Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, but for those not in a relationship, sometimes this holiday can cause excess stress. Instead of worrying about flying solo, ignore the urge to wallow and focus on the amazing things you have in your life. A lack of romantic love doesn’t mean you can’t be grateful for the wondrous connections you have with other people, and you can spread love on this joyous occasion. Whether you’ve spent Valentine’s Day without a sweetheart before, or if this is the first time you won’t be attached on February 14th, you can still have a great time and partake in a holiday that should bring nothing but happiness.
Love is All Around
Spread love throughout your local community this Valentine’s Day. Giving back is proven to make us feel better, so if you’re having a hard time with this holiday, there’s no better way to cheer yourself up. Perform some awesome acts of generosity; there are numerous ways to get involved. You can help serve up hearty meals to the hungry, work at a local animal shelter and cuddle some pooches who might have otherwise spent the day alone in their kennels, or even head to a convalescent home and speak with some of the residents there who could use a friendly face and conversation. If you already have plans for the day, consider incorporating random acts of kindness. When you’re in line to get your coffee at Peet’s, buy the cup of the person behind you. Slip some coins into a parking meter that’s about to expire, and let the car in front of you take that parking space you just found. Little efforts can truly make all the difference.
Celebrate Other Loves
Too often we place way too much emphasis on romantic love, and forget to be grateful for all the other wonderful types of relationships we have in our life. If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, consider it the perfect opportunity to gain some perspective on all the amazing people you have in your life and give yourself the chance to really be grateful for them. Give your mom a call, and send Valentine’s Day flowers to her door for a surprise that will have happy tears welling up in her eyes. Call your sister or brother and laugh about some of your favorite memories together. Plan a Skype session with your cross-country friend to catch up. Think about who you love, and reconnect—there’s no better way to cheer yourself up.
Appreciate Your Girlfriends
Our best friends deserve all of our love, as they’re the family we make for ourselves. If you have any single gal pals that would like to hang out on Valentine’s Day, plan a group date that will have you all lifting each other up. Maybe it’s a pizza night with a showing of the new hilarious comedy you’ve all been dying to see. Or perhaps you’d like to sign up for a Paint and Wine night at a local venue where you can all channel your inner Picasso while eating some delicious appetizers. Whatever it is, you’ll enjoy spending time with people you love and forget all about being single in no time.
Tap Into Your Gratitude
Instead of worrying about being single, take some time by yourself to consider all of the amazing things you have to be grateful for. Maybe it’s the job you landed a few months back that’s been going better than you could have ever expected, or perhaps it’s the gorgeous community you live in. Gratitude is essential for our mental health, so take out a notepad and brainstorm everything you have to be thankful for—you’ll be surprised at how long the list gets.
Treat Yourself
Who said you can’t take yourself on a date? This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself to a wonderful evening of self-pampering and refresh your mind and body. Book a massage at your favorite local spa and make an appointment to get your nails done. If you’re really feeling like a change, plan a hair appointment and try a new hairstyle or color that will make you feel like a different person when you’re done. If you’re on a budget, soak in a hot bath while listening to your favorite tunes and start reading that novel from Oprah’s Book Club. Order in your favorite meal from Doordash.com and spend the night watching your favorite comedy on Netflix. Whatever your favorite self-care habit is, do it. You’ll be amazed at how much you probably needed a night to yourself to relax and rejuvenate.
You can have a wonderful Valentine’s Day even if you’re single this year. Incorporate some of these fun ideas into your February 14th and never worry about flying solo on this occasion again.
