The heavy influx of large teddy bears, pink hearts, chocolate covered strawberries, and chubby baby cupids can only mean one thing– Valentine’s Day is near. Valentine’s Day, supposedly the most romantic day of the year is hard to escape, especially when you are single. As the couples around you frantically search for gifts and make romantic plans, Valentine’s Day can start to feel like Singles Awareness Day.
Being single on Valentine’s Day is nothing to feel ashamed or upset about. As a 21st century woman, you do not need any man or woman to complete you, and you can have an amazing Valentine’s Day without a significant other. Take back the day of love and make it your own!
1. Ask a close friend to be your Valentine.
One of my favorite Valentine’s Days occurred during my freshmen year of college. One of my close friends and I asked each other to be our valentine. Then on that snowy Valentine’s Day, we exchanged gifts that we had thoughtfully purchased for each other, splurged on pizza, and watched a movie while our friends in relationships were on dates with their boyfriends. We could have chosen to just sit in our rooms miserable. Instead, we spent time together and made each other feel special. For this reason, asking a close friend that is also single to be your valentine is a great way to beat the singles blues. This way you still get to partake in some of the traditional Valentine’s Day fun without the stress that often comes with being in a relationship.
2. Be someone’s secret valentine.
When I was a child, one of my uncles chose me as his secret valentine and gave me a gold ring with a silver detailed heart on it. I had not expected anything from anyone, so receiving the ring from my uncle was incredibly special to me. I cherish that ring to this day. While being on the receiving end of a gift is nice, giving them often can be a lot more fun. Being someone’s surprise valentine will help to make them feel special and cared for which will in turn make you feel good. Your gift does not have to be expensive, it just needs to show that you care. Show a friend or a family member some love and be their secret valentine! They will probably remember it for years to come.
3. Have a night in with your friends.
Personally, anytime I link up with my friends, I have a good time. Hanging out with your good friends on Valentine’s Day makes sense if none of you have plans. Order some pizza, play some music, eat a disgusting amount of chocolate, pop in a movie, and just spend some time with each other.
4. Be Your Own Valentine
You should take care of yourself and love yourself every day of the year, but Valentine’s Day is also the perfect day to show yourself a little bit of extra self-love. Take this Valentine’s Day to remind yourself why you love you. Get a massage, take a longer shower than normal, do that face-mask you have been saving for the “right” time, paint your nails, start reading that book you have been eyeing, buy yourself chocolate covered strawberries, take yourself out on a date, do whatever makes you happy! There is no reason you should not treat yourself on Valentine’s Day.
5. Volunteer
Volunteering is something you should try to do multiple times throughout the year, but Valentine’s Day is a great day to give back. Besides, it’s hard to feel bad that you don’t have a date for the night when you are helping others. While there are numerous ways you can volunteer your time, I personally think volunteering at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or animal shelter would be a perfect way to spend your Valentine’s Day. This way you can still get human interaction or puppy cuddles, which ever you prefer.
Never forget other types of love are just as important as romantic love, and Valentine’s Day can be used to celebrate those as well. You do not need a partner to have a great Valentine’s Day; all you need to do is show love to other people and beings.