There are lots of ways to make this day of love a good one when you are riding solo
BY SOFIE ROOS, IMAGE BY RDNE STOCK PROJECT/PEXELS
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. It can easily feel a bit lonely when you’re single around this time. That’s why I’m here to give my best advice on how to celebrate the annual day of love without a partner. There are lots of ways to make this way a great one, even when you’re uncoupled.
Take yourself on a date
Dating yourself isn’t awkward or weird – it’s a beautiful and amazing experience. So this Valentine’s Day do something you’ve been longing to do.
For example, you could get a table, dress up nice, and treat yourself at that restaurant. Alternatively, you could order at home and binge-watch that series you’ve heard so much about. Other suggestions are: spending the whole afternoon at your favourite cafe with a good book or staying home, lighting some candles, put on some music and cooking a long meal. It’s less about what you do and more about the time and energy you put into doing something nice for yourself.
Pro tip: If you really want to date yourself more deeply, take an online quiz to get to know yourself better. This can be as much fun as an interesting experience!
Celebrate with your best single friend/s
Love doesn’t have to be romantic to be okay to celebrate on the 14th. Invite your best single friend/s for a Valentine’s dinner, and keep it simple by letting everyone bring something to the table, or just order pizza and drink wine in soft pants – you decide.
And as this year’s Valentine’s is on a Saturday, you also have plenty of time to spend together. You could take a daytripm hit the theatre, a concert or even escape to a hotel for the weekend. The options are endless.
Have a self-care day
Try to tick off all must-dos in time and prioritise self care on the 14th.
On the day, you can write a love letter to your future you, make encouraging love notes to save for when you really need to remind yourself how good you are. You can make good playlists and shop for something you really like. Or you can take the day to paint a canvas, to rest or just be a bit softer and kinder to yourself than usual. Simply turn it into a day to fill up the love batteries within yourself.
Put out a contact ad
Even if some might think of this as a bit cringey, it’s still an old trick in the book that works. So if you feel spontaneous and in the mood, why not put out a contact ad on your socials or in a Facebook group and ask if anyone wants to take a walk, a coffee, hit the movies or just chat.
You’re definitely not alone out there, and by searching for company outside of dating apps, you’re at a good chance of finding something that might feel a bit more real and less forced.
If you’re really brave, then put up a physical contact ad at a public bulletin board a day ahead and see if someone hits your DM…
Sofie Roos, is a licensed sexologist, relationship therapist and author at the Swedish sex positive online magazine Passionerad.
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