Valentine’s Day can make some people sick. When you’re single, it has a weird way of making you feel lonely for the day – even if you’re perfectly content with being single.

I remember when I was happily single I dreaded Valentine’s Day. It was the one day a year I felt like I should be with somebody, and that something must be wrong with me because I wasn’t. 

During the pandemic, it’s nice to celebrate holidays – even if they are silly and were only created by money-hungry companies to sell more cards. Holidays are an excuse to have some fun. 

So, whether you’re spending this holiday on your own or with your valentine, here are some fun ways to spend your day:

Plan a Lovely, Thoughtful Meal 

Make an effort and do some research. What’s your absolute favorite meal? Find a recipe with great reviews and cook it for yourself! Put the time, effort, and love into your meal.

You DESERVE it!

If your significant other absolutely adores seafood pasta, do all the above and cook it to perfection for them. When you cook your food with love, it truly tastes better! If you’re with your significant other before dinner, get everything ready and cook it together. 

Have fun with it!

Jam Out to a Valentine’s Day Playlist

You may as well celebrate this holiday to the right soundtrack(s). Some of the greatest classics are love songs and ones that you’ll want to dance around in the kitchen while making your food. It’ll put you in a great mood!

Single or taken, who doesn’t love jamming out to Sinatra. We can all practice self-love for ourselves. Dance with your wonderful body that you’re lucky to have! Share a slow dance with your loved one, even if that special person is yourself. #selflove

Want some inspiration? Check out my Valentine playlist here.

Plan a Valentine’s Day Hunt

Last year, before the pandemic, I remember getting back to Alex’s house in Nashville after having a horrible experience at the hairdressers (we’ve all been there 💇🏼‍♀️]. But I knew we were going out to dinner that night and, needless to say, I was NOT in the best mood! 

I was greeted at the door with a notecard with a clue written on it. The next 15 minutes were spent exploring the house, looking for the next clue. All the clues contained riddles that I had to solve using fun anecdotes from our relationship. After solving the last clue, it led me to a room with a large bouquet of flowers, all my favorite chocolates, and a bottle of champagne!

It was such a good laugh that it made me forget about my awful hairdo!I truly think there is no better present than a thoughtful one.

Don’t have a partner to plan for? 

Gather your single friends, plan a Valentine’s Day hunt out in your garden #covidsafe, and watch them run around hunting chocolate and laughing while cracking the clues!

Play a Board Game

I come from a family of 7 who all adore board games, card games, and trivia. 

You name it! If it requires dice, cards, or useless bits of knowledge, we play it!

We’ve now converted Alex to our Sunday Dinner board game traditions. It’s a great way to spend time together, have fun, and laugh at anyone who might take the game a little too seriously. 

Get a bottle of wine and play a game with your S.O. (significant other) or with a group of friends. Laugh at how seriously they take it or how much of a sore loser you are.

Recently, my favorite game is 30 Seconds, an Irish game that you work in teams. Or the Monopoly card game.

**I’m not responsible for any arguments you may get into during this game! If you’re prone to taking games too seriously, omit the wine!! ***

Dress Up

I think a lot of people assume that you should only dress up if you have a date.

That simply is not the case.  Wear something that makes you feel DIVINE! 

I spend way too much time in activewear and rarely wear make-up these days thanks to the pandemic. But when I do wear nice clothes, I try to slap on some make-up, and instantly, I feel like the Queen B!

You may have that really nice lingerie or a new dress you haven’t had the opportunity to try on yet. WHIP IT OUT!!! It’s Valentine’s Day! Time to look (and feel) your best!

Take a Bath

Take your time to decorate the bathroom in candles, use that bubble bath bomb you saved, fill up that bubble bath and RELAX. You can do this whether you’re single or taken. 

When you’re finished treat yourself to some divine cocoa butter or massage oils and give yourself a body massage (or ask your partner to).

Buy Something Nice

Gift your loved one that one thing they’ve had their eye on for a while. Or buy yourself that skincare set you’ve wanted but didn’t want to splurge on. 

From the money you saved on not going out to dinner, substitute it for a present! You DESERVE it!

Remember!

No matter who you spend Valentine’s Day with, just know you’re loved. Self-love is just as important as a loving partner. Even if you have a loving partner, it’s so important to practice self-compassion and truly love yourself. Use these tips to have the best Valentine’s Day ever, single or with someone!