Whether you’re happily single, on the lookout for that perfect partner, or still figuring out how dating works during Covid, it’s hard to not think about your single status on Valentine’s Day. As commercials bombard you with kissing couples and storefronts display bouquets of red roses and heart-shaped chocolates, it’s common to feel a bit lonely. With that said don’t fear! Before you fall into the trap of scrolling through happy couples on Instagram, remember you can celebrate Valentine’s Day while single!
That’s right, this holiday isn’t only for those in happy partnerships. Valentine’s Day is a day of love, and we all know there are all types of love besides the romantic kind. Just look at the history of Valentine’s Day. So lean into self-love, friendships, and your community and check out these ideas for Valentine’s Day.
Send Yourself Flowers
Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year, you’ll probably have to work that day. If you’re heading into the office, you might be dreading watching your coworkers receive bouquets and gush as they read love letters. Even if you’re living that WFH life, you’ll probably hear all about the beautiful arrangements your friends and coworkers received.
But you know what? You don’t need someone else to send you flowers! Pick out a farm-fresh bouquet and send it your way. While you’re at it, pick out an arrangement for your single coworker who is dreading the heart-filled day. If you need some help figuring how the whole delivery process, check out these tips for Valentine’s Day flower delivery.
When you receive your arrangements, you’ll be reminded that there are all kinds of love in the world. And that’s something to smile about.
Celebrate With Your Single Friends
While it may seem like everyone in your life is happily partnered up, this probably isn’t true. When couples are celebrating together, gather a few of your single friends and get ready to have some fun.
Since Covid is still a concern, talk about what you’re all comfortable with. If you all feel that going out is safe, figure out what type of vibe you’re going for.
Looking to revel in the romance of dim lights and moody velvet? Head to a top-tier restaurant with friends. While high-end candlelit restaurants may be filled with hand-holding couples, that doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the fun. Reserve a table, share some appetizers and chat the night away while sipping a few cocktails.
If you’re feeling something a bit more lowkey, take a trip to your favorite brewery or pizza joint – bonus points if you can find a place with board games or some pinball machines.
If you’d rather stay away from crowds, invite a few single friends over. Plan a menu (we love the idea of an interactive dinner like a taco bar or hot pot), set up a cocktail station, and gather up your favorite board games. You can spend the night talking about the difficulties of dating during Covid or keep talk of romance off the table.
Love on Your Community by Volunteering
Rather than feeling down on yourself during Valentine’s Day, use this as an opportunity to give back to your community! Volunteering not only helps others, but it can also boost your mood.
Some organizations host special Valentine’s Day events that may require volunteers. Check to see if any homeless shelters or community kitchens are hosting Valentine’s Day dinners. If so, they would probably love an extra hand.
Another way to volunteer is by heading to your local animal shelter. Loving on some doggos and cats will surely bring a smile to your face. Plus, they’ll appreciate the affection.
If you’d like to volunteer but are quarantined at home or playing things safe, don’t fret! There are lots of ways to volunteer without leaving your house. One idea is to make some valentines and then send them to residents at a local nursing home or to emergency room workers.
Log Off of Social Media
Let’s be real. No matter how much you love yourself, sometimes being single can be tough. Looking at couples snuggling on the couch or seeing the seafood dinner your BFF’s significant other made for them can lead to some major feels.
If you know that seeing happy couples will make Valentine’s Day harder, log off of Instagram, Facebook, and anywhere else you’ll be bombarded by romance.
Spend the Night Pampering Yourself
Valentine’s Day aside, we could all use a little pampering. Use this day as an excuse to bring it all out. Now’s the time to purchase that facemask you’ve been eyeing and use that bath bomb you’ve been saving for a special occasion. After you’ve soaked in the tub or enjoyed a nice hot shower, slide into some new PJs or sweats and cozy up with your favorite takeout.
As you’re enjoying your night, take a moment to think about yourself, apart from everyone else. What are you proud you’ve accomplished this year? What are some of your shining characteristics? Write these down and tuck them somewhere you can find them in the future.
No matter if you remain single for the next decade or find your soulmate tomorrow, you can always turn to these reminders.
Celebrate Galentine’s Day
With all the hubbub surrounding Valentine’s Day, it’s easy to forget another great holiday falls in mid-February. Don’t know what we’re talking about? It’s Galentine’s Day!
The world has taken inspiration from this Parks and Rec holiday and brought it to real life. Every February 13, gal pals get-togethers and celebrate the love they share for each other.
While any type of celebration is game, a brunch filled with heart-shaped waffles and mimosas is hard to beat. With that said, this year offers a unique celebration opportunity. Since Galentine’s Day and the Super Bowl both fall on the same day, why not host a Superbowl Galentine’s Day Party?
Not only will Galentine’s Day remind you of the love in your life, but it will also give you a chance to say how you really feel about being single on Valentine’s Day. That’s right, tell your ladies how you feel! Whether you’re recovering from a rough breakup, navigating the Covid dating scene, or enjoying all single life has to offer, dish it out.
Spend Some Time in Nature
Sitting in an empty home or walking through stores filled with heart-shaped everything can quickly get old. If you’re looking for a way to escape, put on your shoes and head outside. The local park or river will do the trick, but you can also plan a bigger trip to a nearby state park or national park.
Spending a day hiking to the top of a mountain or watching the waves hit the shore reminds us how small we are. While this may sound like a downer, it can be a refreshing change from self-centered thoughts that seem to take over in times of stress. Time in green space can also help us calm down and rejuvenate.
Get Groovin’
Ditch those slow songs for upbeat tunes to transform your living room into a dance floor! Dance like no one is watching (because nobody is) and don’t be afraid to sweat a bit. After a few songs, you’ll be feeling good.
While solo dance parties are something everyone should experience, you can also opt to invite a few of your friends over for a night of moves. Create a shared playlist a few days ahead, and make sure everyone adds a few songs or two. When it’s time for a break, have some refreshing mixed drinks on hand. Seltzer water with a splash of cranberry juice, squeeze of lime, and an optional shot of vodka will do the trick.
Lean Into Romance with Some Rom-Coms
Just because you’re single, it doesn’t mean you don’t love the idea of romance. If that’s the case, cozy up on the couch with some popcorn and chocolates then queue up your favorite rom-com.
These movies will provide those tender romantic moments you’re craving plus they’ll have you belly laughing in no time.
Make and Send Valentines to Your Loved Ones
Remember when you were a kid and everyone haded out valentines? Take a note from these simpler times and create some handmade valentines for the important people in your life.
Even if you don’t fancy yourself an artist, you can’t go wrong with some red paper, glitter, and colorful markers. Cut out some hearts, think of a few love-related puns, and don’t be afraid to tell others what you love about them.
If you’d like to amp things up a notch, try out one of our favorite flower hacks for Valentine’s Day – pressed flowers to your cards! By planning a few weeks ahead, you can dry some flowers so they’re ready for the big day.
While your single friends will surely appreciate a valentine, don’t stop there! Even if your friends and family are in romantic relationships, they’ll still love to know your thinking of them. Giving out valentines also helps normalize the idea of non-romantic love. And the world can always use more of that.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Single
Being single during Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate in style! Choose one of the ideas above, order yourself some farm-fresh flowers, and get ready to celebrate all the love that’s in your life.
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