Guide to Being Single on Valentine’s Day

When the supermarket starts stocking up on roses and romantic balloon bouquets, you know V day is right around the corner. In this girl’s honest opinion, Valentine’s Day is so overblown and commercialized that many happily coupled friends ignore it.

Oddly enough, it’s my single friends who get serious about Valentines Day, and not in a good way. So if Valentine’s Day turns you into a wine-guzzling, sweatpants-wearing hermit, then this guide to being single on Valentine’s Day is for you.

Seven ideas for surviving single on Valentine’s Day

Try these ideas below to plan your best single Valentine’s Day ever.

1. Remember what V-Day dates are really like

Valentines Day is a holiday best celebrated by newbie couples who are gaga in love. If you’ve been there recently, you might remember being consumed with your newfound sweetie and talking about it all the time. V-day is perfect for that stage of a relationship, because the holiday is all about over-the-top displays of affection.

But many established couples downplay Valentine’s Day. Why? For one, the urge to express your love constantly may have waned. In an established relationship, you can feel the love while spending a quiet evening watching TV. You just don’t need someone to spread rose petals on your table linens.

The second and more important reason couples often skip V-day dates is because they stink. The date, not the couple. Valentine’s Day surpasses New Year’s Eve as the worst night of the year to spend money in a restaurant. The food is overpriced, the restaurant is crowded, and there’s a good chance your car’s coming back from the valet with door dings.

So, single ladies, be thankful you’re not burdened by expectations for perfection and sublime romance. Because any dinner date on February 14 is likely to be very disappointing.

2. Rally the troops

Get your single girlfriends together and plan a nice trip or an all-day activity. Just be sure to set the rules ahead of time. No Debbie downer conversation! If someone’s going to talk about an ex-boyfriend, it must be to share something embarrassing about him. Lamenting the good times is off limits.

3. Get competitive

Exercise can get you out of a mental rut like nothing else. And getting yourself signed up for competitive exercise practically forces you to commit. Volunteer to play in a softball game, arrange a run with a group of friends, or organize a kickball game. Whatever activity you choose, make sure you also plan for an after-game trip to the nearest sports bar.  

If you don’t live near friends, peruse the local coffee shop for teams needing more players. Or, sign up for a virtual 5K walk/ run, which can be done anywhere.

4. Hit the movies

The movie theater is another great option for single women on Valentine’s Day. The only rule here is that romantic comedies are not allowed. An action film with a hunky male lead is a better choice.

The choice of venue is important here too. I’d recommend a full-service theater that offers food and drink service. What’s more indulgent than sliding into a big puffy recliner and then pushing a button to request a glass of wine?

5. Get creative

If you’re not into competitive sports, try expressing your creative side. Go to a poetry jam or a pottery studio with friends. Or reorganize your music collection and create new themed playlists and mashups. Or make a scrapbook for a friend who has a birthday coming up. The opportunities here are endless.

6. Research successful, funny women

Women do amazing things (without men) everyday. If you feel the single blues dragging you down, the fix is just a YouTube search away. Get inspired by successful female comedians like Amy Schumer, Kate McKinnon, Chelsea Handler, and Amy Poehler. Watch their clips on YouTube and you’ll see that laughter really is good for you.

7. Pamper yourself

You should pamper yourself regularly, but Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for some extra “you time.” You might as well go big and treat your nails, face, and body.

Nails

Spoil yourself with a DIY manicure and pedicure, or go out with your girlfriends for a splurgy treatment. Stay lighthearted by choosing cheery colors.

Face

Again, you can DIY a facial or treat yourself to a spa day. Go budget and buy yourself an at-home facial kit. Or, splurge on a deep tissue massage. This will be an especially great idea if you spent the day before playing kickball with strangers.

Body

Therapy shopping is a thing. So why not find yourself something pretty to wear? Look for a romantic dress or blouse that flatters.

If you’re not sure how to find a piece that fits the romantic category, look for ruching, flutter sleeves, and high waists.

Single life on V-Day

Valentine’s Day as a couple’s celebration is overblown. So shake off that feeling that you’re supposed to have a date or that you’re missing out on something. Go ahead and plan a day — or two! — of self-care and social activities on or around the 14th. Trust me, you’re likely to have way more fun than the googly-eyed couples who spend way too much on dinner.