A guide to being single on Valentine’s Day

If being single any day of the year can feel kinda crappy at times, being single on the designated day for love is in a league of its own. Truth is, it doesn’t matter if you’re single, taken or just keeping things casual cause you’re awesome either way. The Mix talks you through how to be single on Valentine’s Day.

Help! I’m single on Valentine’s Day!

So your relationship status is currently single? You probably didn’t even think twice about it until the week before February 14th. But suddenly the world turns against you… Garish Valentine’s Day gifts like teddy bears wearing ‘I wuv you’ jumpers fill every shop window, your office has a dangerously high pollen count due to the countless bouquets of roses on colleagues’ desks. Not to mention, your favourite restaurant is defo not a restaurant for singles on Valentine’s Day. Their menu has become a heart-shaped nightmare.

You’re totally forgiven for hating all this crap, a.k.a Valentine’s Day, and hiding under your duvet on a strict social media ban until sanity has returned to the universe. Thing is, it’s not all that bad. Here’s how to make Valentine’s Day special as a single.

Things to do when you’re single on Valentine’s Day

The best part about Valentine’s Day? All the couples are crammed into restaurants paying a fortune for a set menu. This means that the bars and clubs are a singles-only zone. And don’t think you don’t have any support. There are a wealth of singles nights specifically organised to help you meet a potential other-half. Speed dating, lock and key parties, anti-Valentine’s fetish balls – the clubbing world is your single oyster. You might even be lucky and get there in time for happy hour.

Just think. While the couples are enjoying their ten minutes of obligatory missionary before heading to bed at 9pm, you could be getting hot and heavy with a sexy stranger. Now who’s living the dream?

Plus, despite all the focus on romantic meals for two, a lot of businesses have started to see the value in catering for the rest of us (it’s about damn time). This means that there are actually plenty of restaurants for singles on Valentine’s Day if you fancy something to eat with said sexy stranger (or on your own!).

How to embrace being single on Valentine’s Day

No, not in a ‘you’ve got to love yourself first’ self-help way. Just in a you’re-pretty-awesome-so-take-a-minute-to-enjoy-this-moment way. Take yourself out on a date night for some food and ice cream. Remind yourself that it’s better to not be in a relationship at all than to be in the wrong relationship. Don’t fall into that all-too-familiar trap of romanticising your ex because all the love in the air has made you all sentimental. 

And enjoy all the gross stuff you can do when there’s no lover around to impress. Gulp down your drink, burp violently and spend the evening slobbing around in that comfy pair of joggers with the curry stain down the front. You’ll probably miss all that freedom once love comes knocking.

Share some Valentine’s love with your family and friends

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic relationships – at its core, it’s about love. And sharing yours could give you that warm gooey feeling. So don’t be afraid to send your family and friends Valentine’s Day cards. And maybe even some gift cards. It’s practically guaranteed to pop a smile on their face. 

To elevate your expressions of love for family and friends beyond the ordinary, consider the charm of custom gifts. A collier prenom, or name necklace, adds a personal touch that resonates deeply. This unique accessory not only showcases your thoughtful consideration but also becomes a cherished keepsake for your loved ones. Its elegance and individuality make it a symbol of the special bond you share, transcending the typical Valentine’s Day gesture and creating a lasting impression. So, whether it’s for a cherished family member or a close friend, gifting a personalized collier prenom can turn this day into a memorable celebration of love in all its forms.

Or try volunteering for the day. As well as making you feel like you’re helping the world, it’s also a brilliant way of meeting new people. Who knows what potential Romeo, Juliet, or surprisingly good-looking person you could meet?

Throw an anti-Valentine’s party

These, admittedly slightly bitter, affairs are a fun way of bringing all your single friends together. They’re basically a house party, but with an anti-relationship twist. 

Make your guests wear humorous breakup tags, such as Nicki ‘It’s not you it’s me’ Smith. Blare out anti-love songs (R-E-S-P-E-C-T always goes down well). Serve stinky garlicky food everyone can enjoy without worrying about kissing breath, bake red heart cookies and decorate them with black icing. 

You can even spear some hearts (asparagus not human) and shove them on the grill, or smash up some Lovehearts and sprinkle them on top of black cupcakes. Oh, and don’t forget the drinks. You can come up with fun cocktail names like sleep-on-the-beach.

Ruin it for others

So you’ve tried not to be resentful about it. But you are. Like very. It might not be the most ethical way of handling the holiday, but ruining Valentine’s Day for other couples is an appealing option. Methods vary on the grounds-for-cancellation-scale.

On the low level you could simply book a massive table at a restaurant for all your single friends and ruin the romantic atmosphere by being loud and happy. Up a notch, is going to the cinema and pelting smooching couples with popcorn whilst cackling.

And if you’re feeling mega-bold, try knocking on a restaurant window, catching the eye of a happily-dining couple, and ruining their evening by mouthing ‘I love you’ at one of them. Cue “who the hell was that?” arguments whilst you giggle in the bushes. 

Disclaimer: The Mix cannot be held responsible for any karmic or legal fallout from any of these activities.

What are your tactics for surviving being single on Valentine’s Day? We’d love to hear them. Head over to our discussion boards to share your thoughts.