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A Guide to Celebrating Valentine's Day
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Romantic Valentine's Day Ideas
Valentine's Day Getaways in the U.S.
Things to Do When You're Single on Valentine's Day
A Therapist's Valentine's Day Trip Ideas
The History and Meaning
Valentine's Day Gifts for Him
Our Favorite Valentine's Day Gifts
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You don't need a date to celebrate this holiday.
By
Katie Sweeney
Katie Sweeney
Once the personal chef to Governor Gavin Newsom, Katie Sweeney is an experienced food and lifestyle journalist. Her work can also be found in SFist, Eater, and Haute Living SF.
Updated on 02/03/23 11:32AM
February means being bombarded with red hearts, pink flowers, and phrases like "be mine" written in elegant script everywhere you look. For some people, both single and in relationships, Valentine's Day is an annoying and unnecessary commercial celebration. For those who are unattached and not exactly happy about it, though, it can be more like pouring salt in a wound.
Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way! While a couple's massage may not be on the docket, you can still plan on having a ball on February 14. In fact, Valentine's Day can be a great opportunity to indulge in fun activities, whether it's a solo dinner or some self-care. Just because you don't have a significant other doesn't mean you can't commemorate this holiday with some self-love.
Not sure what to do? Here are 23 awesome activities to try out when you're single on Valentine's Day—no S.O. required.
8 Things Every Woman Should Do Before Getting Married
01of 23
Go to a Movie
Going to the movies alone is arguably better than going with someone else. Get a ticket to a new film you've been dying to see, splurge on some popcorn and candy, and have a date with yourself.
02of 23
Host a Singles-Only Dinner Party
Spending time with friends is a great celebration of love that doesn't involve romance. Invite all your favorite single people over, cook an amazing dinner, pop some bubbly, andtoast to your independence.
03of 23
Enjoy a Beauty Treatment
Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. Spoil yourself with a haircut, blowout, mani-pedi, or massage.
04of 23
Get Out of Town
- Plan a Valentine's Day weekend getaway with a friend or family member, or go on your own. Visit somewhere new or travel to a favorite destination where you can bask in nostalgia.
05of 23
Cook a Romantic Dinnerfor Your Parents
What better way to celebrate love than to spend quality time with your parents? Have them forgo a traditional dinner out and cook for them instead. Set the table, light candles, and open a good bottle of wine.
06of 23
Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant
Solo dinners out are so underrated. Not only can you order whatever you want, but you don't have to make conversation with anyone and can really focus on the delicious food. Book a table for one at your favorite restaurant (or sit at the bar), and don't forget to end the night with dessert.
07of 23
Sign Up for a Boutique Workout
If you've been meaning to check out a class at a cool workout studio near you, now is the time! Afterreaping the emotional benefits of exercise, cap things off with a smoothie.
08of 23
Bake a Chocolate Layer Cake
Make a delectable dessert and don't feel like you have to share it with anyone. Choose one that's a little more advanced, and be proud of yourself when you nail it.
09of 23
Try Out a New Recipe
Do you have a bunch of recipes saved to your bookmarks or favorites that you've been meaning to try out? Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to grab the ingredients and cook a delicious dinner for one.
10of 23
Stay In and Pamper Yourself
Make it a day of self-care activities that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Take a long bath, put on a face mask, or paint your nails.
11of 23
Book a Couple's Massage
Who said you need an S.O. to do a couple's massage or facial? Bring your best friend or a family member and experience ultimate relaxation.
12of 23
Catch Up With Carrie Bradshaw
There's nothing like the wisdom of Carrie Bradshaw to make you feel less depressed about dating. Order pizza from your favorite place, shake up a Cosmopolitan, and binge-watch "Sex and the City," which celebrates single women everywhere.
13of 23
Visit Your Favorite Bar
Odds are, that local dive bar you go to after work will be filled with single people. Order your go-to co*cktail and strike up a conversation with the bartender or another patron. Or, bring a book and enjoy some me time.
14of 23
Plan a Date With Your Best Friend
Best friend love is something to celebrate! Get dressed up, go to a fancy restaurant, and order off the special Valentine's Day menu with wine pairings.
15of 23
Do Something Nice for Someone
Choose someone who is older than you, like a grandparent, elderly neighbor, or mentor. Send them a bouquet of roses with a sweet card.
16of 23
Explore a New Neighborhood
Head to an area of town you aren't too familiar with. Walk up and down the streets, grab a cappuccino at the hip café, and browse the racks of a stylish boutique.
17of 23
Watch Your Favorite Sporting Event
If the big game is on, head to a sports bar to watch. Get a group of friends together and cheer on your favorite team while sipping beers and eating greasy pub grub.
18of 23
Avoid Social Media
Make V-day a phone-free day. Stalking your ex on social media to see how they're celebrating with their new partner is not going to make you feel happy or confident, and neither are all the happy couple photos clogging up your feed.
19of 23
Offer to Babysit
Take care of your nieces and nephews (or a friend's kids) so their parents can go out. Order pizza, watch Frozen, and make brownie sundaes.
20of 23
Buy Yourself Flowers
Treat yourself to a beautiful arrangement of flowers, or bring home an assortment and channel your inner florist to make beautiful bouquets. Use them to decorate your home and bask in the sweet smell.
21of 23
Go to a Comedy Show
Stand-up comedy shows are often full of self-effacing humor, and laughing is one of the best ways to boost your mood. If you don't feel like going out, stream one of the latest specials on Netflix.
22of 23
Splurge on a Nice Piece of Jewelry
Have you had your eye on some new accessories, like an expensive pair of earrings, ring, or bracelet, but haven't been able to justify purchasing them? Here's your opportunity. You're worth it!
23of 23
Love Yourself
Do whatever makes you happy! And remind yourself that you are worthy of love.
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