As Valentine’s Day creeps closer and closer, you might start to grow envious of your friends who have dates for the big day. Maybe they’ve already made exciting plans or can’t wait to surprise their S.O. with a thoughtful gift they picked out for them. All the romance in the air might start to make you feel left out—but don’t write off the whole night just yet. There are still plenty of ways to make February 14 memorable, even if you’re single.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, we have the perfect plan to make being single on Valentine’s Day much more liberating. Whether you prefer to enjoy a quiet night in by yourself or round up your best friends for a night of fun, there’s no limit to where this day can take you. Here are some of our best ideas for what to do on Valentine’s Day single to help give you the inspiration you need.
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Give Yourself Flowers or Chocolate (or Both!)
Who says you need an S.O. to surprise you with these classic Valentine’s treats? Treat yourself to a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a box of your favorite chocolates this Feb 14. The best part about buying these treats for yourself is that you know what you love better than anyone else does, which means you can’t end up disappointed. Plus, you can feel free to savor every last bite while you soak in a bubble bath or watch your favorite movie.
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Practice a Hobby
For most of us, our everyday lives are too hectic to dedicate the time we want to our interests and hobbies. Between staying on top of your work responsibilities and keeping things running smoothly at home, it can be tough to find space in your schedule for doing the things you love.
But what better day to focus on your favorite things than Valentine’s Day? You have all the time you want to finally bake those cupcakes or create a new painting. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it’s something that makes you come alive and gives you a reason to enjoy being single on Valentine’s Day.
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Put On Your Favorite Outfit
Just because you don’t have a fancy date planned doesn’t mean you can’t look your best. Comb through your closet and pick out your favorite pieces, whether it’s a classic LBD or a warm and fuzzy sweater. If you’re up to it, put on some makeup to complete the look.
You don’t need to choose just one outfit, either. Put together a bunch of your top looks and stage a fashion show to display every one of them. To give the event an extra touch, snap some photos and keep them so you can look back on your favorite outfits in the future.
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Turn Valentine’s Day Into Galentine’s Day
While some are perfectly content to spend Valentine’s Day on their own, others might still crave the company of their besties. If you’re feeling lonely this year, meet up with your single friends and make your own Galentine’s Day plans. Having a great time with your friends will help stave off loneliness and remind you that you’re lucky to have non-romantic partners who care about you.
When making plans with your pals, remember that you can do whatever’s best for all of you. If your idea of a perfect night is kicking back and watching Netflix, be sure to load up on popcorn and comfy pillows. Otherwise, you can make dinner plans just as you would with a romantic partner. Either way, Valentine’s Day can be the perfect opportunity to connect with your friends and spend quality time with them.
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Turn Up The Music
Just because you’re single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you can’t be the star of your own party! Grab your phone and put together a playlist filled with all of your favorite tunes. Whether you’re in the mood for high-energy dance hits or relaxing, folksy melodies, treat yourself to music that makes you feel good. Don’t be afraid to bust out some moves while you’re at it. You deserve to celebrate being you!
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Write in a Journal
Take advantage of the time you have to yourself this Valentine’s Day and make some room for self-discovery. Journaling is much more than a way to document the events of your day. This worthwhile pastime also allows you to tap into your deepest thoughts and feelings. The cathartic nature of writing in a journal lets you clear your mind and learn new things about yourself that you may not have discovered otherwise.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, don’t let the blank page intimidate you. There are no rules to journaling, so let your mind take you wherever it decides to go. You can begin by focusing on a specific event in your past, or you can simply begin letting your ideas and feelings flow freely out of you. Just remember to relax and enjoy the process.
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Cook a Fancy Dinner
A romantic dinner doesn’t need to be shared with another person. Show yourself that you’re the only one you need by cooking up a fancy meal that you can savor all by yourself. While a restaurant might mess up your order, you can ensure that everything is perfect when you’re in charge of the cooking.
To create the right atmosphere during your meal, consider lighting some candles or turning on some romantic music. Not only will you make yourself feel special, but you’ll also be appreciative of putting so much time into a dinner that you could freely indulge in.
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Plan a Spa Day
Nothing says self-care like a good old-fashioned spa day. At the insanely fast pace our lives seem to move, one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself is slow down and give yourself the chance to relax. Fortunately, a spa treatment is the perfect way to give yourself the TLC you so desperately need.
There are plenty of ways to make your spa day your own. You can buy a DIY face mask and give your skin a brand new start, or you can hop into the tub and soak in a scented bubble bath. If you’re feeling extra fancy, go out and buy some nail polish and treat yourself to a relaxing mani-pedi.
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Spend Time Outdoors
While it may be tempting to spend the entire day under the covers with your laptop, it’s good for you to get some fresh air, too. If you’re feeling down while sitting at home, step outside and get your blood flowing. You can go for a run if you’re the athletic type, or simply take a peaceful stroll around your neighborhood if you prefer to slow things down.
No matter which activity you choose, be mindful of the scenery around you. Simply being in nature is linked to an astounding number of health benefits, including lower stress levels, reduced pain and a more positive mood. Spending time outdoors may just be the perfect remedy for the feelings of loneliness and anxiety that stem from being single on Valentine’s Day.
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Discover a New Show or Book
If you’re tired of watching the same reruns, find at least one new show or movie that piques your interest. It could be something that you know you like, or it could be a completely different genre that you’ve never delved into before. Similarly, take some time to browse different book genres to find something that intrigues you. There’s something out there to fit every kind of taste, so give yourself enough time to explore all the opportunities.
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Reach Out to Your Loved Ones
Even if you don’t have any loved ones who live nearby, you can still show them that they’re on your mind. It’s as simple as picking up the phone and talking to them or sending them a heartfelt letter to express your love. After all, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about celebrating romantic relationships. You can also seize the opportunity to show your loved ones how much they mean to you. They’ll surely appreciate the gesture, and they might even reciprocate it, too.
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Take Charge of Valentine’s Day This Year
If you’re wondering what to do on Valentine’s Day single, we’ve got you covered. Show everyone how powerful it is to love yourself first by making this Valentine’s Day the most memorable one yet. Whether you decide to have an impromptu dance party or bake yourself your favorite treats, there are endless ways to have a blast when you’re single on Valentine’s Day. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about doing what’s best for you and no one else.
