself first, and decide what you really want in life. Plus, take this time to congratulate yourself for not settling. Don’t mourn the ghosts of boyfriends past, appreciate the fact that you dropped the dead weight.
©Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection3/8Romy and Michele's High School Reunion
This is a movie about friendship, plain and simple. Though there might be some romantic undertones here and there, this is most certainly not a love story — and that’s a great thing. The movie is about two pals who were misfits in high school and now want to go to their 10-year reunion and prove everyone wrong. Through trials, errors, and hilarious bumps in the road, they realize that, you know what? It doesn’t matter what other people think about them. The most important thing is their personal happiness. And that right there is a lesson worth learning.
©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection4/8Sex and the City
Big leaves Carrie at the altar, Carrie goes through mourning, dyes her hair, gets a sassy assistant, and then forgives Big and marries him anyway. That is the plot that most people take away. The whole love-conquering-all thing. But if you pay close attention, there is someone who realizes that love doesn’t conquer all. There is someone who says, "You know what? This love thing is great and all, but I’ve lost myself and that’s not okay." And that person is named Samantha.
While you certainly don’t have to ignore all the other love stories in their very much love-filled movie, you should pay close attention to Samantha’s journey. Not everyone needs another person to complete them. Sometimes you just have to look out for number one.
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection5/8Bridesmaids
Ugh. Weddings. While they are truly magical events, they tend to bring out the worst in, well, pretty much everyone. The great thing about this movie is that it truly is about friendship. Sure, people get married and fall in love throughout, but that’s not the point of the movie. The point is that even if you are in love, you can’t ignore those closest to you or attempt to become a different person. Significant others are great, but if you don’t have your best friends — your real soul mates — then that’s a pretty sad way to go through life. So watch the movie, learn from everyone’s mistakes, and then remember to send a note to your gal pals that says “Hey. Love you guys.” Yes, it’s cheesy, but whatever. They’ll love it.
©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection6/8First Wives Club
Another movie about friendship, First Wives Club is about a group of women who were scorned by their exes...so they decide to get revenge. During the process, though, they realize that they are so much better off without their deadbeat ex-husbands, and instead begin to focus on themselves and their friendships. It’s a movie about being able to move on, let go, and get on with your life. While it’s recommended for everyone, those who have recently gotten out of relationships will particularly appreciate this one.
©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection7/8The Other Woman
If you’re lusting after a relationship, watch this movie and you’ll sing a different tune. While not all men are cheaters and liars, the one in this particular movie is. But thanks to a scheming wife and two helpful mistresses, karma gets him back in a big way. The movie is about women coming together and helping each other, no matter the circumstances. You have enough going on — we don’t need to wage war against other women on top of it. So grab your pals, grab some popcorn, and prepare to laugh your head off. The movie is fun, silly, and has an amazingly funny cast. You don’t need a man to make you happy…you just need your girlfriends.
