BEING single on Valentine’s Day – or any other day of the year – is not a big deal. Whether you’re unattached by choice, getting over a breakup or stuck in a label-free relationship, there is nothing strange about not having a romantic partner.
Of course, you feel a bit lonely or annoyed. It is only natural to wonder what to do when you don’t have a significant other (S.O.) on a day that is all about being coupled up.
However, do not let social media, sappy diamond ring advertisements, bouquets of roses being sold on nearly every street corner and the seemingly endless shelves of heart-shaped chocolates make you feel bad about your relationship status.
V-Day should not define how you view yourself as a person or your value as a human being.
In fact, flying solo in general is a good time to discover more about yourself and your own needs. You could either ignore the day of hearts altogether or consider it an occasion to treat yourself well and spend time with family and friends.
Celebrate tomorrow exactly as you want to – meaning you don’t have to worry about picking out a great gift or shelling out a lot of money on the perfect date. Do whatever will genuinely bring you happiness – no strings attached.
Need a bit of inspo? Here are ways you can make the most of February 14 – either alone or with your family and friends. No S.O. required.
Dine in decadence
Cook a hearty and delicious meal. Choose the best wine for said food or whip up your own version of your favorite cocktail or mocktail. Or make your comfort food – an old family recipe or a dish you have perfected after years of practice. To elevate the mood, light candles and listen to your preferred playlist.
(Credit: Pastry and Food Photography)
Bake desserts
Make delectable cookies or a choco layer cake. Be proud of yourself when you nail it. You can share these baked goodies with your family, friends or neighbor.
Treat yourself to over-the-top takeout
Don’t feel like cooking – not to mention all that dishwashing? For a fun twist on your usual takeout, order each course from different restaurants. Plus, you’ll probably have lots of tasty leftovers for the next day.
Go to your fave restaurant
Eating out solo is so underrated. Not only can you order what you want, but you don’t have to converse with anyone and can really focus on the sumptuous food.
Sweat it out
Whether you sign up for an online workout class or yoga, go for a run or take a long walk, you’ll not only step up your fitness game, but you’ll also gift yourself with mood-boosting endorphins.
(Credit: Westend61/Getty Images)
Enjoy a beauty treatment
Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. Spoil yourself with a haircut, mani-pedi or massage.
Recite positive affirmations
Repeat mantras – out loud or written down – like “Today, I choose me” and “I am loving and loved by many.” Choose whatever phrase holds meaning for you and say it loud and proud.
Write a love letter to yourself
List your accomplishments and happiest moments and why you enjoy spending time alone. Reflect on yourself and your purpose and process your emotions.
Buy yourself flowers or make your own arrangement
Not only are flowers a way to enliven your living space, but they also have an instantaneous effect on uplifting your mood. While being gifted with a dozen red roses from a gorgeous suitor is charming, so is designing your own arrangement – one that characterizes your personality and taste.
(Credit: Isabel Pavia/Getty Images)
Refresh your living space
Rearranging your home while adding elements of ambience and comfort may release any negative energy. Give your space a clean sweep and make time to repair things that chronically irritate you like the loose hinge on your bedroom door, the hideous stain on the bathroom wall or clutter at your desk.
Take a virtual class
Exploring activities is a way to learn about yourself. Download apps loaded with tutorials on needlepoint, quilting, knitting, painting, cooking and other crafts. Learn creative writing, photography, ballroom dance, tennis or songwriting from renowned celebrities and industry leaders.
Go on a mini adventure
Look for hidden gems within your stomping grounds such as a corner coffee shop with a cake or pie you’ve never tasted or poetry reading in a place you’ve never been to. Walk up and down the streets, grab a cappuccino at a hip cafe and browse the racks of a stylish boutique.
Take a hike
Being outdoors and hiking can help you connect with nature. The spiritual element of nature, according to psychotherapists, can be healing for people. Hiking helps you feel at one with the world, especially if you’re feeling down.
Cook lunch or dinner for your parents
What better way to celebrate love than to spend quality time with your parents? Cook for them instead of dining out. Set the table, light candles and open a good bottle of wine.
(Credit: Chanokporn Sudthinon/Eyeem/Getty Images)
Get out of town
Go on a day trip with family members or friends or go on your own. Travel somewhere new or a best-loved destination where you can bask in nostalgia.
Take a scenic train ride
If your budget and schedule permit, let yourself and family members or friends be enchanted by the old-world allure of railway travel. Experience the landscape and scenery in a way you can’t experience in any other mode of travel.
Volunteer
Whether at a hospital, nursing home or animal shelter, offer the gift of compassionate service.
Offer to babysit
Take care of your nieces and nephews or a friend’s kids so their parents can go out. Order pizza, watch the children’s favorite animated movies and make sundaes and other snacks.
Send Valentines to friends
Remember when you exchanged cards and candies with classmates in grade school? Bring that back for adulthood. It’s a great way to make others feel loved and to remind you that Valentine’s Day is not just for romantic relationships, but also for showing your friends you care. This day is a perfect time to express gratitude and love for them.
Write a letter to your ex and burn it
Dealing with leftover rage or heartbreak? Write that out, leave your feelings on paper then safely burn it. This can help you process or have closure about the end of a relationship. Love is not all rainbows and butterflies, and sometimes, you have to let it burn.
Do things your ex loved to complain about
Did your ex ridicule you for liking K-dramas and rom-coms? Refuse to join you for salad or barbecue? Whine every time you pumped up the volume on your cherished album? Revel in the freedom of being able to do all of the above – without hearing any sarcastic comments. There is no lover standing in the way of relishing what you treasure.
Put your phone away
Out of sight, out of mind, so avoid the social media doom scroll, put your phone on airplane mode and just be with yourself for the day. While you might be tempted to see what your friends are up to on Valentine’s Day, it’s better to resist the urge. Limit your time on social media and get reacquainted with your own ideas, goals, perspectives and values.
Call a friend
If this time of year brings up difficulty for you, surrounding yourself with friends and community is key. Call a valued friend and talk about your days, work life, what you’re enjoying lately and the like.
Visit a museum
Make February 14 educational for you and your friends by heading to the UP Vargas Museum in Quezon City and Metropolitan Museum of Manila in Taguig City that offers free guided group tours as part of Art Fair Philippines’ “10 Days of Art” program. The free tour will be held until Feb. 17 at UP Vargas Museum and until Feb. 18, 2 p.m., at Metropolitan Museum.
Host a singles-only party
Spending time with friends is a great celebration of love that does not involve romance. Invite all your single acquaintances over, cook or order dinner, pop some bubbly and toast to your independence.
…Or a game night
Invite pals over for an old-fashioned game night, featuring modern hits and non-parental guidance games. If you’re celebrating virtually, there are plenty of fun games you can play online. Either way, encourage your guests to show up in their coziest pajamas and with their favorite cocktail or mocktail in hand.
Watch a sporting event
If the big game is on, head to a sports bar with your friends. Cheer on your fave team while sipping beer and eating greasy pub grub.
Go to a comedy show
Laughing is one of the best ways to boost one’s mood. If you don’t feel like going out, stream specials from some of the best comedians on Netflix.
Have a themed movie marathon
Curl up on the couch and binge on feel-good films. Choose your movies based on a theme. Why not pick comedies or stand-up specials? It won’t hurt to incorporate some LOLs into your movie night. And don’t forget to stock up on some freshly-popped popcorn.
Attend a concert
Scream, sing, dance the day away at University of the Philippines’ Valentine concert titled “REV” which will feature some of OPM’s popular bands. It will be held on Feb. 14, 4 p.m. at UP Diliman’s sunken grandstand. Also tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., “Sama-sama Tayo: A Valentine’s gig para sa kapwa Single” will be held at Through Habit Store & Cafe, 745 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City. Janine Tenoso, Shanne Dandan, Deny, Dani Idea and Hannah Dela Rosa will help you celebrate singlehood through their songs and stories of their own lives.
Wine and dine
Unwind with your friends in “Valentine’s Day Singles Night” at Winedrop branches in One Kennedy Place, Greenhills, San Juan and G&A Building, Chino Roces Ext., Makati. The event offers two white wines, two red wines and cocktail food per person.
Try speed dating
If you’re ready to meet and woo a potential partner, speed dating might be your best bet in putting yourself out there. The Dessert Museum in Pasay will host a speed dating event titled “Sweet Meet” where “no singles are left behind”. It will be held on Feb. 15, 6 p.m.
Have a spa day
If bubble baths are a way for you to relax, turn V-Day into spa day with your favored body soap, bath bombs and stress-busting essential oils. To recharge and enjoy some quiet time, have the ultimate self-care night: Light an oil-infused candle, apply a hydrating face mask and drink tea.
Meditate
Dim the lights, light some candles and cue up a meditation channel on YouTube or Spotify. Whether you’re new or well-practiced in meditation, add it to your to-do list for an extra dose of self-love and self-care.
Sometimes, a day like Valentine’s Day is the last thing you need, especially if you’ve recently been through a breakup or you just can’t seem to pin down your crush to a date. But there’s no reason to feel bad or ashamed about being single. Just live your life and keep on being your fabulous self. Do whatever makes you happy. And remind yourself that you are worthy of love.
