The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Survival Guide for Singles

Ahhh Valentine’s Day… 24 hours of romance, a week of flower deliveries at the office, and your Instagram feed flooded with smooches. It can be hard to watch all of this unfold every February. But with a million heart-shaped candies and lovey-dovey social media posts, it can be a day (or month!) of dread. For many, Valentine’s Day can be a reminder of your relationship status (whether that’s something that you celebrate or struggle with), and people in relationships might see the barrage of posts as a reminder that their relationship is far from perfect. It can be hard to see all the happy couples especially in the wake of a divorce or breakup. So how can you navigate the roller coaster of emotions this Valentine’s Day?

Here are some ideas to help you escape the Cupid craze…

CELEBRATE SELF LOVE

If you’re single and dreading Valentine’s Day, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In fact, nearly half of all Americans are single, so you definitely have company (census.gov, 2022). And while Valentine’s Day can be a tough day for singles, it doesn’t have to be a total bummer. There are plenty of ways to make the most of it, and even turn it into a fun and positive experience. This Valentine’s Day, celebrate the amazingness that is you by treating yourself to something special.

Go out on a date…with yourself! Doing something nice for yourself is a great way to show yourself some love. Whether it’s buying yourself a new outfit, planning a fun outing, seeing a movie, going shopping, or taking a hike in the woods, do something that you enjoy and that will make you feel good. Feeling extra special? Get a massage or treat yourself to your favorite meal (restaurant or DIY!). Treat yourself like you would your significant other. You deserve it!

Write a love letter to yourself-
It’s so easy to forget how great you are when the whole world is filled with negativity. This week, take some time to sit down with a pen and paper to remind yourself of all that you do for others and everything you love about who you are.

Remember that being single is not a bad thing: Embrace your singledom! This is a chance to focus on your own happiness without having to worry about anyone else. relish in your freedom and enjoy this time in your life.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, remember that you are loved—by yourself and by others. And that’s what this day is really all about.

EMBRACE NEW EXPERIENCES

Just because you don’t have a significant other to celebrate with doesn’t mean you can’t have fun on Valentine’s Day. Use this as an opportunity to try something new, whether it’s going out on a date with yourself or exploring a new city or activity. Look up a visitor’s guide to your town… chances are you’ll discover something new just down the street!

If you’re looking to splurge, treat yourself to something special, like a new outfit or your favorite dessert. Or, take some time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate with a spa day or yoga class. On a budget? See what your local library or community center has to offer in terms of free or cheap classes.

Do something productive (Yes, we used the P word)! Use this time to get ahead on that project you’ve been meaning to do, or learn a new skill you’ve been aching to try. Make this Valentine’s Day constructive and creative… you’ll be glad you did.

CONNECT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Another great way to celebrate self-love on Valentine’s Day is to spend time with your friends. They say laughter is the best medicine, so why not spend the day with your BFFs and have a good laugh?

-Get together with your single friends and have your own Galentine’s Day celebration. Make it a girls’ night in with wine, chocolate, and your favorite movies or TV shows. You can even exchange Galentine’s Day gifts and favors with your girlfriends to show how much you appreciate them.

-Send love to your friends and family. Just because you’re not in a romantic relationship doesn’t mean you can’t show your loved ones how much you care about them. Send a card, give a hug, or just give them a call – let them know they’re in your thoughts.

-If you have any couples in your life that you’re close to, ask them if you can join them for dinner or drinks. Chances are they’ll be more than happy to include you in their celebrations.

-Use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family members who live far away. Give them a call or send them a card letting them know you’re thinking of them.

-Do something nice for someone else. One great way to feel good on Valentine’s Day is to spread the love by doing something nice for someone else – whether it’s cooking dinner for a friend, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply paying it forward with a kind act.

CONCLUSION

Valentine’s Day can be a moment of self-reflection, self-care, and joy. By taking some time to reflect on what makes you happy and doing something special for yourself, you can make Valentine’s Day great regardless of your relationship status. Whether it’s spending time with friends or family, indulging in self-care activities like yoga or reading a good book, take this day as an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes you unique and special!

Bureau, U.S. Census. “Unmarried and Single Americans Week: September 18-24, 2022.” Census.gov, 24 Aug. 2022, https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/unmarried-single-americans-week.html.