12 Things To Do On Valentine’s Day For Singles

If you believe Valentine's Day is for lovers, it makes for a tough time when you're single. Sad feelings can creep up on you, and it can feel like the whole world has a special someone except for you. It doesn't have to be a sad day or just another day.

If you're single, you're far from alone. In the US, about 46.4% of adults over 18 are single. Singles on Valentine’s Day may often be reminded of their status as single, bringing up feelings of loneliness and feeling left out. These feelings can be exacerbating by social media posts of happy couples going on dates to their favorite restaurant and getting gifts for each other. Valentine's Day is a day we set aside to show appreciation for those we love, but you don’t need to be in a romantic relationship to celebrate it. You have lots of love in your life to celebrate.

Don't just get through Valentine's Day; change your frame of mind and truly make it a memorable day with these 12 things to do on Valentine's Day for singles.

1. Get into the mindset of the love of being single

Remind yourself of all the wonderful things about being single. You get to do what you want whenever you want. That's a privilege your partnered friends don't have. You get to earn as much or as little as you choose without pressure from anyone to push you further, and you can spend and save as you please. As a single person, you can live a very active lifestyle or enjoy the simple pleasures in life and take things easily. Travel the world and hibernate in a small cottage in the woods. The choice is yours. Singles on Valentine’s Day can spend the day however they wish without anyone else expecting expensive gifts or dinners, or grand gestures or love.

2. Give Valentine's Day cards to your friends

Do you remember how much fun it was to make Valentine's Day cards when you were in elementary school? Why not start a modified version of the tradition with your current friends? It will strengthen your friendship, and it's a lovely sentiment that won't break the bank. Everyone loves to get a sweet surprise, especially when it's unexpected. Giving valentines is like spreading love to everybody; this is one of the best things to do on this special day.

3. Celebrate Galentine's Day or Fella-entine's Day

Whether your friends are mostly single or mostly partnered, this is a fun idea. Schedule a night of laughter and giggles. Set out decadent desserts like petits fours and chocolate strawberries. Pass out small gift bags filled with essential oils, body spray, scented soaps, and bath bombs. Write a bunch of affirmations on small slips of paper and put them in a basket. Ask each woman to pick one to read out loud. Cap off the night with a chick flick or romantic comedy.

Guys can have their own version of celebrating friendship. Set up a get-together at someone's man cave. Shoot some hoops or play cornhole. Break open the beer, throw some meat on the grill, and eat on paper plates to make cleanup easy.

4. Pamper yourself

At times, Valentine's Day for singles means being alone. That doesn't mean you should feel sorry for yourself. Set the day aside to pamper yourself a little. Schedule a pedicure or massage. Get your hair done and try a style or color that's more adventurous than your everyday look. Use a face mask or buy yourself Valentine’s Day gifts. Take advantage of the ability to sleep in longer than you usually would. If you don't have to or want to go out, stay in your jammies all day, and don't feel like you have to apologize for it.

5. Catch up with an old friend

Do you have a friend you always think about but never find the time to reach out to? Grab your phone and give them a call. Surprise them with a video chat. Chat and laugh the afternoon away by pulling up old stories and memories. Promise to stay in touch and follow through this time.

6. Surprise the people you love with texts and silly love memes

Everyone loves an unexpected message. Send a sweet text with lots of emojis to your family and friends. It's bound to bring a smile to their faces, and you'll likely get many responses in return.

7. Hang out with your grandparents

If you still have living grandparents, hang out with them for the day. They've loved you since you were born. Shower them with attention for the day and let them know how special they are to you. Celebrate their love by asking them to tell you their love story or talk about the most significant lessons they’ve learned about love, relationships, or anything else.

8. Do a secret pal Valentine's Day for singles

It's fun to borrow traditions from other holidays. This one is similar to Secret Santa. It takes a bit of pre-planning, but it can be a lot of fun if you find a group that wants to participate. Draw names and buy gifts for the person whose name you draw. Get them a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant, a movie gift card, a silly T-shirt, or some of their favorite candy. Be creative and try to make it something you know they'd like.

9. Focus on yourself and your future

Occasionally, it's good to focus on the future. Spend some time alone to focus on your hopes and dreams. Set some goals for yourself. Create some action steps to help you reach your goals. Figure out an approximate timeline for getting where you want to be in the future. Will you stay in the same career? Do you have dreams of buying your own home? This is an opportune time to create some detailed plans and real steps to improve your future.

10. Get some exercise

Head to the gym and see if they have a class you've wanted to try. Take a fun spin class and really give yourself a workout. Zumba combines dance and fitness, and it's a fun way to burn off some calories. Change your regular workout by replacing your normal machines or adding a few extra rotations.

11. Sightsee or travel near or far

Have you ever wondered what there is to see by boat or train? Find out if you can take a day trip on a scenic railway or a riverboat. There may be a quaint town nearby with boutique shops and restaurants. Spend the day exploring alone or with a friend. If museums are your thing, find one that you haven't been to and really take your time going through it.

12. Spend the day curled up with a good book or two

Do you have some books you've stashed away that you hoped to read on a rainy day? Now is the time to pull them out and curl up in your slippers and a soft afghan. Make a pot of homemade soup and some biscuits from scratch and snack on them all day. The aroma is sure to put you in the mood for a good romance or an adventure-filled tale. If you don't have books, head to a nearby library or download some online. Audiobooks make reading easy, and you don't have to turn the pages.

Valentine's Day for singles is what you make it

There are more single people around than you might realize. So, before you throw Valentine's Day away in favor of a pity party for yourself, look around and find some other single people that want to join you in some fun for the day. Valentine's Day is all about love, and you have plenty of people and things in your life to love. The best way to demonstrate your love for others is to show that you love yourself, but this doesn't come easy for everyone. If you’re struggling with being single, talking to an online therapist can help.

When you sign up for online therapy, you are matched with a vetted, qualified mental health professional who can start helping you right away. You attend sessions remotely from your home or anywhere you have an internet connection, and you can communicate with your therapist via phone, online chat, text, email, and/or video chat. One review of 14 studies found that online therapy is just as effective as in-person treatment, making it an accessible way to get the help you need. If you’re ready to get started, sign up with Regain.