Single on Valentine’s Day? Here are 60+ ideas to turn the day into exactly what you need

If you’re interested in finding someone to spend time with, but literally everyone you meet is a creep, a jerk, someone too clingy, someone too ghosty, someone who seems like they might be running from the cops, an emotionally unavailable replica of the last emotionally unavailable human you met, or just not your type…it can be hard out there. And it. Is. Frustrating. Especially when you delete the dating apps for the 43rd time and try meeting people like they did in the olden days, only to meet absolutely no one. And then every time you enter civilization, you get asked, “Are you dating anyone?”

 The MADNESS. 🫠

 This isn’t easy on regular days, let alone Valentine’s Day. But even if you feel like you’ve been in a rut forever, there are things to do that can help.

Things to do when you’re feeling discouraged:

• Start a gratitude list. This could be as basic as saying “I’m grateful I don’t have to pick up someone else’s gnarly socks.”
• Text a fellow single friend. If all your friends are coupled up, check out some social media communities for singles. Camaraderie can get us through a lot.
• Literally pretend you don’t know what day it is. Avoid scrolling or watching anything that will make you feel worse.
• Send an encouraging note to a friend. Share what you love about them.
• Write a letter to yourself. Remind yourself how much you care about YOU.
• Think of 3 new ways you can meet quality people. A plan, even if it’s a simple one, can go a long way toward making you feel empowered.
• Think of 3 things that aren’t working for you and let them go. Maybe it’s reading an influencer’s posts about how obsessed she is with her life. Maybe it’s putting too much pressure on yourself. Letting go of things can open up space for new things to happen!

Places to go when you’re feeling discouraged:

• A friend’s place. Get together to snack and watch movies. If rom coms are too much for you, try a series like Game of Thrones or something funny like Schitt’s Creek.
• Meet up with a friend for coffee. Make it an activity by sipping your lattes in the park while you people-watch and guess their backstories.
• If you have a dog, take them on a walk or car ride for a pup cup. Valentine’s Day is the perfect holiday to spend with sweet, furry friends.
• Get some pals together for brunch or happy hour. Connecting with others can make you feel less isolated.
• Stroll through an art museum. Then visit the gift shop and find a print for your home that speaks to you.

Affirmations for when you’re feeling discouraged:

• “My journey is unique and I will continue to let it beautifully unfold.”
• “I can’t change those who come across my path, but I can definitely switch directions!”
• “I’m not with THAT person and that’s a very good thing!”
• “There’s already a really awesome person in my life—and it’s ME!”
• “Maybe the right person hasn’t come along, but at least the wrong person isn’t stinking up my place!”

The single life IS great. But sometimes when you feel solo in Singleville, emotions and insecurities might set in. This can happen to the most confident single people out there. We’re only human!

If you’re feeling like you don’t have one single person to talk to who understands…we understand. Like, we really do. Here are some things we’ve done when we’ve needed our own sounding board but felt like we didn’t have one. 

What to do when you’re feeling like the last single person on Earth:

• Don’t complain to people who don’t get it. They’ll make you feel worse. Why? Because we’re pretty sure you’ve already done this and you know what we’re talking about. BUT if you haven’t already done this, we have! Trust us…you feel worse.
• Read encouragement and empowerment quotes online. BUT only if you can avoid falling into the trap of the couples’ posts in your feed.
• Watch silly reels or stream a funny movie. It sounds corny, but laughter really can give you a new perspective. At the very least, it’ll temporarily lift your mood.
• Connect with an online community. Find one with like-minded people who have similar lifestyles. Single moms, for example. Or dog owners. Or hobbyists. People who get it and will therefore likely get you.
• Plan an adventure or bucket list goal that you couldn’t do if you were coupled up. Obviously not all the time, but sometimes a partner, in-laws, kids or stepkids can keep us from making certain choices or setting certain goals for ourselves. Wanna become a digital nomad? Learn to drum? Write a novel? You can do it, babe!
• Refresh a room in your home. Include any colors, patterns, decor, photos or tchotchkes that are all your taste and no one else’s. It’s liberating to ask no one for their opinion!
• Be the you-est version of you. If you have an ex that got annoyed by one of your habits, do that exact habit and feel awesome about it!
• Play music that boosts your spirits or helps you dream. Let that mood boost carry you through the day.
• Visit someone who might be by themselves on Valentine’s Day. This could be an elder, a shelter pet or a child in the hospital.
• Share a little love with others who are having a hard time. Drop off valentines to a city rescue mission, assisted living center or women’s shelter.

Where to go when you feel like the last single person on Earth:

• Treat yourself to your favorite carryout. Or get something fancy boxed up from a swanky restaurant. Then do a video-call dinner with a long-distance friend or relative.
• Buy yourself flowers. It’s in a song now, so you know it’s a legit move. Go to the farmer’s market and buy yourself a bouquet of brilliant blooms.
• Do NOT wait for someone to buy your gems. If you’re into jewelry, pick out a special piece and wear it everywhere.
• Wander through a flea market or antique store. Get something fun and quirky for your home that you don’t have to explain to anybody.
• Take yourself shopping and get a new outfit. You know that “dang, I look good” feeling? Go out and get it!

Affirmations for when you feel like the last single person on Earth:

• “I can spend my money, my time and my energy on whatever I want, whenever I want, and it’s FABULOUS.”
• “I am strong. I am free. I am unique.”
• “Who doesn’t need to ask anyone’s opinion before they go out of town or buy that fun thing? That would be me!”
• “This is my story and it’s going to be written my way.”
• “Today, I will enjoy my life and be proud of everything I’ve accomplished.”

POV: You’ve enjoyed the single life so much you became the Mayor of Singleville. You’ve even encouraged friends and family that they can thrive and be happy in their singleness, too.

But as much as you’ve loved it, lately you wouldn’t mind NOT being single. We completely understand. You’re leaving one season of life and heading to the next, and we’re so excited for you!

If you’ve been single for a while, you may be asking yourself, “Dating apps or no apps? How do I flirt? Should I call first or play it cool?” Not to worry, friend. We’ve all been there, and it does get easier. These suggestions might help! 

What to do if you’re happily single but ready to mingle:

• Take your time. Finding the right person can’t be rushed. Just remember that you’re worth the effort in finding a good partner.
• Make a list. What do you want in a partner? What kind of partner do you want to be? What kind of life do you hope to build together? Where do you hope to be in the next few years? Write it all down and keep this list in mind as you date.
• Try speed dating. This is a fun way to meet interesting people (and maybe a few weird ones). You don’t have to sit with a bad date for hours. If there’s not a connection, you just simply move on to the next person. (Some dating apps include virtual speed dating as well!)
• Attend some events for singles. Websites like Eventbrite or Facebook may have several single events posted in your city. Turn it into a game with your single friends and see who can leave with the most phone numbers.
• Go on a blind date. OK, hear us out. Your friends and family could be matchmakers in disguise just waiting to set you up on your dream date. If you have a few trustworthy friends and fam who really know you and what you’re looking for in a partner, consider letting them set you up on a blind date.

Where to go if you’re happily single but ready to mingle:

• A coffee shop. Imagine walking into a coffee shop and locking eyes with an attractive, yet mysterious person sitting by the window. Would you ask to sit next to them or flirt from across the room?
• The grocery store. Apparently going to the grocery store on a Sunday morning is the best time to meet some quality men. This viral TikTok video shows a grocery clerk sharing some statistics he’s observed during his shifts. Maybe you’ll meet your next bae on aisle eight!
• Weddings and birthday parties. These are great places to meet mutual friends who could be potential dates.
• Poetry or book reading. Go with friends or solo and meet like-minded people who share your interests.
• The dog park. What better way to meet new people than using your cute dog as a buffer?!

Affirmations for when you’re happily single but ready to mingle:

• “No one can complete me because I’m already whole.”
• “I will not settle for being treated less than I deserve.”
• “It’s OK to still make time for me and my friends.”
• “I’m the queso AND the guacamole!”
• “Genuine love is still out there!!!”

Maybe you’re someone who’s taken the time to focus on your own needs. You feel complete and are satisfied with your own company. You can go on adventures alone or with friends and you know not to base your happiness on others.

You can be the fun aunt or uncle and then kindly return the kiddos to your siblings. You can put that extra cash towards a new car or a last-minute vacay with friends. 

Most of all, you know that love comes in all different forms and romance isn’t the only way to show that you care for someone. In which case, you might not need our help as much when it comes to Valentine’s Day plans. But just in case…

What to do when you’re single and loving it:

• Completely update your wardrobe and hairstyle. It’s a fun, energizing way to reflect this beautiful era you’re in.
• Discover your inner artist. Take a class in pottery, painting, dance or music.
• Plan a date with friends and hit the town. Dinner, comedy show, laser tag—the options are endless.
• Go camping. Taking a day trip to the woods or just your backyard can be very rejuvenating. This is a great time for stargazing, bird watching and feeling one with nature.
• Host a game night. Get a little competitive with your gang and see who will become King or Queen of Game Night.
• Send a note with these Valentine cards to family and friends. No matter your couple status, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to let them know how loved and appreciated they are.

Where to go if you’re single and loving it:

• A jazz bar. Live music is great with friends or solo and can be a good place to meet new people.
• Book an Airbnb. This is a great idea for those who love the cozy vibes of their own company. Pack a good book, your favorite teas and movies, and a craft like knitting.
• An art show. This activity can be done solo or with friends. It’s a great time to get out and see the talent your city has to offer.
• The spa. Nothing says self-love quite like a facial and massage.
• The theatre or the ballet. Enjoying live entertainment—whether on your own or with good company—is always a fun idea.

Affirmations for when you’re single and loving it:

• “I can create the life I want to live.”
• “Today’s the day to make my dream a reality.”
• “I’m choosing to love the season I’m in.”
• “Just because I’m single doesn’t mean I’m alone.”
• “I don’t have to share my leftovers with anyone, mwahahaha!”

However you’re feeling as Valentine’s Day approaches, know that your feelings and experiences are valid. There is no wrong or right way to celebrate and it’s a day for all love, not just romantic love. And remember: Your relationship status does not dictate whether you are worthy of love.

Friend, you are more than worthy just as you are.

We hope these tips leave you feeling confident with where you are in life. Feel free to share these with a friend who may need some encouragement, too!

Want some more ways to celebrate this day of love? Here’s more Valentine party ideas to show your family and friends how much they’re appreciated!