Valentine’s Day is always geared towards couples, but what about the rest of the population!? This one day a year can certainly make some people blue. It’s never easy to sit back and see everyone around you cuddled up next to their significant other while you’re grasping a bottle of wine and white chocolate watching rom coms. While there’s no shame in this behavior, there remain multiple joyful ways to enjoy these 24 hours as a single female.
One of the greatest blessings of celebrating alone is that you can do whatever you want. No need to make plans revolving around anyone’s schedule but your own. You get to concentrate on what makes you happy and how you want to spend your holiday. Enjoy this freedom and independence! Here are some ways to revel in your singleness on this love-related holiday:
- Hand-write valentine’s to those you love.
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Pick up a pack of cards from Hallmark or create your own with card stock! Get out all your fancy pens, highlighters, and stickers, then celebrate those you love with well wishes and love poems. Deliver what you can, then mail the rest! There’s no joy like receiving something in the mail with your name on it that isn’t a bill.
- Get out in creation.
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Pack a cute lunch and enjoy a picnic. If you don’t want to go alone, ask a friend or two to bring a side dish and join. After you eat, go for a hike at a local or state park, and – better yet – walk your dog. Honestly, spending the whole day with your doggo is sure to instantly uplift your spirit.
- Read (or write) some poetry.
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Perhaps you’ve been awaiting some prompts to break in that new notebook you received for Christmas. Wait no more! Need some inspiration? E.E Cummings always hits.
- Have a spa day.
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Get a face mask, some fragrant bath salts, and a bottle of rosé. Fill up the tub and consume copious amounts of smooth jazz. Afterwards, air dry and paint your nails.
- Volunteer.
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There are plenty of people in your community who could use some extra love on Valentine’s Day. Find a local food pantry or shelter that may need assistance with meal distribution on February 14th. Don’t forget to wear your mask and some gloves!
- Splurge on a big gift for yourself.
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I know there’s something you’ve been dying to impulse buy. In fact, it’s probably still sitting in an online cart. Now’s the time to proceed to check out!
- Cook.
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This is the perfect day to attempt cooking a steak meal or baking a pie. Try a new dish and devour it. If it turns out well, make a plate for your neighbors. If it totally flops, call up your favorite restaurant and order take-out.
- Babysit.
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This is a serious double whammy: you give one lucky couple a free night, and you receive some $$$ in return. It’s honestly a win, win. Plus, you won’t be alone this year – you’ll be surrounded by a few kiddos instead! *Note that some families may not be comfortable with hiring babysitters at this time. Perhaps ask your close friends or family with children first.
- Host a virtual happy hour.
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Any other year, I’d recommend hosting a Galentine’s Day party. There’s no better way to celebrate than getting together with your girls and dancing the night away. However, now’s not the time to gather with people outside of your social bubble. Instead, consider hosting a virtual happy hour. You and your ladies can drink your favorite bottles of wine from the comfort of your own bed while talking about anything and everything.
No matter what, the way you spend this holiday is ultimately up to you! Soak up this time and know that you don’t need to be in a romantic relationship to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Keep in mind that this is just another Sunday. Don’t feel pressured to join or host any festivities if you’re not up to it. In reality, you’re the only sweetheart you need this year. If you start to feel down, know that you can always reach out for support. Stay strong, stay beautiful, and stay you.