Jessai Flores
Ah, here we are again — the most dreaded day of the year for any single person: Valentine’s Day. Everywhere you go, it’s impossible to escape it. Couples holding hands, flowers being bought, pink and red decorations everywhere — it’s disgusting. Even if you attempt to stay holed up in your room all day, you’re still bombarded with endless Valentine’s Day posts. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, your ex hard-launches their new partner on Instagram, and your “One Year Ago Today” on Snapchat reminds you that last Valentine’s Day, you were at the exact same restaurant with them. At that point, you might as well just throw your phone away. To keep you from staring at a wall all day, I’ve put together a stacked list of far better things to do instead of all that lovey-dovey nonsense. And if it feels like you’re the only person on the planet not celebrating love on the 14th, don’t worry — you are definitely not alone!
Yale Exploration
- Support Yale Athletics: Men’s Basketball and Men’s Ice Hockey play on Friday. Yale Polo Club also has a match on Saturday (shameless plug).
- Support Yale A Cappella: Shades of Yale is hosting their V-Day Jam on Friday and Saturday.
- Attend a film screening: Yale Film Archive presents “La Dolce Vita” on Friday.
- Listen to or read your own poetry: Silliman’s Acorn is hosting a poetry night on Friday!
- Learn about entrepreneurship: Tsai City is hosting a workshop and Founders Breakfast on Friday!
- Go to a museum or library: Yale’s Peabody Museum, Art Gallery and Beinecke Library are all open for exploration.
- Touch grass: Yale’s Greenhouse, Farm and Memorial Gardens are all accessible for a peaceful walk.
- Find secret study spots: If you don’t feel like being a nerd, this is still a great opportunity to explore Yale’s buildings.
- Rank Yale coffee shops: Steep, McNay, Elm, Refectory, Acorn and The Beanjamin are all cafés directly on campus where you can treat yourself.
- Take a workout class: Yale’s Payne Whitney Gym offers yoga, cycling, and other instructional fitness classes. (Maybe that glow-up will help you lock in next V-Day?)
Non-Yale Exploration
- Explore right outside Yale: East Rock has plenty of cafés, restaurants and nature walks.
- Explore a coastal town: Hop on a train! I’ve heard great things about Mystic and Old Saybrook.
- Explore Hartford: See a concert, go shopping, treat yourself to a nice dinner and experience an actual city. (Being from Chicago, I use “city” loosely.)
- Explore outside of Connecticut: If you have the time, head down to NYC or up to Boston for the day!
More Unique Quests
- Mail a mysterious Valentine’s Day card: Send a random Yale dorm a card that just says “You know what you did.”
- Throw a breakup party: Make cocktails or mocktails inspired by you and your friends’ exes.
- Go to a Rage Room: Get out all your anger by smashing things!
- Host a charcuterie board night: Classic but a goodie. Each person picks a theme!
- Stage a fake public argument: Pretend your friend got with your imaginary partner and put on a dramatic performance in a public place.
- Send an ex (or ex-friend) a “We Need to Talk” text… then never respond: Bonus points if you call and hang up immediately.
- Paint and Sip: Make some new room decor over drinks!
- Bake something: Finally use those ResCo kitchens!
- Go to a trampoline park: Especially fun with a big group of friends!
- Go-karting: Because deep down, you know you miss driving a car.
Now you’re all set for a Valentine’s Day that absolutely beats any romantic celebration with a partner… Don’t worry guys, we’ll get them next year!