Peaches' guide to Galentines - your smut as self-care night-in

I’m not one for the contrived, coupley clichés, darling. My idea of a perfect February 14th is unashamed, unfiltered, and maybe a little unhinged pleasure. If you’ve already got plans to go out or get wrapped up in someone delicious then go well and get yours.

But if you’re wondering how to make the most of the manufactured occasion solo, how does a night of no compromises, indulgence and self-exploration sound? It’s the perfect opportunity to travel the distant corners of your desire and discover what feeds your needs, with smut as self-care.

I’ve put together a little guide to solo Galentines to inspire you and invite you to take time for yourself and your pleasure. Thank me later (and give me all the details.)

Protect your peace

Nothing says mood killer like 26 consecutive notifications from the family group chat. Same goes for weekend working. I know my entrepreneurial girlies might feel twitchy about switching off completely. But uninterrupted rest and pleasure help restore your power and reset your mind. More energy, more ideas.

Use this checklist to protect your peace and pleasure for a self-care night:

• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb (but add call exceptions if it means you’re less likely to check it)
• Turn your laptop off, not just sleep mode, and put it somewhere out of the way
• If you live with family or housemates, tell them you’re having a quiet night reading (which is technically true…)
• Charge your headphones or buy some good earplugs if you live somewhere busy or noisy

Select your feel-good smut

Ready for a re-read of your favourite romantasy? Or maybe there’s a sports romance burning a hole in your TBR pile with its delicious trope list? Whatever your pleasure, think about it ahead of time, or give yourself a naughty little menu to choose from on the night. Leave as little friction as possible for future you.

The priority is whatever makes you feel good. In body, mind and sexuality. If a trope or a trend isn’t for you, leave it on the shelf. Lean into authors, characters and themes you know will get your pulse racing in the best way. Oh, and remember to charge your Kindle or Kobo. There’s nothing more disappointing than dead electronics when you’re all fired up…

Need some c-literary inspiration? Take a peek at some of my recent reading lists:

7 spicy reads that feel like Bridgerton

15 dark romances that made me question my morals (and still 5-starred anyway)

8 red-hot smut faves to banish your January blues

7 books where the villain f*cks better than the hero

Treat yourself to a new toy

Optional, but highly recommended. Especially if it’s been some time since your last experience or you’ve never tried one before. There’s really a little something for everyone, whether you want quiet, discreet and clit-focused or big, powerful and plunging (or both, like yours truly). If toys aren’t for you, there’s still lubes and oils to experiment with.

Those sex-positive sweethearts at Lovehoney have some extra tempting discounts for LWcL members in the lead-up to Galentines. Here are my favourites:

• Lovehoney Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator
• Lovehoney Deluxe Rechargeable Mini Leopard Massage Wand Vibrator
• Womanizer Enhance Pink Pleasure Air Clitoral Vibrator
• We-Vibe Temp Lavender Blue Heating and Cooling Clitoral Vibrator
• Lovehoney Bliss Orgasm Balm 20g

Set the scene and serve yourself

If it’s not fresh sheets and a chilled Sancerre after a long bath lit by candlelight, I don’t want it. But you do you–however you like to relax, treat yourself and get turned on, get your hands on it or get it ready.

Here’s a few of my personal recommendations for exquisite vibes:

• Long, candlelit bath with bath oils and a glass of wine
• Fresh sheets and warm socks
• Ordering in from your favourite restaurant
• Self-massage for hands and feet
• Body-scan meditation
• Soft lighting and a smooth playlist

Slow down and explore 

Time to get comfortable and sink into your self-care. Start reading and reflecting. 

• What makes your heart race? 
• What creates delicious sensation? 
• What leaves you wanting more? 

No need to get academic over it darling–the ultimate goal is your pleasure. But in those moments you can also start to learn more about your own desire, uninfluenced and uninterrupted by what others need or expect.

Take your time. Read a little. Play a little. Feel the most.

Hydrate, stretch and schedule the next time

Replenishment is essential after exertion, darling–no dehydration on my watch, no matter how thirsty that morally grey MC might have made you.

Take advantage of those physical and mental releases and gently stretch your body to embed the effects so they last longer. Nothing elaborate, no yoga mats necessary. Just what works for you.

Remember those reflections from earlier? Write them down wherever you like to keep notes. You can revisit them and keep reflecting on your desire (or drop the juiciest conversation starter in the girls group chat…)

I hope you’re left feeling blissful. And now that you have a personalised formula for a smut-led self-care night, you can use it whenever you need. My advice? Book the next time with yourself now, so you’re never too far from a night of pure pleasure.