Being single can seem like the worst-case scenario for Valentine’s Day. Feeling lonely as you watch your friends go on dates with their boyfriends or girlfriends? Think of Valentine’s Day as Single Awareness Day, the day you can find out who is available and thinking the same way that you are. Don’t sit in and be sad! Here are 10 things you can do this Valentine’s Day to make you feel good:
Hey, guys! Let’s go out tonight. There are so many things you and your friends can do this Valentine’s Day – Eventbrite is booming with events. On Feb. 17, Breweries Association of Maryland is hosting its “FeBREWary” celebration with an event called “Love Thy Beer.” If beer isn’t what you are looking for and you prefer something simpler, try the “Eleventh Hour Poetry Slam” or “Not without Laughter: Poetry, Drinks and Jazz.” Both of these events will be held on Feb. 10.
I should give myself a treat. Treat yourself this Valentine’s Day, you don’t need anyone to do it for you. Love yourself and make your own day awesome; today is just for you! Get your hair and nails done, go to the spa to get a massage, or light some candles and take a bubble bath. Turn on some nice music and eat some of your favorite sweets. You can’t disappoint yourself on this day.
Hey! We should hook-up. Thinking you’re the only one who’s single on Valentine’s Day? Think again. There are events just for single people. This Valentine’s Day, S&S Lounge in Baltimore is hosting a “Find Your Valentine Event.” Enjoy speed dating, discounted drinks, games, poetry, and much more! Go out and find yourself a Valentine. There’s no need to stay in and sulk about being single. If you want something a little more intimate, try online dating. According to last year’s statistics, 20 percent of committed relationships began online.
Shall I cook dinner and indulge? Yes, you shall! Use this time to experiment with food or simply cook your favorite dish. Maybe even go to the store and pick up your favorite sweet. Then you can “Netflix and Chill” with yourself while indulging in your delicious dish.
I have a secret admirer! Do a “Secret Valentine” with your friends. This is just like “Secret Santa,” except for Valentine’s Day. Plan a dinner date for everyone who participated so that everyone can give out their gifts.
Routines get boring! What’s new? Is there something new you have been putting off trying since last year? Why not try it while you’re looking for something to do this Valentine’s Day? Go to that yoga class you’ve been putting off, try horseback riding, take those Kick Boxing lessons you’ve been
eyeing. You could even start writing poetry, a book, or songs. Was there a new goal you wanted to set for yourself? Whatever that new thing is, now is your chance to start it.
Mother, will you be my Valentine? Maybe your valentine is the woman or women who raised you. Your Valentine doesn’t always have to be a partner; it could be your mother or your grandmother. Let’s just call it an early Mother’s Day present, shall we? They say Valentine’s Day is for women anyway! If you happen to be a parent, consider making your child your valentine. Take your special family member out for dinner and a movie or buy them something cute!
Let’s party!! Invite a few friends over and play some fun Valentine’s Day-themed games. You never know how the night will end. (Inserts winking emoji). Use these games to influence the atmosphere:
- Cards Against Humanity: the adult version of Apples to Apples, found in stores such as Target.
- Cheers to the Cupid: a game where you count from 1-21, except you change the numbers to phrases, action, words or other numbers. For example, the set rules of the game are instead of saying 21, you have to say “Cheers to the Cupid.” Whoever gets to 21 or “Cheers to the Cupid” gets to make a new rule. Since its Valentine’s Day change some numbers to fit the theme.
- Cupid’s Challenge: challenge your friends to not say anything that deals with Valentine’s Day. If they slip up, they will be deemed Cupid for the rest of the night.
Today is my day! Embrace being single and reflect on yourself. Love yourself and accept yourself, along with your situation. It may not change overnight, but maybe it doesn’t need to change. Valentine’s Day is just another day; it’s as special as you make it.
Today, I choose to give love. Making someone else feel loved on this holiday may just be the way to go. There are many of people who could use a little love all year round. Make this your day to make a difference in someone’s life. You can find opportunities to volunteer or donate on volunteer.org and idealist.org. Making someone else happy on this day may make your day better than you thought. While being charitable, you might just find your soulmate.