8 Ways to Enjoy Valentine’s Day If You Are Single

Valentine’s Day can be a challenge when you are single, but it doesn't have to be! Whether you recently went through a break-up, or just tend to be a lone wolf, Valentine’s Day can sometimes bring with it some outside pressure to be coupled up with someone.
Here are some ways that you can make this year’s Valentine’s Day a fun one to remember when you’re flying solo!

1. Have a Galentine’s (or Guyentine’s!) day party
   Take a note from Knope and celebrate special friendships this Valentines Day.  Leslie Knope, played by the amazing Amy Poehler on Parks and Rec was famous for her over the top celebrations and thoughtful gifts. Every year, she would host a Galentine’s Day brunch with her best girlfriends on February 13th. Plan your version of a Galentine’s Day this year! Invite your very best gal (or guy) friends over to celebrate them! This can be just a simple brunch or an all-out party. Either way, take the time to really celebrate your friends. Share with them why they are special to you in your life.

2. Make Valentine’s Day cards for all of your single friends

If you’re feeling crafty this year, why not make some Valentine’s Day cards?
Remember way back in the day when you used to make cards for everyone in your class, or buy those superhero or cartoon ones from the store? You know the ones! As corny as they were, you still loved getting them! And who doesn’t love getting ACTUAL mail in this day and age anyway? If you still want to send Valentine’s Day cards to your friends but aren’t feeling too crafty, Etsy artists have some wonderful options to choose from.

3. Be your own Valentine!

Treat yourself to a day of whatever you want to do! Maybe you go see that movie that none of your friends want to see. Get a massage. Get a mani-pedi. Take a long hike. Use this day to reflect on what it is YOU need and want. This is something that is easy to lose sight of when you are partnered up but will always be important. Enjoy time with yourself.

4. Offer to babysit for a couple that doesn’t get out much.
   Do you have friends who never get out because they never find a sitter, or just don’t take the time for themselves? As a gift, why not offer to babysit and give them the night out? I’m sure they will love the chance to get out, and you’ll get a fun night in with the kids!
   

5. Do a “secret cupid” gift exchange with your single friends

It’s like a secret santa, but for Valentine’s Day! Put all participating friends' names in a hat and take turns drawing a friend's name. Each person buys a little gift for the person they chose. You can set a limit of $10-$20 to make sure no one goes too far overboard, but the treat of getting and giving a little something on this holiday can be a lot of fun!

6. Take a digital detox day

It’s healthy to unplug once in a while, and a day when you may be inundated with cutesie photos from your friends sounds like a pretty good day to do a digital detox. Not only will disconnecting for a day help you avoid Valentine’s Day but taking a digital detox has also been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and increase productivity. If you’re on your phone a lot, try hiding it away somewhere where you won’t be tempted. Make a list of books you want to read. Get your art supplies out. Go for a long walk. Cook a wonderful meal for yourself. Slow down and enjoy your day!

7. Anti-Valentines Day Party

If you’re really not feeling it this year, maybe an anti-Valentine’s Day party is for you. Invite your friends over - create an epic playlist with songs like,  “Bittersweet Symphony,” by The Verve, “Love Stinks,” by The J. Geils Band, “All the Single Ladies,” by Beyoncé, “Go Your Own Way,” by Fleetwood Mac, “So What,” by Pink, and “I Hate Everything About You” by Ugly Kid Joe. Have fun with the theme and whip up some creatively dark cocktails, like this Fade to Black cocktail and give it a name like, “It’s not me, it’s you”.  Line up some games like Cards Against Humanity, Charades, or have everyone write down their worst date and have everyone vote. The winner of the worst date gets to take home a bottle of wine!
Remember misery loves company, and dating can be miserable!

8. Treat it like any other day!
   Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be anything special if you don’t want it to be. Remember, it’s all about what you make of it.  Sometimes, February 14th is just February 14th. And that’s just fine too.