25 Perfect Things to Do If You’re Single on Valentine’s Day
Updated: Jan. 15, 2022Flying solo on February 14th? Shower yourself with love, fun, pampering, and the very best chocolate (of course).
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Be your own Valentine
Valentine’s Day has long been known as the romantic holiday for couples, but that’s changing. One in three American adults are single, with half saying they’re looking for love and the other half saying they’re content with their current relationship status, according to the latest Pew Research poll. So even though romantic movies may make it seem like everyone else is going to be loved up for Valentine’s Day, the truth is that if you’re single on Valentine’s Day, you’re in really good company.
The best part is that you get to celebrate the day exactly how you want to. You can pick from the Valentine’s Day ideas on the list below, laugh at some funny Valentine’s Day memes, or celebrate with your BFFs on Galentine’s Day. Do whatever helps you love yourself and recognize you for being the awesome person you are.
Write yourself a love letter
It can be all too easy to focus on our flaws, so this Valentine’s Day, make a conscious effort to acknowledge all the good things you do by writing yourself a love letter. For more suggestions for building self-love, try journaling or buying a set of affirmation cards to read each and every day.
Buy yourself something sparkly
Pick up a little something special for yourself, and you’ll smile whenever you look at your new piece of jewelry. (Hey, you know what you like!) Make it even more meaningful by tying it to something you love about yourself, like a charm that represents your favorite hobby or a bracelet inscribed with your favorite mantra. Peruse this list of the best Valentine’s gifts for more ideas.
Paint something
If you’re worried about getting lost in your thoughts of the past or worries about the future, try focusing your attention by doing something creative. Not super crafty? “Diamond painting” is a fun new art form anyone can enjoy. (Think of it like an updated paint-by-numbers project with ridiculously good results!)
Get dressed up
Dressing to the nines for a night (or afternoon) out can totally transform your mood and instantly make you feel beautiful and confident. Go out of your comfort zone by adding something new, like a pair of fancy heels. For more inspiration, check out this mega list of other fun things to do.
Learn something new
Many businesses offer Valentine’s Day discounts on class packages, especially for things like wine tasting or cooking, and you don’t have to be in a relationship to partake in them. You can also try brushing up your culinary skills at home with a cake-decorating kit.
Set up a virtual happy hour with friends
Don’t feel like going out? Organize a Valentine’s Day Zoom happy hour where everyone brings their favorite festive drink or mixes a specialty cocktail from a recipe you send out in advance. Don’t miss these other ideas for how to celebrate Valentine’s Day, according to your zodiac sign.
Throw a Valentine’s Day party for your kids
Being a single parent doesn’t mean you have to ignore Valentine’s Day. Make it a special evening with your kiddos—they’ll love baking and decorating cookies together or with you. And, of course, don’t forget to pick up a little something for them, too. Make it easy by choosing from this list of the best Valentine’s gifts for kids.
Have a spa night
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to treat yourself to a massage, facial, fresh haircut or blowout, or makeover. Whether you want to splurge on a professional sesh or DIY some at-home spa treatments is totally up to you. You might also want to try these Valentine’s Day nail trends.
Indulge in the good stuff
You know exactly what kind of Valentine’s chocolates you like best, so go to your favorite chocolatier and fill a small box with your favorite artisan truffles. No sharing allowed!
Do a social media detox
Turning off your phone on Valentine’s Day isn’t hiding—it’s self-care. There’s no need to see pictures of your friends cozying up to their significant others, fancy gifts, or (heaven forbid) whatever your ex is up to now. Make a commitment to stay off social media for a full 24 hours.
Sweat it out
The natural endorphins you get from exercise are one of the fastest ways to feel instantly happier, making a workout a great Valentine’s Day activity, whether it’s a run in the park or a yoga session. Having trouble getting motivated? Find the best workout for you, based on your zodiac sign.
Take a bubble bath
Grab one of the best fiction books, pour a glass of something delicious, turn on your favorite playlist, and then draw yourself the most epic bubble bath ever. Make it luxurious and fun with fizzy bath bombs and candles. If you want to stick with the theme of the day, download our playlist of the best love songs.
“Date” your bestie
Who says couples are the only ones who can take advantage of V-Day prix fixe meals, two-for-one movie offers, and discounted couples massages? Grab a platonic friend who’s also single on Valentine’s Day and save some moolah with the rest of the date-night crowd. A gift isn’t necessary, but any of these inexpensive Valentine’s Day gifts will certainly be appreciated.
Wear a funny tee
Have a little fun with your single status by wearing a clever T-shirt. There are lots of hilarious options, like this one that allows you to skip “single” and “taken” to check “mentally dating Ryan Reynolds” (or whichever celeb you like!).
Buy yourself a beautiful bouquet
Fresh flowers are the perfect pick-me-up, bringing instant happiness and joy. Treat yourself to a gorgeous spray of roses, daisies, or whatever your favorite flower is. Here are some stunning Valentine’s Day flowers to choose from—and a guide to what different rose colors mean.
Take a staycation
You don’t have to go far to take an exciting trip. Use these staycation ideas to stay close to home while still making it feel special. Play tourist in your hometown, book a night in a hotel, or go glamping in your own backyard!
Do a good deed
Helping someone else is one of the fastest ways to feel better about yourself. Brighten someone else’s Valentine’s Day with one of these 100 random acts of kindness, whether you’re rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty or simply making someone smile with a genuine compliment.
Send anonymous flowers
Know someone who will be really struggling this Valentine’s Day? Send them an anonymous bouquet of flowers to remind them how much they are loved. These are the best online flower delivery services to order from.
Dance and sing
There’s something so joyful about dancing and singing, especially when you’re by yourself! Crank your tunes (or buy a karaoke machine for the occasion!) and go nuts.
Reorganize your closet
There’s something so satisfying about cleaning out and reorganizing a space. Clear out some old clothes and memories with these pro tips for organizing your closet once and for all—and reap the benefits all year long.
Have a good cry
If you’re feeling bummed out about being single on Valentine’s Day, it’s important and healing to acknowledge that. Give yourself space to grieve past relationships; crying can be incredibly healing.
Celebrate with bubbly
About half of people who are single are perfectly happy with their relationship status, and there are a lot of great things about being solo. Toast yourself and single life with champagne or sparkling cider in a pretty champagne flute.
Do nothing at all
There’s no rule that says you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day at all. If you’re not feeling it this year for whatever reason, give yourself full permission to put on some super comfy loungewear and your favorite pair of slippers, stay home, and do nothing. That down time just may be the best gift of all!
Source:
- Pew Research Center: “A Profile of Single Americans”
