Self-love is the best love.

Teyana Taylor

Valentine’s Day…in a nutshell- a holiday where lovers express their love through gifts and gestures that celebrated annually on February 14^th. What may feel like a day to look forward to for couples, singles often dread the day and battle feelings of loneliness. But what if I told you that this should not be a day to mourn? That you can still celebrate (and enjoy the day), regardless of whether you are involved in a romantic relationship.

Couples, if you have not noticed, this may not be the post for you. If you want to exit now, I completely understand but feel free to tag along for the ride and share with a friend in need! This one is dedicated to all the lovely single people in the world.

I have compiled a simple guide to enjoy this upcoming Valentine’s Day and Valentine’s Days to come. I hope when you read this, you feel inspired, positive, and excited to celebrate the national day of love.

Don’t know how? Check out these tips below!

Shift Your Perspective

You may come across articles that tell you to act like Valentine’s Day does not exist. That you do not have to acknowledge it just because society tells you to. To just simply ignore it and treat it like any ordinary day, and I can understand if you feel this way. But I would like to challenge you to do the exact opposite. To allow yourself to feel like you are not missing out on a holiday and truly embrace it with open arms.

Love is a universal language and despite what the textbook definition may elude, love can be expressed and celebrated in nonromantic and platonic ways. The intent of Valentine’s Day is to celebrate love. What better way to celebrate this by showering yourself in love and others, such as family and friends?

Start Your Day with Love

Take the opportunity to be kind to yourself on this day. Sleep in late. Set your intentions for the day. Take the day off from work. Buy yourself flowers and chocolate. Throw on some music and dance it out! Every day we get to live should be a reason to celebrate. Use this day as an excuse to celebrate it that much more.

Beware of Romantic Love Triggers

Avoid the romance movies, tv shows, and love songs as this may trigger feelings of loneliness on Valentine’s Day. The last thing you want to do is place yourself in a position where you are crying in a corner eating ice cream, obsessing over that one relationship that ended months ago. No need to elicit any unwanted feelings of sadness either.

When I was single, I completed avoided anything in the genre of romance on Valentine’s Day. I opted for humor, suspense, horror, ANYTHING but romance!

Make Plans

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to take yourself out on a date and enjoy your day outside of the house and out of those forsaken pajamas. Some solo fun dates to consider are:

• Attending a workshop or event.
• Visiting a museum or art gallery.
• Booking a spa day.
• Being a tourist in your own city/town.
• Visiting a national park and immerse yourself in nature.

Phone a Single Friend

I was very adamant about not spending Valentine’s Day alone when I was single. I personally love the idea of love so staying home by myself and indulging in self-pity was never an option for me. Instead, I would coordinate plans with other single friends. We would spend the day doing whatever our hearts desired and ending the night with dinner and drinks.

If you do not have a single friend, do not fret. Get out there and make some new single friends! Despite what is commercially promoted about Valentine’s Day, there is a plethora of singles looking for the same thing you are looking for- a day where they can enjoy themselves. There are many events and activities available on Valentine’s Day specifically aimed for the interest of singles. You are bound to find yourself dancing, partying, drinking, and socializing with other singles in no time.

Spread the Love

I loved playing Cupid on Valentine’s Day. I would randomly send flowers with a short, thoughtful note to a few of my closest friends or would show up at their homes with chocolate or donuts. And by performing a sweet gesture such as this, my friends often felt inspired to pay it forward. Brightening someone’s day is always a good idea, regardless of what day it is. But let me tell you, it hits differently on Valentine’s Day, especially when you are single, and it is unexpected.

At the end of the day, who cares about your relationship status. It does not define the quality of your life, focus on the (YOU)R. Capitalize on this day, love on yourself, spread the love to others, and live this day freely and with passion. Now get out there and live your best single life!

To all my readers, whether you are single or in a relationship, I hope you have the most amazing Valentine’s Day surrounded by nothing but infinite good vibes. Cheers to LOVE! ❤