Being single on Valentine's Day isn't really a big deal, you know. Yeah, you might feel a little ... disgruntled, seeing all those couples clinging to each other like ivy, but come on. You're young, free, and gorgeous! Whether you're flying solo or just not with your boo for the big day, you can still have a blast. C'mon, singles, claim your Valentine's Day!
Gather up your other single girlfriends for a night at the movies. Be sure to pick something that's anti-romantic – no sappy chick flicks allowed! Be sure to get giant buckets of popcorn to share.
Go with a "Love Hurts" theme and use all black decorations. No flowers, no cards, no candy… just good food, good friends, and good drinks!
Get a massage, a facial, or a pedicure – alone or with some girlfriends. Make yourself feel special and pampered!
Plan a special trip to some place you've always wanted to visit. It could be something as dramatic as a foreign cruise or as simple as a day trip- enjoy being able to just do something you and only you want to do.
Go out to dinner at a fancy restaurant with other single friends. Treat yourself to some place really special, and get a delicious dessert – you don't have to share it!
Or, make it a night in to avoid seeing all the couples packing the restaurants. Rent a few guy-bashing movies, pop a big bowl of popcorn, and remind yourself that it's great to be single - you get the couch all to yourself!
Got nieces or nephews? Be the "cool aunt" and volunteer to babysit. Take the kids to an indoor playground, and then go out to eat junk their parents never let them have. They'll love you forever!
Volunteer at a local animal shelter. Try taking the dogs for walks - they will totally appreciate the attention. There's no better love than a happy puppy licking your face!
Get into your sexiest outfit and go out to a hot new bar or club. Challenge yourself to strike up a conversation with five guys you'd never normally approach. Take a chance – you might introduce yourself to someone amazing!
Take the money you would've spent on a significant other and get yourself something fabulous. Can you say right hand ring, anyone?!
Plan a big dinner for single friends, and spend the day shopping and cooking. Sometimes, all that chopping and sautéing can be totally therapeutic.
Spend time helping out at a children's home, senior citizen center, or battered women's shelter. Giving back to the community by playing games or cooking a special dinner for people in need can really warm your heart on Valentine's Day.
Express your love for the important people in your life. Take time out on Valentine's Day to write a heartfelt note to your parents and grandparents. These are the people that truly love you unconditionally, and they'd be so happy to hear from you.
Bake some Valentine's treats and sell them at work in the days leading up to Valentine's, and then donate the proceeds to your favorite charity. You'll make brownie points at work and make yourself feel great by helping others.
Think of something you've always wanted to try but have been a little afraid to do – Sky diving? Bungee jumping? Deep sea diving? Go do it this Valentine's – there's no time like the present to have an adventure!
Think of someone in your social circle that's having a hard time – maybe they've recently lost their job, home, or someone close to them – and then think of a surprise to make them smile. Making their day will make yours, too!
Give a Valentine's gift to the planet and plan something green for February 14. Plant a tree, start a recycling program in your neighborhood, or set up a carpool group at work. You'll feel great and the Earth will, too!
Brainstorm with single friends about the top twenty reasons you're glad you're single… start this list with no snoring, cover-stealing partner sleeping next to you tonight!
Get on your workout clothes and break a sweat. Go for a run in the park, hit the gym, or take to the trails and hike. The endorphins released in exercise are almost as good as sex, so you'll feel great and look great, too!
Pick out a gorgeous bouquet that you love online, write an affirming message on the card, and have them delivered to work. When someone asks who they're from, just answer: "Someone who really loves me for me!"
No, not with anew partner – well, unless you meet someone! Remember how wesuggested trying something you'd never done before? It's also a greattime to pick out a new hobby or passion. That could be swimming,yoga, or even baking. It could even be a new pet! You have lots oflove to give, but remember that there are dozens of ways to expressit.
This involves gathering up your single friends too. Remember all that cash you're saving by notspending it on flowers and candy and expensive lingerie? Throw alittle Secret Cupid party. This is like Secret Santa, but this timethe chubby little mascot's wearing a diaper. You could pick sillygifts or meaningful ones, but you'll all have fun opening up yoursuper secret presents – promise.
Have a pet? Seriously, let your pet be your Valentine. Buy your dog, cat, bunny, bird, or snake something really special. I don't know about you, but my dog is my BFF, so this issomething I do anyway. I'm not the only one, right?
You know you're not the only person who might be feeling lonely on Valentine's Day, right? Why not takethat extra cash and buy a bunch of roses or colorful balloons. Handthem out to passersby as you wander around your town. Maybe you'll goviral! Either way, you'll be making a lot of people smile.
Seriously, Netflix makes anything better.Binge watch your favorite show, catch up on something new, or revisitold favorites. And yes, you can always watch a few anti-love moviestoo. Just don't forget the ice cream.
Books make everything better too. Read something youlove, a new novel you haven't gotten around to yet, or a selfaffirming book. Swoon over your favorite love story, sympathize witha jilted heroine, and be glad you're not Madame Bovary, AnnaKarenina, or Bella Swan (sorry).
If you need to have a cry or even a little pity party, indulge – for a minute. Time yourself. This is especially important if you got out ofa relationship right before Valentine's Day, because that sucks. Letyourself mourn or feel bad, but don't let it consume the entireday.
I'm serious. You can't be sad when you're laughing. You'll be in a room filled with people who are laughing along with you!
Not really, but you can forget that it's Valentine's Day. What is it,really, but just another day? It's not the only day you can be inlove. Make it yours and do with it what you will.
Take the day to rediscover yourself. Think,meditate, brood if you need to. What do you want out of life, out oflove, and out of yourself? Come out on the other side feeling aswonderful as you are.
Being single on February 14 can be an amazing, exciting opportunity to do something just for you. Do you have other great tips for spending a Valentine's Day as a single? Post them here – I'd love to hear them!
This article was written in collaboration with editor Lyndsie Robinson.