50 things to do this weekend instead of seeing 50 Shades of Grey

Here we are, folks. The long awaited weekend of the year, where the biggest movie of the year is set to be released. Over the past few months we’ve been targeted with advertisements and ads about a film depicting a misogynist billionaire and the pornography which depicts his 'romantic life'. A storyline which says that a domineering and controlling relationship is cool and exciting and passionate. And I find myself asking the question, is anyone else bothered by this?

I’m sad to live in a world where women are paying to watch a film about a man literally tying a girl up for sex. And fact that everyone seems to be unfazed with this violent and controlling take on an physical relationship is downright scary. When did this become something we watched for entertainment? When did this become fun? And when exactly did it become okay with people?

I’m here to tell you that we as consumers have the power to end it. We have the power to not pay money to fill our minds with the garbage they’re trying to pedal as romance. We have the power to say it’s unacceptable and downright degrading to portray women in this role. We have the power to say it’s unhealthy for young people to think this is what a loving relationship looks like. We have the power to go against the grain by simply not seeing the movie.

Is it crazy, that on Valentine’s day weekend I don’t want to watch something described as abusive, controlling and twisted erotica? Wouldn't it make much more sense to do something good for yourself and for those around you? Here are some things I’d encourage you to do this weekend instead of watching 50 Shades of Grey. I think doing a few things on this list would be a better way of loving yourself and others this weekend.

1. Spend the weekend with loved ones (it is Valentines day)
2. Go through your closet and donate unused clothing to a shelter
3. Go to a farmers market
4. Send a letter to a friend
5. Call up a Grandparent
6. Read a short story by a female author
7. Watch your favorite childhood movie
8. Go for a hike
9. Test your trivia knowledge on this website
10. Print some of your favorite pictures from the past year and put them in a photo album
11. Go to see literally any other movie currently playing
12. Make a list of all the countries, states, and cities you’ve been to
13. Make a list of all the countries, states, and cities you’d like to visit
14. Read a newspaper
15. Download new music
16. Make a recipe off your Pinterest food board
17. Buy something for yourself online
18. Look through your old yearbooks
19. Unsubscribe from junk emails
20. Watch this video of Ellen scaring people
21. Buy chocolates to give to family and friends on Valentines day
22. Start watching a new show on Netflix
23. Subscribe to Netflix if you don’t have it
24. Try a hair mask
25. Go to the library
26. Share a bottle of wine with your significant other
27. Do at home yoga
28. Clean out your friend list on Facebook
29. Send your mom flowers
30. Go out for brunch
31. Reconnect with an old friend you’ve lost touch with
32. Watch a movie that empowers women
33. Go antiquing
34. Play a board game
35. Visit a used book store, and donate some of your old books
36. Brush up on your Spanish (or French, or German, or Swahili..)
37. Go window shopping
38. Or actual shopping
39. Try one of these smoothie recipes
40. Do that thing you’ve been procrastinating
41. Write to your local government about the importance of female equality in the work place
43. Rearrange your furniture
44. Create a new work out playlist and hit the gym
45. Go out for ice cream (only after the gym)
46. Write a letter to your significant other for them to open next Valentines Day
47. Get a pumice stone and give yourself an at-home pedicure
48. Meet a friend for coffee
49.Watch Emma Watson’s UN heforshe speech
50. Tell a female in your life that she is loved and appreciated

Spread the love! Happy Valentines Day