Things to do on Valentine’s Day alone

February. The month of love. The 14th is fast approaching, so prepare for an influx of lovers expressing their affection to the world with outlandish gifts and engagements. But what about if you’re just not into it?

Now, I’m not here to be a Scrooge - love is such a wonderful feeling, but we’re inundated with things people can do with their significant other but this year, I am here to make sure you are showing yourself that same love.

This time of year can feel pretty lonely, especially if you’ve had your heart broken or if ‘your person’ is no longer with us. Even if you’re single by choice, let’s shift the meaning of Valentine’s Day from being about celebrating the other person and using this day to celebrate yourself!

Here are 14 heartwarming, wholesome things you can easily do to fill your cup this Valentine’s Day:

TREAT YOURSELF TO DINNER

Do your hair, pop your favourite lippy on and put on that fancy dress you’ve been saving for the right time. Grab your bag and head to your favourite restaurant, it’s time to wine and dine yourself. Fancy some company? Arrange a Galentine’s evening and head out to somewhere new for a scrumptious meal with a bottle of wine with your friends or family.

PLAN A TRIP AWAY

Whisk yourself away for the weekend or an evening, it doesn’t have to be far … but then again, there’s always some last-minute deals to entice us into some winter sunshine. A change of scenery always makes us feel better and who doesn’t enjoy some spontaneity. Can’t get away for Valentine’s Day? Plan the trip in advance, how great is it to have something to look forward to!

SPREAD THE LOVE WITH FLOWERS

Nothing makes us smile more than a beautiful bunch of flowers, so treat yourself to a stunning arrangement from Petals. Whether that’s a basket, bouquet or a rose in a vase, Petals have the perfect options to nurture our hearts. But why stop there? Spread the love by gifting a friend or even dropping some to a local nursing home, nothing feeds the soul quite like bringing joy to others.

'My Sweetheart' Flower Arrangement from Petals Florist

COOK OR BAKE SOMETHING NEW

There’s got to be a few recipes that you’ve saved and wanted to try, pull’em out and make a night of it! Channel your inner Nigella and whip up a hearty and delicious meal (with a high-calorie dessert – you know you want to) and prepare for the best night in of all time! Why not go that step further and get the perfect wine pairing or get fancy and make your own cocktails/mocktails.

HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT

Prepare the snacks, grab your blanket and get comfy for a night of movies. Whether it’s a Rom-Com or a violent slasher movie, relish in whatever genre makes your heart sing. Want to try something new? Head to our film guide in the magazine to see what’s new this month and take yourself to the cinema.

HAVE SOME FAMILY TIME

This is a great time to spend some time with your family, perhaps you don’t see your parents or grandparents as often as you’d like to. Pop round and enjoy a takeaway from Shapla Balti Cuisine. Do you have a niece or nephew? Get those endorphins flowing by spend some time with the little people and bring out your inner child. You could even be on aunty/uncle duty and baby sit for the night so the parents can go out.

BUY YOURSELF A GIFT

It’s not every day that you get a chance to treat yourself, so go on, get yourself something you’ve had your eye on or even something risqué. Whilst buying gifts like jewellery, shoes or bags for yourself are great mood boosters, there’s a lot to say about that feel good feeling when you treat yourself to some flattering lingerie. Celebrate yourself and your body.

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.

WRITE YOURSELF LOVE LETTERS

Think of it a bit like journalling, but instead, you’re writing letters to your future self. Stick a few candles on, pour yourself a glass of red and grab your fancy stationary and focus on all the exciting things you want to manifest for yourself. That could be mapping out your dreams, the qualities you want for your next partner and even down to the house or cottage you want to live in. Address them accordingly and only open them at those milestones or moments, or simply put them away in a keep sake box and rediscover them years later.

UNPLUG FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Let’s not forget that social media is essentially just a high-light reel. If you’ve recently experienced heartbreak and the thought of seeing happy couples showcasing their love for one another is too much to bear then perhaps it’s best to make the decision to take a detox. Focus on the heart that matters most for this day, yours.

GET MOVING

We all know how good getting your body moving is for you. Not only does it increase your overall health and sense of well-being but it pumps up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters which is your endorphins. Either, gym, swim or even a relaxing yoga class will clear your mind and improve your mental health.

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.

ENJOY THE VDAY OFFERS

With lots of offers on for couples through the Valentine’s Day period – who’s to say you can’t claim them for yourself? Soak up all the atmosphere with a friend and raise a glass to all the exciting things coming your way in 2024!

TREAT IT LIKE A NORMAL DAY

In the grand scheme of things, Wednesday 14th is just another day. If you really want to think about it, it’s just a capitalistic idea to sell material items. Last year in the U.S alone consumer’s spent a total of $23.9 billion for Valentine’s Day! So please don’t feel pressure or sad because you’re not with a ‘significant other’ this year. It’s clever marketing. The most important thing this year is doing what’s best for you.