Valentine’s Day is here and for some, the thought of being single on this love-filled holiday can bring about feelings of sadness and loneliness. But why let society dictate how you should feel on a day that’s supposed to celebrate love in all forms? Being single on Valentine’s Day can be a blessing in disguise.
It’s an opportunity to practice self-love, indulge in some much-needed self-care, and create new memories with friends and loved ones. This Valentine’s Day, let’s put the emphasis back on self-love and happiness. There are 9 ways to make this Valentine’s Day a celebration of all things you. So sit back, grab a box of chocolates (or two), and get ready to fall in love with yourself all over again.
- Practice Self-Care: Self-care is essential, and there’s no better day to prioritize it than Valentine’s Day. It’s time to get in touch with your inner spa goddess and treat yourself to some much-deserved pampering. Light some candles, draw a bubble bath and let yourself relax. If you’re feeling extra fancy, treat yourself to a massage or a full-blown spa day. The possibilities for self-care are endless. And if your idea of self-care is binge-watching ‘The Bachelor’ and eating a whole pizza, well, I say go for it! No judgment here. After all, the only thing better than being in love is being in love with yourself. So, go ahead and pamper yourself, you deserve it.
- Connect with Friends and Family: Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to connect with the people you love. So, why not gather your closest friends for a game night, have a virtual chat with family members, or even volunteer your time at a local nursing home? Spending time with loved ones is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and fill your heart with love and happiness. And who knows, you might even learn a thing or two about love from the residents of the nursing home. Just be prepared for the occasional “Why are you still single?” question from your well-meaning but slightly nosy aunt. But hey, you’ve got this, and the love of your friends and family is all the validation you need.
- Explore New Hobbies or Interests: Why not use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to explore new hobbies or interests? Join a book club, start a craft project, or try an outdoor activity you’ve always wanted to do. Not only will it be a fun and exciting way to spend the day, but it could also lead to a newfound passion or hobby. And who knows, maybe your newfound skills will impress future dates and make you even more irresistible. So go ahead and take the leap, try something new, and have fun with it. After all, it’s always good to have something interesting to talk about on a first date, like how you single-handedly saved the bees through beekeeping.
- Give Back to the Community: Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show love and appreciation not only to yourself but to those around you. So why not volunteer your time at a local shelter, participate in a community service project, or make a donation to a charity of your choice? Not only will you be spreading love and kindness, but you’ll also be doing your part to make the world a better place. Plus, it’s a great way to prove to your mother (or anyone else who might doubt it) that you’re a good person, with a heart full of love and a spirit of generosity. So, go ahead and give back to your community, you’ll feel great about yourself and be doing something truly meaningful. And who knows, you might even meet a fellow volunteer and end up with a Valentine’s Day date after all.
- Enjoy Some Alone Time: Sometimes, the best way to spend Valentine’s Day is to just be by yourself and enjoy some peace. So, why not have a solo movie night, take a solo trip, or spend the day at home with a good book? Alone time is essential for your mental and emotional health, and it’s a great opportunity to recharge your batteries and reconnect with yourself. Plus, you’ll avoid all the lovey-dovey couples on the street who are just dying to rub their happiness in your face. So, go ahead and embrace the alone time, enjoy some much-needed peace, and indulge in some self-care. You’ll be happy you did, and who knows, you might even discover a new favorite hobby or pastime.
- Indulge in Retail Therapy: If you’re feeling down on Valentine’s Day, a little retail therapy might be just what the doctor ordered. Treat yourself to a shopping spree, buy yourself something special, or pick up a thoughtful gift for yourself. Retail therapy is a great way to boost your mood, feel good about yourself, and remind yourself that you don’t need anyone else to make you happy. So, go ahead and indulge in a little retail therapy. Treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting, or splurge on something that will make you feel good. After all, there’s nothing quite like a little retail therapy to chase away the Valentine’s Day blues. And who knows, you might even end up with a new outfit that will turn heads and make you feel like the hottest single person on the block!
- Get Active: If you’re feeling down on Valentine’s Day, getting active is a great way to boost your mood and feel good about yourself. So lace up your sneakers, grab your workout gear, and hit the pavement! Whether you prefer to go for a walk, run, or try a new sport, getting physical is a great way to feel energized, healthy, and in control. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not try a new workout class or join a sports team? There’s no better way to celebrate being single than by proving to yourself that you’re a total badass. Plus, getting active is a great way to work off all the ice cream you indulged in during step one. So, whether you’re looking to work up a sweat or just enjoy the great outdoors, getting active on Valentine’s Day is a surefire way to make you feel great and chase away any feelings of loneliness. So why not hit the gym, go for a hike, or try a new sport? You might just discover a new hobby that you love!
- Have a culinary adventure: Cooking and trying new food can be a fun adventure, especially on Valentine’s Day when you don’t have to share your dessert. Impress yourself with a fancy dinner or try a new restaurant or cuisine that you’ve always wanted to try. And if things don’t go as planned in the kitchen, just order takeout and call it a win. You’re the chef of your own life, so live it up and enjoy some delicious eats!
- Lastly, celebrate yourself: Take some time to reflect on all the amazing things that make you, you! Write down a list of things you love about yourself and all the amazing things you’ve accomplished so far. Treat yourself to something special, like a concert, a show, or a night out with friends. Celebrating yourself is a great way to feel good about who you are and to remind yourself that you’re a catch — even if you’re still waiting for the world to see it. It’s also a great way to show that you don’t need a partner to validate your self-worth, because let’s be real, you’re a diamond and diamonds don’t need a date on Valentine’s Day.
Final Thoughts
Now that’s a holiday you can get behind! So go ahead, put on your comfiest pajamas, watch a rom-com (or not), and embrace the love-filled spirit of the day in your way. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, the most important thing is to do what makes you happy and brings a smile to your face. And if that means indulging in some retail therapy or binge-eating chocolate, then so be it! After all, who needs a significant other when you have good food and a full shopping bag by your side? 
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Renji Desh on Unsplash
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