Valentine’s Day is probably the worst holiday for any single woman. It is like another loud reminder that you are alone! It can trigger intense feelings of sadness and loneliness, which leave you wishing you had a man, any man. If you are single, I’m sure you can relate.
In the past, I would allow those emotions to get to me. Soon after, I would find myself in tricky and regretful situations. Then, one day, it dawned on me; my life does not start when I get a boyfriend. It starts now! I waited around for so long only to find out that I was the love of my life.
Now, I celebrate all holidays proudly, including Valentine’s Day. Although this Hallmark holiday is designed for couples, you can still celebrate it boldly as a single woman. Here are 9 ways you can thrive on Valentine’s Day!
1. Prepare In Advance.
Whatever you would want to receive from anyone on Valentine’s Day, give it to yourself. If you like a card, flowers and chocolates, buy them a few days prior. Write on the card all the words you would love to hear. Here is a tip: use your favourite affirmations and remember to sign them.
Get your preferred chocolate bar and drop it in an envelope with the card. Buy the flowers you love and arrange them in a beautiful vase with a note at the bottom. On the morning of Valentine’s Day, smell your flowers and read the accompanying message. Proceed to read your card and have a bite of your scrumptious chocolate. It is the best feeling ever.
I recommend doing this even if you are dating or married. It shows you can meet your needs. It reduces disappointment in case your partner forgets. Best of all, it reinforces that you are lovable and shows that you indeed love yourself.
2. Spend Time Alone.
Many people fear being alone. It is this fear that makes Valentine’s Day scary for single people. It is also the reason why the majority of women stay in horrible relationships. The dread to face yourself and your thoughts.
Part of self-care and self-love is realising the healing power of alone time. When you are by yourself, with no people and distractions, you become self-aware. It is in those moments that you catch negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs. Alone time helps you to challenge and change such.
On Valentine’s Day, purpose to spend some time alone. 15 to 20 minutes of silence and no distractions is sufficient. It could be before or after your shower, preferably before you leave the house. It is like putting on an armour, preparing you for what is outside. After all, it is Valentine’s Day.
You can use this time to connect with yourself. Listen to your thoughts and notice those that are loud. Have a check-in and evaluate how your body feels. Regulate yourself through breath work. You can also affirm yourself with positive words and statements of love.
3. Connect With Your Tribe.
Valentine’s Day is a day to spread love. Use this opportunity to connect with your tribe. Call your parents, guardians, siblings, cousins, friends and anyone else in your corner. Don’t wait for them to call you. They are probably also waiting to be called, be seen and be loved. Be that person for them.
4. Receive The Love That Already Exists.
Just because it is Valentine’s Day does not mean only romantic partners get to shower you with love. When family calls, connect with them. Let them feel that you appreciate them and love them. If a random stranger gives you a rose stem in the street, take it and say thank you. If colleagues wish you a happy Valentine’s Day, accept it, receive it and relish in it. This shifts your focus to the love that already exists in your life.
5. Acknowledge What’s Missing.
It’s Valentine’s Day, of course, there will be people receiving gifts in the streets or at work. Of course, there are couples walking side by side lovingly in town. There are billboards of people professing their love. Others are proposing in hotels, not forgetting the numerous posts on social media on the same!
You will see love being displayed everywhere, even if you don’t leave your house! It is inevitable. This can also trigger some heavy emotions. Do not dismiss them. Recognise them instead.
Of course, it would be nice to have a loving boyfriend. To be gifted, to be loved loudly and proudly. And it sucks that that is not happening for you just yet. Acknowledge it all. However, don’t let it spew for too long.
6. Wish Other Couples Well.
It is good karma to wish other people well. More so when you are single, and it is Valentine’s Day. Don’t let envy and jealousy dictate your moods and how you treat people. Don’t relish seeing couples fight and break up. You are not a wicked witch!
Whether people are celebrating their love genuinely or not, wish them well. The rest is not your prerogative! If you see a couple holding hands or kissing in the streets, don’t wish for them to break up. If you spot another dancing on the sidewalk, they are not crazy, well, maybe they are crazy in love!
Send out good vibes and good energy. It is important for your mental health. It will make Valentine’s Day smoother for you as you beam in your good energy. Furthermore, would like it if people are sending you bad energy just because you are happy in love? Then don’t do it either.
7. Pre-Order Deliverables.
If you want to receive gifts on Valentine’s Day and you are single, pre-order them. Choose a Valentine’s Day package and have it delivered to your doorstep. It could be anything from gifts, flowers, to paintings. Anything that puts a smile on your face.
Having them delivered on Valentine’s Day feels like receiving a gift from someone else. If you make your order a few weeks prior, it feels like a pleasant surprise. It is the simple things that make life enjoyable.
8. Volunteer.
What better way of spreading love than with the less fortunate in society? Helping others will make being alone on Valentine’s Day seem like a negligible matter. And no matter the course you choose, you will be making a real difference in people’s lives and in the world. The feeling of it is undeniable.
9. Indulge A Little or A Lot.
It’s Valentine’s Day, indulge a little or a lot. Shower yourself with gifts, time and attention that you would crave from somebody else. Here are a few ideas.
- Book a spa session
- Reserve a table for one at a five-star restaurant
- Cook your favourite meal
- Get active and try group exercise
- Write a love letter to yourself
- Pamper yourself at home
Being single is not a disease that halts your life. You are worthy with or without a romantic partner. And celebrating Valentine’s Day affirms this belief. No matter how you choose to spend it, ensure you enjoy your day to the fullest. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, imagine all the fun you can have! Single ladies, clock it!
Happy Valentine’s Day. ♥
Mourine Warui is a media and communication expert and seasoned writer. Her goal is to empower and offer solutions to everyday girl’s problems while provoking candid and authentic conversations. Other goals are to provide inspiration and entertainment to readers through creative, thought-provoking and edgy stories.
