14 Things to do if you’re Single this Valentine’s Day

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Whether you love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day isn’t going anywhere and the day of love is fast approaching.

Valentine’s Day is primarily known as the day for couples and if you’re not in a relationship, then it’s not for you – but that doesn’t have to be the case.

Instead of excluding yourself this year, why not make February 14th a day of self-care? Or a day to celebrate other relationships: like the ones you share with family, friends and even your furry-friends!

Don’t dwell on the day just because there’s not a special someone in your life to share the day with, because you can still make this a day to look forward to.

So without further ado, here are 14 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year if you’re not in a romantic relationship:

1. TREAT YOURSELF OR A CLOSE RELATION TO DINNER

Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a fancy dinner just because you’re not in a relationship! Go out to your favourite restaurant – by yourself, with a friend or a member of family – and enjoy a nice evening out dining. Don’t forget to splash out extra on a dessert, you deserve a treat!

2. PLAN A TRIP AWAY

When was the last time you got away properly? You don’t need to go abroad (although you can if you want to!), just go somewhere different for a change of scenery and also, to give yourself something to look forward to. Although you may not be able to go away on Valentine’s Day itself, you can still plan it for the following weekend – or even use the day to plan it for the future.

3. DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE

Although it’s good to take the time to focus on yourself, Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them. Just because you’re not in a relationship, that doesn’t mean you don’t have relationships to focus on. Buy a card and write a meaningful message in it for your family or a friend, get your pet their favourite treat, or a new toy to play with; do something that makes someone else happy.

4. TRY COOKING OR BAKING SOMETHING NEW

Most people will be whipping up a homemade treat for their significant others on Valentine’s Day, so there’s no reason you can’t. Is there a recipe that you’ve wanted to test out for ages but never found the time to do it? Use this day to do it! And if it doesn’t turn out quite how you wanted, just order a takeaway instead. Or just skip the cooking part and order the takeaway, whatever suits you!

5. WATCH YOUR FAVOURITE FILM

Get your blankets and pillows, gather all the snacks, get comfy and throw on your favourite film – or a new one that you’ve been dying to see – this is the best day to do it.

6. HANG OUT WITH YOUR FAMILY

Do you have a niece or nephew? Or grandparents that you don’t get to see as often as you would like to? Use Valentine’s as an opportunity to spend some quality time with them – maybe even offer to babysit your nieces or nephews so their parents go out.

7. BUY YOURSELF A GIFT

It’s not every day that you get a chance to treat yourself. Get yourself something that you’ve wanted for ages but just didn’t want to spend the money on at the time. Buy that new item of clothing, or that new game – do something for yourself.

8. PAMPER YOURSELF

Take some time to focus on yourself and revitalise the things that you have been neglecting for too long. Whether it be a self-care session at home with face masks and a pedicure, or a day trip to your local spa, do something to treat yourself and your skin.

9. PAMPER YOUR PET

Why stop at yourself? If you have a pet – doesn’t matter what kind of animal you have – take them out for a day of pampering because they deserve it just as much as you do.

10. UNPLUG FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Let’s admit it, social media can get a little bit annoying with all the ‘lovey-dovey’ Valentine’s Day posts. Maybe use the day to remove yourself from being active online and spend some time reading a new book, or playing your favourite game.

11. TAKE AN EXERCISE CLASS

This is probably the last thing you wanted to hear, but once you’ve done it, you will feel ten times better. See what your local activity centre has going on and sign up for a class. It’s a chance to get fit and get to know other people, which is good especially if you don’t like working out by yourself!

12. BUY YOUR FAVOURITE TREATS

What’s better than buying your favourite chocolates, drink and snacks and knowing that you don’t have to share it with anyone? Absolutely nothing. Induldge in your favourite treats knowing that you don’t have to half and half the portions.

13. TAKE UP THE VALENTINE’S DAY OFFERS AVAILABLE

There will be loads of offers on for couples throughout Valentine’s Day – who’s to say you can’t take a friend a claim to be a couple? Don’t miss out on these deals just because you’re not in a relationship, fake it until you make it!

14. TREAT IT LIKE A NORMAL DAY

You don’t have to focus on the fact that it’s Valentine’s Day, you can treat it like you would any other. The most important thing is to do what’s best for you.