11 Ways to Be Single on Valentine’s Day—And Love It!
Updated: Jan. 27, 2020Why simply survive February 14 when you can have a fabulous time just being you? Being single on Valentine's Day can be a drama-free blessing instead of a curse.
Get a Valentine’s Day reality check
Whether you’re married or single, nothing is harder than being in a bad relationship. Sure, all love connections hit rough patches, but many cross the line, becoming detrimental to love of self, and causing long-term damage and unhappiness. Of course, love relationships often work out, and Cupid’s arrow can hit even those who have been hurt before. “Whether you’re waiting for your next chance at love, or are content to remain solo, the key to being happily single on Valentine’s Day is to realize that marriage is not the key to happiness,” says Rich Gosse, Chairman of The Society of Single Professionals and author of eight books on the single lifestyle. “Most unhappy singles simply don’t get this obvious truth. Close to half of all marriages end in divorce, so they are obviously not happy. And millions of married couples stay together, not because they are happy, but for religious or financial reasons, or ‘for the kids.’ Once singles understand these facts, it’s much easier to be happy alone on V-Day.” Read on to find out how to do it.
Take off the sweat pants and dress up
Life should be enjoyed and embraced, not spent sitting at home feeling alone,” says life coach Dallisa Hocking, founder of Love FrogKisser. “So, I advise singles to make Valentine’s Day a celebration by turning it into an ‘I Love My Life’ Day.” One way to do this is by getting dressed up, donning something that makes you feel special and confident. If you find it harder to hang out at home when you’re all gussied up, that’s basically the idea, but no worries. There’s plenty to do on V-Day for the I’m-single-and-loving-it set. For inspiration, check out these 15 things everyone should do alone at least once.
Go play
Even the happily single can’t help but notice that the world is full of couples, but so what? On Valentine’s Day and every day, get out there like you own the world, and experience everything it has to offer. Love the opera? Get a membership and go solo. Into painting? There are tons of paint and sip workshops around, where you can happily join a crowd of wanna-be Picassos while enjoying a velvety glass of Merlot. Explore your interests, and let them take you out into the world. Anywhere you go, there are bound to be lots of other people worth meeting and getting to know. If you feel like flirting, fine. If you feel like making a new friend, that’s fine, too. Don’t miss these 29 tips for finding love after 40.
Go play with friends
According to the New York Post, single adults now outnumber married ones, so you’re bound to have tons of company on Valentine’s Day. Cool things to do on Valentine’s Day with friends are easy to find. The only movies that will have long lines are the sappy ones, so you can treat yourselves to the latest action flick or thriller. You can also go dancing, hang out at the coolest bar on the block, or get outdoorsy and enjoy winter sports, like ice skating or skiing. There’s also a lot to be said for hanging indoors and enjoying a sumptuous meal or Netflix binge with the rest of your single-and-loving-it friends. Here are 50 more science-backed tips to stop feeling lonely.
Got kids on Valentine’s Day?
Being a single parent doesn’t mean you have to (or should) ignore Valentine’s Day. Scout out the other single moms and dads in your child’s school or in the park (there will be tons), and turn V-Day into a singles family night. Invite everyone over to your place for a pot luck dinner and board games marathon that your kids’ friends and their single parents can enjoy. You can also organize a museum or theme park outing for the group. If you’ve been feeling down about your single status, you’ll want to know these top 10 benefits of being divorced.
Go spa or go home
Being single on Valentine’s Day leaves you open to do whatever you want to do without having to check in with another person. This vacation from having to compromise without worrying about someone else’s wants or needs presents a delicious opportunity to focus on yourself. “Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful day of loving and celebrating yourself,” says LA-based psychologist, Yvonne Thomas, PhD. Thomas suggests treating yourself to loving, self-care gifts, such as a massage, mani-pedi, facial, complimentary makeover, or scented bubble bath.
Get under the covers, pull down the shades, and turn off your phone
This isn’t hiding, it’s nesting. What could be better than unwinding with a great book? Curl up with your dog, make a cozy dinner for one, and lose yourself in your favorite at-home activity, even if its binge-watching Game of Thrones. One of the most important keys to relishing the single life is to enjoy your own company. Try these 17 little ways to connect with others if you get too lonely.
Break a sweat
Gyms, running trails, and yoga studios are traditionally packed on Valentine’s Day, and for good reason. The heart is more than just a Valentine’s Day symbol. Keeping heart-healthy is an important aspect of self-love and care. Being single on Valentine’s Day makes it a great time to check out the new Pilates studio around the corner or try a Zumba class for the first time.
“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 couple’s 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. You’ll get the same great deals, minus the pressure of making it the most romantic night possible. No one has to know you aren’t actually a couple.
Send a love note
This one doesn’t go out to your secret crush. Take time this Valentine’s Day to acknowledge the people you love—and not necessarily in a romantic way. Text a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, make a point of acknowledging a colleague’s hard work, or give your parents a call. Even on date night, we promise they’ll want to hear from you!
Bake something sweet
Even if no one’s buying you chocolate, you can still indulge (without just eating ice cream on the couch). Get to work in the kitchen making homemade chocolate-covered strawberries, cookies, or single-serving lava cake. You’ll get to enjoy the sweetest parts of the holiday while keeping your mind off your singleness. Bring your treats to the office the next day to be everyone’s new favorite coworker, or invite friends over to help bake (and eat!) your creations. You could also treat yourself to one of these 15 gifts to give yourself if you’re single on Valentine’s Day.