If you have a significant other, Valentine’s Day can be a lot of fun. You can buy them gifts, go on dates, and be a disgustingly lovey couple. You can also enjoy Valentine’s Day if you’re happy being single. “Galentine’s Day” is on the rise, and there are plenty of Valentine’s Day events that would work just as well with friends or on your own.
But what about those people who don’t have a significant other, but want one? What if you want to spend Valentines sighing wistfully and dreaming of the day you have a great romance? Independence is great, but dammit, sometimes you’re ready for love.
So for those in the mood to be maudlin and oversentimental, here are some tried and true Valentine’s Day activities.
1. Watch a romcom
They’re cheesy, but they’re a good kind of cheesy. After a long day of being single, it can be nice to kick back with a bowl of ice cream and live vicariously through cliché characters.
2. Make a wedding Pinterest BoardOr it doesn’t have to be a wedding Pinterest Board, if you’re not interested in getting married—an ideal date Pinterest would work just as well. There’s something soothing about picking and choosing parts to craft the perfect romantic day.
3. Listen to a love song playlist
If you’re going to flop on your bed, dramatically lovelorn, then you need some background music. There are plenty of love song playlists on Youtube, Spotify, and other music apps. Find one that suits you, close your eyes, and enjoy.
4. Play a video game where you can romance someone
Video games allow you to explore new worlds, become a different person, and, yes, occasionally date people. You have a range of options, from serious video games with complex love stories to making yourself seven spouses in Sims 2. As long as you’re enjoying yourself, it’s all good.
5. Watch couple videos on Youtube
Youtube might be known for its hateful comments, but there’s plenty of love on there too. Whether you prefer music videos of fictional couples or the vlogs of real life spouses, Youtube will allow you to admire a romance and dream that it could someday be you.
6. Talk to someone about ideal dates
You might be single, but you aren’t alone. Meet up with your friends and chat about crushes, ideal dates, and what you look for in a partner. Some people might disparage these topics as stereotypical sleepover gossip, but love and romance are a part of many people’s lives, so we should be able to casually chat about it with friends.
7. Daydream
Of course daydreaming is on this list. It’s classic pining behavior, and it’s convenient, too. You can daydream at home or on the go, and all you need is your imagination. The opportunities are endless; whether you want a meet-cute at a coffee shop or a star-crossed love story that spans decades, daydreaming will have your back.
So go ahead and dream of falling in love. It’s Valentine’s Day; you’re allowed to be unnecessarily romantic. Just remember, romantic love isn’t the only type of love, and it definitely isn’t the only important thing in life. Be romantic if you want, but on February 15th, get up and continue living your happy, healthy, single life.