We are beautiful! Slay sisters ❤ #girlgang 

How precious is Maribel! I’ll let you all in on a secret. I like to take pictures of my friends when they don’t know. Candid photos are my favorite.
We dined at Little Chicago’s Pizza Place in midtown before heading to Two Bits, Tin Roof, and South. We had so much fun dancing! I’m happy that I maintain the tradition of honoring my loneliness alone on the day of love. Honestly, I want Maribel to get out and date. She and I both need to put ourselves out there.

First, let me admit that I felt like Jessica Rabbit.I have never been sexy. Awkward definitely. Cute, maybe. Sexy, never. This was the first time that I felt alluring. I am so used to being the ugly duckling, as well as the undesired, forever unloved friend. Guys always mistreated me. I’m used to feeling romantic emotion but never having it reciprocated. 2016 has been different for me. Once I stopped hiding behind myself, I have noticed that more men approach me. The break down of my status quo in 2015 created a confident me. I have always had the power to command a room full of people. I have always been interesting. For so long, I’ve compared myself to others and felt less about myself. Please do not confuse my journey to self love with vanity. a few days ago, my mom told a girl in our apartment complex that she had to love herself before someone else could love her properly. While my mom and I disagree on many things, that’s one thing I believe wholeheartedly. Jessica always reminds me that, in the words of Christina Yang to Meredith Grey, “he’s not the sun, you are.”  Once I realized that I am the sun, my whole view on love and relationships changed significantly. Of course, Note: I do not want a man to view me as only a sexual being. Simply, I am happy to see myself as something other than overlooked or awkward.
Originally, I was going to entitle this post, V for Vendetta. I could have sulked over a particular event in my life and become bitter. Instead, I am celebrating friendship and personal growth. I no longer feel like the perpetual ugly duckling. I am so much more confident in myself. I will be treating myself better from now. My size has yet to prevent me from romantic love. My lack of confidence has been my biggest obstacle. As soon as I began to consider myself to be beauty, others followed suit. Since Valentine’s day, I’ve been on a date. While out, so many people have stopped me to tell me how dope I am. Being confident in myself is an action that has changed my life.
This by far was the best Valentine’s day ever!  I spent it with some of the people I love the most, my dear friends! So often, we are desperate for romantic love that we downplay how beautiful our friendships are. I consider my friends family. I associate with many people. I get along with people. Yet, I am close with few. I’m thankful for all of the love that I receive from friends and family.
Mind you, Valentine’s day is simply a commercial holiday. Let the people in your life know that you love them regularly. Everyday should be a day of love.

How did you all spend Valentine’s Day? If single (like me), how do you feel on Valentine’s Day? Do you feel awkward, or is it simply another day of the week for you?
Can’t wait to hear from you!
Until next time,
-Nora