Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shower your loved one with roses, chocolates and a romantic date, but if you have recently broken up with some half-wit, been super-single since the stone age or your failing situationship has come to an abrupt halt, don’t worry, you are not alone!
It’s easy to have a bit of FOMO (Fear of missing out), especially when there is a sloppy rom-com being advertised on the TV every second, cute and fluffy teddy bears holding love hearts with embroidered love words in the shop window, all of your friends have a partner and have boasted about their exciting plans, but guess what – you can enjoy this holiday just as much as them, even on your lonesome.
So don’t feel left out because of one single lovey-dovey day of the year and don’t bury your head into a tub of ice cream either!
In fact, spending V-Day solo might even be beneficial for you.
Why Being Single on Valentine’s Day Might Be Good For You!
Valentine’s Day can sometimes feel like it’s all about couples, but not everyone wants to be in a relationship.
Some people haven’t found the right person yet, and others simply enjoy their own company.
In fact, in an interview with British Vogue in 2019, actress Emma Watson described her relationship status as “self-partnered,” meaning she embraces the concept of feeling complete and happy as an individual.
With that in mind, here’s why flying solo on Valentine’s can be pretty awesome:
1. No Pressure: You don’t have to stress about planning the perfect date or finding a gift. You can just relax and do whatever makes you happy.
2. Treat Yourself: It’s the perfect excuse to spoil yourself. Whether it’s ordering your favourite takeout, buying something you’ve been eyeing, or just having a cosy night in, you get to do exactly what you want.
3. Save Money: Valentine’s Day can get expensive! Being single means you can save that money or spend it on something you really want, without worrying about anyone else’s expectations.
4. Quality Time with Friends: Use the day to hang out with your friends. A fun night out, a movie marathon, or just catching up over coffee can be way more enjoyable than a forced romantic evening.
5. Avoid the Crowds: Restaurants and spots are packed on Valentine’s Day. You get to skip the crowds and the long waits, enjoying your evening in peace.
6. Focus on Yourself: It’s a great time to think about what makes you happy, what you want out of life, and to invest in yourself without distractions.
7. Less Stress, More Fun: Without the pressure of a relationship, you can fully enjoy the day for what it is, whether that means celebrating or just treating it like any other day.
8. Do Your Own Thing: You don’t have to conform to anyone else’s idea of what Valentine’s Day should be. You can make your own traditions or skip the day altogether if you want.
9. No Drama: Relationships can sometimes bring up issues, especially on a day like Valentine’s. Being single means you avoid any potential drama and just enjoy yourself.
10. Celebrate Your Independence: Valentine’s Day can be a great reminder of how awesome it is to be independent and to love your own company. It’s a day to celebrate you!
Activities You Can Do On Valentine’s Day
Being single is no tragedy, but a chance to explore what you really love and appreciate about yourself and have some fun along the way.
So what can you do on this years’ February 14th to take your mind off the urge to cyber-stalk your ex, well, there’s plenty you can do to show your fabulous self some love!
After all, self-love is #relationshipgoals within itself, right?
Check these 10 ideas below that you can do on and after V-day.
1. Give Yourself A Spa Day
Enjoy some self-pampering – you deserve it!
Apply a fruity face mask, slap two cucumber slices on your eyes, paint your nails, massage your feet…anything!
…Maybe don’t try to wax your own eyebrows though!
2. Treat Yourself To A Gift
You love you too! So why not treat yourself to a gift or two?
Fill up those wish-list items in the shopping basket and hit the ‘buy it now’ button.
At least you don’t have to stress about trying to find the perfect gift for someone else.
3. Volunteer
A charitable activity will definitely lift your mood, and it’s something that will always be in demand.
There are many different types and places to volunteer like animal shelters, soup kitchens, park clean-ups, fundraising, festivals and many more!
What a great way to support your local community and potentially make new friends.
4. Organise & De-clutter Your Bedroom
When you de-clutter your space, you reset the mind.
Spend the day properly stacking your books, re-organising your wardrobe and tidy up your jewellery cabinet, you might find it to be therapeutic too.
5. Take A Yoga Class
Yoga is one of the most common ways to practice mindfulness, improve physical fitness and increase your self-esteem.
So head over to a yoga class, who knows? You might meet someone new there or make some friends.
6. Have A Movie Marathon
Throw on your PJ’s, grab yourself some snacks and enjoy all of what Netflix has to offer.
Whether it’s a relatable rom-com like Bridget Jones or a spooky horror like Sinister, create a playlist and let it run!
7. Cook Yourself A Lovely Meal
While you might not have a dinner date on the cards, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tuck into a delicious meal.
The meal doesn’t have to be particularly fancy, but cooking a nice meal is just an easy way to show yourself some appreciation.
8. Indulge In A Good Book
Diving into a good book is a mode of entertainment, great for the imagination and stress-reducing.
If you’d prefer an audiobook, browse Audible which have a large catalogue of audiobooks, and you start with a 30-day free trial.
9. Babysit, And Make Money!
With so many couples wanting to go on a date for Valentine’s Day, they’ll need a babysitter.
This is the perfect opportunity to do something positive and helpful that day whilst earning some extra cash!
10. Do Something Adrenaline Pumping
Fear not! There are other ways to get your heart racing on V-Day.
Adrenaline-pumping activities like indoor climbing, quad-biking and bungee jumping are very exciting ways you can get hot and sweaty without a partner!
OR…
You could just treat Valentine’s Day like any other day :)
Let me know your solo plans for this year in the comments.
2 Comments
Kirsten Smith
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Pantea
Hey Chanel I absolutely love your article and I appreciate you normalizing how people feel (anxious/sad) on Valentine’s Day if they are not in a relationship. Our society puts so much pressure on folks and as a licensed mental health professional I see the impact it has on men and women. In addition to your great ideas, I put together 7 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you’re single https://pantearahimian.com/7-ways-to-celebrate-valentines-day-when-youre-single/