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A Single Person's Guide to Celebrating Valentine's Day
You don’t have to be partnered to celebrate love.
Maya Cabuang
2025-02-13T08:44:31.109Z
When you’re single, Valentine’s Day can remind you of what you lack. But it can also inform you of what you have.
And this is not a cheeky reference to the loneliness single people tend to experience—though that too can come into focus. This refers to their capacity as individuals to enjoy the things people tend to when they’re in a relationship.
Every year, on February 14, romantic love—gets the spotlight. Couples celebrate their relationship through gifts and various activities; businesses try to capitalize on the tradition by marketing their services to court the patronage of celebrants. Meanwhile, the public gets inundated by the color red—a motif pushed by numerous paraphernalia depicting the organ that gets a lot of action on this day.
But what if no one’s heart beats for you? What if even as society celebrates the independence and strength of singles, being one simply does not sit right with you?
According to a report last year by NewsWest9, the day’s focus on romantic relationships may intensify feelings of loneliness among single people, especially those who have recently experienced a breakup or loss. Speaking to the publication, licensed professional counselor Deidra Fuller acknowledged that sometimes, the occasion reinforces to the minds of the unpartnered that there's something wrong with them. “That's why they're lonely,” she said. “And so mental health and depression and loneliness and isolation can really be increased for some people during Valentine's Day."
An article from Forbes supported this. And in the same write up, the publication put into focus the possible reactions of people in a particular age group.
“30-to-40 year olds likely feel social pressures to develop relationships that match specific expectations concerning monogamous and long-term commitment,” it stated. “The celebration of Valentine’s Day provides evidence of such commitment. Flowers, roses, and candlelit dinners all send a message that the relationship—and the individual’s life at this point in time—is on track. By contrast, not receiving Valentine’s Day gifts indicates failure and, especially for women, a running out of time to get it right.”
But there are ways to counteract some of the negative narratives of Valentine’s Day. Joy, security and growth, after all, are some of the things people tend to acquire in a relationship. But according to experts, there are ways for people to acquire those on their own—even on days meant for couples.
Self-love
Valentine's Day—a day often associated with couples, romantic dinners, and heart-shaped gifts. But what about showing love to one of the longest and most important relationships you have? The one with yourself.
On Valentine’s Day, you could do well to nurture yourself and embrace the love that starts from within.
Embark Behavioral Health is a network of outpatient centers and residential programs offering premier mental health treatment for preteens, teens, and young adults. In its website, it discusses methods of self-love that may help single people on Valentine’s Day.
“The relationship you have with yourself will be your longest relationship in life, so it’s important to treat yourself well,” the group stated. “If you are not spending Valentine’s Day with a significant other, plan your own night. Think about what reenergizes you. Take a bath, spend some time with a good book, or plan your own at-home spa night. Buy yourself chocolates or flowers.”
And if you’re not enough to entertain yourself, perhaps you can call in some back up.
Get by “With A Little Help From [Your] Friends
“Are you sad because you're on your own?” That’s the question of that popular song by the Beatles. And the answer can be “no, I get by with a little help from my friends.”
Ever tried a “Palentine’s Day” party? You might want to if you have friends who have no plans on Valentine’s Day.
Set the mood with twinkling lights, some do-it-yourself (DIY) heart decorations, and your favorite snacks. Everyone can bring their favorite dish or dessert to share. Here are a few ideas: Heart-shaped Pancakes: whip up a batch and experiment with different toppings, Choco-Covered Fruits: you can’t go wrong with a little indulgence, a batch of tacos and nachos: easy to prepare and elevate.
Make it a karaoke night, try a charades showdown, bring out the board games, use all the tools at your disposal to prove to yourself and your friends that it’s possible to have fun and enjoy life even when you are not partnered. You can stop being lonely especially if you’re not alone.
But even if you are, there are still ways to get around it.
Turn your space into a spa
If you’re single and you don’t want your status to bring you down on Valentine’s Day, among the best ways to achieve this is to avoid anything that may remind you of it.
That means limiting your use of social media and your contact with the outside world. Retreat and make the most of it.
This is a good opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved self-love and self-care. Transform your home into a tranquil sanctuary where relaxation takes center stage. Here’s how to create your very own spa-like experience.
Your start by setting the mood. Dim the lights and light fragrant candles around your space. Opt for scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or vanilla to help create a calming ambiance. Use soft, ambient music or soothing nature sounds. Or you can choose tunes that uplift your spirit or create a serene atmosphere, whether it's soothing instrumental music, soft jazz, or your cherished feel-good tracks.
If you have the space to do it, run a luxurious bath. Fill your tub with warm water and add a few drops of fragrant essential oils—lavender and chamomile can be relaxing. You can also toss in a couple of colorful bath bombs for a fizzy effect and extra aroma. As the bath fills, let your mind drift.
While you sink into the relaxing bath, treat your skin to a nourishing face mask. Whether it’s a sheet mask, a mud mask, or a DIY concoction made from natural ingredients like honey and avocado, allow it to work its magic while you unwind. Take this moment to reflect or just enjoy the silence—deep breathing will enhance your relaxation.
Exfoliate and moisturize. After your bath, indulge in an exfoliating scrub. Once you've rinsed, layer on a thick, velvety moisturizer to keep your skin feeling soft and supple.
After this pampering session (or if you decide to skip it because it isn’t an option) consider booking a professional massage. Have your therapist use a soothing massage oil and focus on any areas of tension to melt away stress. Alternatively, you could flow into a gentle yoga session to release any tightness in your body and center your mind.
If none of these work for you for whatever reason, there is another option and it requires nothing more than a quiet space and your willingness to find calm.
Meditate
According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation has been around for thousands of years. And while it was originally used to help people foster a better connection with mystical forces, it has practical uses in this age much more removed from the spiritual.
Meditation after all, often involves a variety of naturally relaxing techniques that give a sense of calm, peace and balance.
“When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress,” the Mayo Clinic stated. “Meditation also might help if you have a medical condition. This is most often true if you have a condition that stress makes worse.”
There are several meditation techniques that you can try but for beginners, the National Health Service outlined the following steps.
“Set aside some time,” the group said. “There's no rule about how long a meditation session should last, but 20 minutes is a good guide.” The group added that it can be useful to meditate at the start of the day to set one up for what’s ahead. The evenings are also a good time to meditate to help one let go of tension before bed.
Finding a good space is step two. It should be a place where one can be comfortable and upright. “Sitting with good posture is a more positive position for your body than slumping,” the group added. “Some people find a meditation cushion can help with this.”
Step three involves bringing mindfulness into the routine. “One way would be to consciously be aware of your senses,” the group said. “Once you're comfortable, close your eyes and then focus on each of your other senses.”
By doing this, the group believes that a meditator would be able to feel more connected with their body and less concerned with their thoughts.
This then brings up the actual meditation process. “With your eyes closed, simply breathe in while saying ‘breathe in’ in your head as you do,” NHS stated. Then breathe out and think "breathe out.”
For the next 20 minutes or so, the goal is for the meditator to focus on this circular breath and the simple words in their head as much as possible.
“It's important to remember that a wandering mind is a natural part of meditation practice,” NHS stated. “The challenge is to notice when we get distracted by a thought and consciously bring our minds back to focus on the breath.”
When the time is up, one should not finish meditating too suddenly.
“When you feel it's time to end, stop repeating the words and focusing on the breath, but stay in the same position with your eyes closed for a couple more minutes,” NHS stated. “Once you feel ready, gently open your eyes. Stay seated for a little longer before getting up.”
This, of course, is one of the conventional ways to meditate. But there are other ways that may also seem far more entertaining.
Get crafty
One of the key elements in meditation are easy, repetitive actions. These create a sort of rhythm that people try to keep up with and keep their attention. Such elements are present in other tasks as well. Crafting is among them.
According to the tool company, Diversitech Global, the repetitive motions involved in crafts (like knitting or woodworking) can induce a calming effect, which helps lower stress and alleviate anxiety. This process promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
The University of Arkansas agrees with this adding that crafting also increases self-esteem. Completing a craft project provides a tangible sense of achievement. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may be suffering from self-esteem issues connected to their relationship status.
The University of Arizona meanwhile, believes that crafting may also open doors for people to have better social connections if it compels them to join communities related to their craft.
This, of course relates to another thing single people can do on Valentine’s Day.
Try something new
The Philippines offers a treasure trove of experiences just waiting to be explored, so sprinkle a bit of spontaneity into your day if going outside is something you can stomach.
Visit a new spot. Make it a mission to visit that cozy little café you’ve been eyeing on social media. Take the time to soak in the atmosphere. Don’t be shy about mingling with others.
Consider exploring a new neighborhood or town entirely. Wander through hidden side streets, discover local shops, and hunt for unique souvenirs. You might just stumble upon an enchanting little pocket of culture that takes your breath away or sweep you off your feet the way lovers do.
Doing this might open your eyes to something else. For example, how other people live, what other people do, what they need.
Give love
If you can’t feel good by getting love, perhaps you’ll do so by giving it.
There are definitely options for that. Whether it’s helping the less fortunate, caring for animals, or supporting community initiatives, there are numerous ways to make a meaningful impact. And that’s not just good for the recipient.
According to the Mayo Clinic, research has shown that volunteering can offer significant health benefits for those who engage in it. For one, they keep people moving and thinking at the same time. This alone already provides many benefits. Furthermore, volunteering increases social interactions and helps people build support systems based on common interests. It also provides a sense of purpose and it encourages growth by being an avenue to learn new skills. Additionally, it can release dopamine which helps people relax and let go of stress.
“Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems, such has heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and general illness,” the group stated. “In addition, people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when controlling for age, gender and physical health.”
Consider volunteering at a local charity to spread some love this Valentine’s Day. Organizations are always in need of extra hands, especially during this time when acts of kindness are particularly appreciated. Research and reach out to shelters, food banks, or community centers in your area that may be organizing special events or programs for those in need.
And after you help out, you may find it easier to fall in love—with yourself.
A reminder
According to Oscar Wilde “to love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” And on days like February 14, that relationship may come across a rough patch.
If you’re single, after all, Valentine’s Day can remind you of what you don’t have and you can think less of or even resent yourself for that loneliness.
But, it can also remind you of other things. For example: what good friends you have, how much fun you can have on your own, how capable you are and the many things about you that suggest that you deserve love.
And this is not a cheeky reference to the loneliness single people tend to experience—though that too can come into focus. This refers to their capacity as individuals to enjoy the things people tend to when they’re in a relationship.
Every year, on February 14, romantic love—gets the spotlight. Couples celebrate their relationship through gifts and various activities; businesses try to capitalize on the tradition by marketing their services to court the patronage of celebrants. Meanwhile, the public gets inundated by the color red—a motif pushed by numerous paraphernalia depicting the organ that gets a lot of action on this day.
But what if no one’s heart beats for you? What if even as society celebrates the independence and strength of singles, being one simply does not sit right with you?
According to a report last year by NewsWest9, the day’s focus on romantic relationships may intensify feelings of loneliness among single people, especially those who have recently experienced a breakup or loss. Speaking to the publication, licensed professional counselor Deidra Fuller acknowledged that sometimes, the occasion reinforces to the minds of the unpartnered that there's something wrong with them. “That's why they're lonely,” she said. “And so mental health and depression and loneliness and isolation can really be increased for some people during Valentine's Day."
An article from Forbes supported this. And in the same write up, the publication put into focus the possible reactions of people in a particular age group.
“30-to-40 year olds likely feel social pressures to develop relationships that match specific expectations concerning monogamous and long-term commitment,” it stated. “The celebration of Valentine’s Day provides evidence of such commitment. Flowers, roses, and candlelit dinners all send a message that the relationship—and the individual’s life at this point in time—is on track. By contrast, not receiving Valentine’s Day gifts indicates failure and, especially for women, a running out of time to get it right.”
But there are ways to counteract some of the negative narratives of Valentine’s Day. Joy, security and growth, after all, are some of the things people tend to acquire in a relationship. But according to experts, there are ways for people to acquire those on their own—even on days meant for couples.
Self-love
Valentine's Day—a day often associated with couples, romantic dinners, and heart-shaped gifts. But what about showing love to one of the longest and most important relationships you have? The one with yourself.
On Valentine’s Day, you could do well to nurture yourself and embrace the love that starts from within.
Embark Behavioral Health is a network of outpatient centers and residential programs offering premier mental health treatment for preteens, teens, and young adults. In its website, it discusses methods of self-love that may help single people on Valentine’s Day.
“The relationship you have with yourself will be your longest relationship in life, so it’s important to treat yourself well,” the group stated. “If you are not spending Valentine’s Day with a significant other, plan your own night. Think about what reenergizes you. Take a bath, spend some time with a good book, or plan your own at-home spa night. Buy yourself chocolates or flowers.”
And if you’re not enough to entertain yourself, perhaps you can call in some back up.
Get by “With A Little Help From [Your] Friends
“Are you sad because you're on your own?” That’s the question of that popular song by the Beatles. And the answer can be “no, I get by with a little help from my friends.”
Ever tried a “Palentine’s Day” party? You might want to if you have friends who have no plans on Valentine’s Day.
Set the mood with twinkling lights, some do-it-yourself (DIY) heart decorations, and your favorite snacks. Everyone can bring their favorite dish or dessert to share. Here are a few ideas: Heart-shaped Pancakes: whip up a batch and experiment with different toppings, Choco-Covered Fruits: you can’t go wrong with a little indulgence, a batch of tacos and nachos: easy to prepare and elevate.
Make it a karaoke night, try a charades showdown, bring out the board games, use all the tools at your disposal to prove to yourself and your friends that it’s possible to have fun and enjoy life even when you are not partnered. You can stop being lonely especially if you’re not alone.
But even if you are, there are still ways to get around it.
Turn your space into a spa
If you’re single and you don’t want your status to bring you down on Valentine’s Day, among the best ways to achieve this is to avoid anything that may remind you of it.
That means limiting your use of social media and your contact with the outside world. Retreat and make the most of it.
This is a good opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved self-love and self-care. Transform your home into a tranquil sanctuary where relaxation takes center stage. Here’s how to create your very own spa-like experience.
Your start by setting the mood. Dim the lights and light fragrant candles around your space. Opt for scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or vanilla to help create a calming ambiance. Use soft, ambient music or soothing nature sounds. Or you can choose tunes that uplift your spirit or create a serene atmosphere, whether it's soothing instrumental music, soft jazz, or your cherished feel-good tracks.
If you have the space to do it, run a luxurious bath. Fill your tub with warm water and add a few drops of fragrant essential oils—lavender and chamomile can be relaxing. You can also toss in a couple of colorful bath bombs for a fizzy effect and extra aroma. As the bath fills, let your mind drift.
While you sink into the relaxing bath, treat your skin to a nourishing face mask. Whether it’s a sheet mask, a mud mask, or a DIY concoction made from natural ingredients like honey and avocado, allow it to work its magic while you unwind. Take this moment to reflect or just enjoy the silence—deep breathing will enhance your relaxation.
Exfoliate and moisturize. After your bath, indulge in an exfoliating scrub. Once you've rinsed, layer on a thick, velvety moisturizer to keep your skin feeling soft and supple.
After this pampering session (or if you decide to skip it because it isn’t an option) consider booking a professional massage. Have your therapist use a soothing massage oil and focus on any areas of tension to melt away stress. Alternatively, you could flow into a gentle yoga session to release any tightness in your body and center your mind.
If none of these work for you for whatever reason, there is another option and it requires nothing more than a quiet space and your willingness to find calm.
Meditate
According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation has been around for thousands of years. And while it was originally used to help people foster a better connection with mystical forces, it has practical uses in this age much more removed from the spiritual.
Meditation after all, often involves a variety of naturally relaxing techniques that give a sense of calm, peace and balance.
“When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress,” the Mayo Clinic stated. “Meditation also might help if you have a medical condition. This is most often true if you have a condition that stress makes worse.”
There are several meditation techniques that you can try but for beginners, the National Health Service outlined the following steps.
“Set aside some time,” the group said. “There's no rule about how long a meditation session should last, but 20 minutes is a good guide.” The group added that it can be useful to meditate at the start of the day to set one up for what’s ahead. The evenings are also a good time to meditate to help one let go of tension before bed.
Finding a good space is step two. It should be a place where one can be comfortable and upright. “Sitting with good posture is a more positive position for your body than slumping,” the group added. “Some people find a meditation cushion can help with this.”
Step three involves bringing mindfulness into the routine. “One way would be to consciously be aware of your senses,” the group said. “Once you're comfortable, close your eyes and then focus on each of your other senses.”
By doing this, the group believes that a meditator would be able to feel more connected with their body and less concerned with their thoughts.
This then brings up the actual meditation process. “With your eyes closed, simply breathe in while saying ‘breathe in’ in your head as you do,” NHS stated. Then breathe out and think "breathe out.”
For the next 20 minutes or so, the goal is for the meditator to focus on this circular breath and the simple words in their head as much as possible.
“It's important to remember that a wandering mind is a natural part of meditation practice,” NHS stated. “The challenge is to notice when we get distracted by a thought and consciously bring our minds back to focus on the breath.”
When the time is up, one should not finish meditating too suddenly.
“When you feel it's time to end, stop repeating the words and focusing on the breath, but stay in the same position with your eyes closed for a couple more minutes,” NHS stated. “Once you feel ready, gently open your eyes. Stay seated for a little longer before getting up.”
This, of course, is one of the conventional ways to meditate. But there are other ways that may also seem far more entertaining.
Get crafty
One of the key elements in meditation are easy, repetitive actions. These create a sort of rhythm that people try to keep up with and keep their attention. Such elements are present in other tasks as well. Crafting is among them.
According to the tool company, Diversitech Global, the repetitive motions involved in crafts (like knitting or woodworking) can induce a calming effect, which helps lower stress and alleviate anxiety. This process promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
The University of Arkansas agrees with this adding that crafting also increases self-esteem. Completing a craft project provides a tangible sense of achievement. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may be suffering from self-esteem issues connected to their relationship status.
The University of Arizona meanwhile, believes that crafting may also open doors for people to have better social connections if it compels them to join communities related to their craft.
This, of course relates to another thing single people can do on Valentine’s Day.
Try something new
The Philippines offers a treasure trove of experiences just waiting to be explored, so sprinkle a bit of spontaneity into your day if going outside is something you can stomach.
Visit a new spot. Make it a mission to visit that cozy little café you’ve been eyeing on social media. Take the time to soak in the atmosphere. Don’t be shy about mingling with others.
Consider exploring a new neighborhood or town entirely. Wander through hidden side streets, discover local shops, and hunt for unique souvenirs. You might just stumble upon an enchanting little pocket of culture that takes your breath away or sweep you off your feet the way lovers do.
Doing this might open your eyes to something else. For example, how other people live, what other people do, what they need.
Give love
If you can’t feel good by getting love, perhaps you’ll do so by giving it.
There are definitely options for that. Whether it’s helping the less fortunate, caring for animals, or supporting community initiatives, there are numerous ways to make a meaningful impact. And that’s not just good for the recipient.
According to the Mayo Clinic, research has shown that volunteering can offer significant health benefits for those who engage in it. For one, they keep people moving and thinking at the same time. This alone already provides many benefits. Furthermore, volunteering increases social interactions and helps people build support systems based on common interests. It also provides a sense of purpose and it encourages growth by being an avenue to learn new skills. Additionally, it can release dopamine which helps people relax and let go of stress.
“Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems, such has heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and general illness,” the group stated. “In addition, people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when controlling for age, gender and physical health.”
Consider volunteering at a local charity to spread some love this Valentine’s Day. Organizations are always in need of extra hands, especially during this time when acts of kindness are particularly appreciated. Research and reach out to shelters, food banks, or community centers in your area that may be organizing special events or programs for those in need.
And after you help out, you may find it easier to fall in love—with yourself.
A reminder
According to Oscar Wilde “to love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” And on days like February 14, that relationship may come across a rough patch.
If you’re single, after all, Valentine’s Day can remind you of what you don’t have and you can think less of or even resent yourself for that loneliness.
But, it can also remind you of other things. For example: what good friends you have, how much fun you can have on your own, how capable you are and the many things about you that suggest that you deserve love.
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