Every single year I become depressed and frustrated seeing all these couples on social media and even in real life shoving their love in my face.

Staying Positive.

However, today I felt a shift. For five whole years I have allowed society’s expectations rub me of my happiness and peace of mind. Please, who said we had to have a boyfriend/girlfriend to really appreciate Valentine’s Day? Is there a rule that says you’re less of a woman if there’s no man to buy you an expensive gift or at least a cake? I remember last year while I was at home on Valentine’s Day, the whole house made jest of me because my 18 year old baby sister got presents from three different guys while the closest thing to a present I got was the Jollof rice my mum made for dinner that day.

So this year, I have decided to take back my happiness, I have decided I am going to celebrate Valentine’s Day in all its glory with or without a man, I’ve decided that I am going to be MY OWN VALENTINE. I’m going to get myself awesome cupcakes and a beautiful present, sit in front of my laptop and binge watch “Stranger Things”.

In honour of this awesome decision, I wrote myself a short letter. I have decided to share this letter with the whole world because I know there are so many people, men and women alike, who are in my shoes. Maybe, just maybe, my little letter will make you feel better about spending that “Day of Love” alone.

Letter to Me!

Hey beautiful.

I’ve been looking at you in the mirror and I have to say, God really broke the mould after he made you.

How are you even this beautiful??

That , those eyes, that face…I really am in awe!

Anyways, before I lose the point of this letter, I just had a couple of things to tell you

I’m a bit , but I really think it’s important for you to hear these things

So…here it goes;

I’ve watched you laugh,

Watched you cry,

Watched you make life altering .

I’ve watched you give love and never get it back in return

I’ve watched you struggle with self-acceptance and self confidence

Most of all, I’ve watched you grow into a beautiful strong and courageous

I’m so excited to see the woman you’re becoming.

Please remember that hold the key to your happiness

Don’t put that key in anybody’s hands…

Never to smile because Jesus loves you,

You’re the most important thing to Him.

When the time is right, he’ll send you exactly what you need.

But for now, be the woman he has you to be.

Be nothing short of the star he knows you are.

Be beautiful, be strong, be brave but most of all…be happy.

Happy Valentine’s Day baby and please remember;

No one can you better than I love you.

Yours truly,

You

Written by Kofoworola Oyegunle.

Kofoworola Oyegunle is a lawyer in equity. She loves making new friends and exploring new and exciting adventures in her spare time. Find her on Instagram: @Kofooye and Snapchat: Kofoo