It’s that time of year again. The aisles of your local CVS are overflowing with all things red, white, pink and puffy heart-shaped. Diamond commercials are back with a vengeance after taking a quick break to recoup from the holidays and chocolate is once again everywhere. Some of us may even be feeling more romantic than usual as we try and figure out how we’re going to spend February 14 with our significant other.
But what if you’re single on Valentine’s Day?
Contrary to popular belief, being single on February 14 isn’t the total bummer that everyone makes it out to be. In fact, it’s actually pretty awesome.
Here are some suggestions that will not only help you survive Valentine’s Day if you’re single, but totally rock it.
1. Plan a fun night in with your other single friends.
Why spend Valentine’s alone when you can chill with your favorite single friends? Make a big batch of Sangria, grab some bubbly (or whatever your beverage of choice is), get everyone to bring their favorite snacks and enjoy a fun night in where you talk, laugh, do your nails, watch movies and have a grand old time.
2. Celebrate being single.
Feeling festive? If you think all of the other single folks are going to be holed up in front of the TV in their pajamas, you’re dead wrong. Get together a group of single friends to hit the town and celebrate your singleness en masse. Have a great dinner together, grab some drinks and if you’re feeling up for it, finish the evening by dancing the night away.
3. Own your sass. Take a class.
A lot of gyms, yoga and dance studios will have special classes for Valentine’s Day. Try yoga by candlelight. Take a Beyoncé themed “Single Ladies” barre fitness class. If you’re feeling extra sassy, try a pole dancing or burlesque dance class. Who says you need a partner to embrace your sexy side?
4. Do something for someone else.
One of the easiest ways to bring more love into your life is by practicing random acts of kindness. If you’re feeling bummed out on Valentine’s Day, try doing something for someone else with no expectation of receiving anything in return. Call your grandma. Write a sweet note to someone just to let them know you appreciate them. Volunteer to go visit senior citizens or sign up to help serve food at a homeless shelter. Making other people feel good will make you feel good in return.
5. Get in touch with your inner child.
Remember how much fun Valentine’s Day was as a kid? Head over to your local pharmacy or card store and grab a box of the goofiest Valentines you can find. If you’re feeling extra crafty, grab some construction paper, glitter glue, sparkly pens and create some of your own. Write out a Valentine for each of your favorite people. Deliver. Repeat.
6. Pamper yourself.
Get that pedicure and massage. Treat yourself to a haircut. Order some Seamless and binge on your favorite guilty pleasure TV and movies. Spend a night taking care of and showing yourself some much needed love. Cupid be damned.
7. Sweat it out.
While you shouldn’t sweat February 14, sweating on Valentine’s Day is a totally different story. Not sure what to do with yourself? Do something nice for your body and head to the gym. Not only is working out great for your health, it also releases endorphins, which make you feel ah-ma-zing. Plus, you never know who you’ll meet at the gym.
8. Adjust your expectations.
While Valentine’s Day is marketed as the most romantic day of the year, it really isn’t. It’s just one day out of 365 and, whether you’re single or in a relationship, you shouldn’t be waiting until February to show yourself or your partner some love. That’s something you should be doing every single day. When you frame it that way, Valentine’s Day isn’t that big of a deal.
9. Ask someone out on a date.
Seriously, just do it. There’s this silly idea that if you’re not in a relationship, you shouldn’t ask someone out on February 14 and if you do, it will “mean something.” Yes, it will mean something: you’ll be out on a date instead of sitting at home wishing you were on a date. Plus, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a serious affair. Ask someone cute if they’d like to grab a quick beer or a coffee. What can it hurt? Life is too short to sit around feeling sorry for yourself and wondering “What if?”