Navigating Valentine’s Day as a singleton can sometimes feel like being on the outskirts of a world adorned with heart-shaped balloons and romantic gestures. Instead of succumbing to a sense of exclusion or feeling like a spectator unable to partake in the love festivities, why not craft your own mini self-love festival? Seize the opportunity for radical self-acceptance by engaging in some delightfully fun and perhaps even out-of-the-box ideas. After all, love transcends traditional standards in the modern era, so let’s embrace the spirit of inclusion. (Photos: SlLGhin @sustainablysingle.com)
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Fasten your seatbelt as we embark on a curated list of 9 alternative and enjoyable ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, cherishing love and life.
Pamper Yourself With a Spa Day
Indulge in the ultimate self-care experience this Valentine’s Day by treating yourself to a spa day. Seize the opportunity to pamper yourself with the exclusive packages and Valentine’s Day specials many establishments offer during this season of love. Consider booking a couple’s massage with your best friend for an extra luxury touch. Remember to check the regular specials, too, as most places provide deals on bundled services. If you’re mindful of your budget, explore clinic days at local massage or esthetician schools, where discounted services are often available. Another savvy option is leveraging services through internet platforms like Class Pass and Groupon, providing access to spa and wellness offerings at prices below retail. With some planning, you can curate a delightful and unexpected day of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Plan a Day tripping with Friends
Did you have your eye on some random place that sparked your curiosity? Who said you needed a partner? Maybe you need some partners in crime! Grab some friends, curate a new playlist, pack the snacks, and hit the road. Remember that the more random and unusual the destination is, the more likely you will have some real memorable fun and hilarious times. If you’re not usually adventurous, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to try something different. It will always be THAT story that friends would share.
Host a Singles-Only Dinner Party
Arrange an unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration by taking charge of the planning with a singles-only dinner party. Whether hosted at your place or a chosen restaurant, inject excitement by encouraging guests to invite someone not typically part of your social circle. To add a delightful twist, establish a rule that each attendee must either bring a dish to share or contribute financially to the communal feast (opting to order something in lieu of cooking). This sparks engaging conversations and provides a glimpse into each person’s unique personality. If you lack a suitable venue, consider reserving a single table at a restaurant, alleviating the stress of preparing food and ensuring a delightful evening.
Volunteer at a Local Charity or Non-Profit Organization
Use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to give back to your community. Spend the Day volunteering at a local charity or non-profit organization. It will make you feel good about yourself and help those in need, especially around the more celebrated days when people may feel the longest. You may even meet someone else volunteering, a new friend outside your usual stomping grounds.
Splurge on a Shopping Spree
Indulge in a lavish shopping spree that celebrates the art of self-love because there’s no need to seek external validation for treating yourself. Whether it’s that stunning dress or those coveted shoes you’ve admired, give in to the allure of a well-deserved gift. Consider investing in fine jewelry, where the timeless allure of gold is an investment that holds and increases in value, backed by the gold standard. Explore the other highly desirable assets in the form of designer bags from esteemed brands like Hermes, Gucci, Prada, or Louis Vuitton, or luxury collectible watches, recognizing the future payoff of these quality investments that potentially incur returns higher than the S&P.
Alternatively, explore the realm of art—an exceptional gift to yourself and a promising investment. Embrace the notion that self-love is the purest form of affection, and allow yourself occasional indulgence while envisioning the splendid future.
Go on a Weekend Getaway
If all else fails, take some time to get out of town for the weekend. Whether with your partner, friends, or just yourself, a change of scenery can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being. Book an Airbnb in a nearby city or rent a cabin in the woods – whatever suits your fancy. Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some peace. Take long walks, explore new places, try new foods – whatever makes you happy. Sometimes, a change of pace can give us a fresh perspective and help us recharge our batteries. Going by yourself will be the high-quality me time you would benefit from when you prepare yourself with your expectations. And if you can make the whole weekend, go for a day trip.
Give Yourself Some Flowers
Uplift your energy by adorning your space with a touch of nature’s beauty—give yourself some flowers. While the gesture may seem small, the impact is anything but. Opt for the fragrant allure of white lilies, a refreshing departure from conventional red roses, and let their divine scent permeate your living space. For those feeling more adventurous, unleash your creativity by crafting a personalized bouquet during your neighborhood stroll, foraging for various blooms that catch your eye. Whether you choose the elegance of store-bought blooms or embark on a floral adventure, surrounding yourself with nature’s fragrance and vibrancy is an instant mood-lifter and a wonderful gift to yourself.
Spend the Night With Your Vibrator
There is no need to justify enjoying a night in ever. Especially when you have a vibrator to keep you company on Valentine’s Day. Sex toy expert and owner of The Thrilling Spot, Meg Ross, recommends taking the time to learn about yourself and your body. “Sometimes, giving yourself the gift of a night alone with your vibrator can be the perfect way to celebrate self-love,” she says. Not to mention the education you learn that could be gatekept for yourself or shared with someone else. Learning how to get yourself to a state of satisfaction is a great way to release stress, meditate, and sleep after. Talk about wellness!
Plan an Anti-Valentine’s Day Night In
Embrace the rebellious spirit against the sea of lovey-dovey sentiments this Valentine’s Day by orchestrating the ultimate Anti-Valentine’s Day Night In. Gather your squad of single comrades and revel in an evening filled with unapologetically unconventional activities. From spine-chilling horror movies to guilt-free binge-watching of your favorite guilty pleasure TV shows, turn your space into a haven for all things anti-romance. This night isn’t about resisting love; it’s about embracing your independence and sharing laughter with those who appreciate the beauty of singlehood. So, cue up your playlist of tv or movie faves, prep the popcorn and the drinks, and get ready for an Anti-Valentine’s Day celebration that will leave everyone grinning, love skeptics and all!
Explore the Great Outdoors
Rally fellow singles for an adventurous day of outdoor escapades. Plan a group hike, or immerse yourselves in a nature stroll with snacks and refreshments. What can be more fun and charming? Revel in the rejuvenating benefits of fresh air, soak in the beauty of scenic views, and foster a sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals doing something different.
Go Online with a Virtual Game Night
Connect virtually with friends or other singles for a game night. Online multiplayer games are a convenient way to include all those friends from across the globe and are hilarious when teaming strangers from all walks of life and ages.
Host a Creative Soiree
Host a crafting night where everyone can unleash their creativity. From painting to crafting personalized items, like making friendship pins and clay cups. It’s a unique and inexpensive way to spend Valentine’s Day. Make it more exciting by inviting your friends to extend the invitation to their outer circle. Giving everyone something to do is a wonderful social way to break the ice with new people. At the end of the night, everyone can give theirs away or keep it for themselves, a fun, entertaining way to spend Valentine’s night.
Feeling a bit shy about the ‘crafting’? Try some old-school games. Designate a few critical areas in your space where you can set up a Jenga set or lego, a puzzle, a giant-size twister game, or a painting set with an artboard for people to add to.
Connect virtually with friends or other singles for a game night. Online multiplayer games are a convenient way to include all those friends from across the globe and are hilarious when teaming strangers from all walks of life and ages.
There are many ways to celebrate self-love and Valentine’s Day without being in a romantic relationship or depending on someone else for happiness. Whether treating yourself to something special, spending quality time with friends, or simply taking time out for self-care, the most important thing is appreciating and loving yourself. So this Valentine’s Day, don’t feel pressured or discouraged if you’re single – embrace the opportunity to celebrate self-love. After all, you are your own most important love story!
