Alone on Valentine’s Day? Here's 10 ways to actually enjoy it
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Being alone isn’t the same as being lonely! Explore the benefits of being alone on Valentine’s Day and get 10 ideas for how to spend the holidays solo.
Valentine’s Day has a way of making single people feel like they should be sobbing into a heart-shaped pizza while the couples they know frolic through a rom-com montage. But let’s be real — just because you’re spending the day solo doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of loneliness. Being alone on Valentine’s Day can be kind of a treat, if you let it be. It’s all about shifting your perspective.
Love—real, meaningful love—exists in so many forms. It’s in our friendships, in the way we care for ourselves, in the things that bring us joy, and in the quiet moments where we feel completely at peace.
So instead of treating Valentine’s Day like some cruel reminder of what you don’t have, what if you flipped the script? What if you used this day to celebrate yourself — your independence, your resilience, your ability to create a life that makes you happy, with or without a romantic partner?
No one is saying you should pretend you’re thrilled to be single if you’re not. It’s more about recognizing that being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely and remembering that your happiness isn’t on hold until someone else shows up to complete you. (Spoiler alert: you’re already whole.)
Let’s talk about why being alone on Valentine’s Day can actually be a win, and how to make the most of it.
Are there benefits to being alone on Valentine’s Day?
It’s not the message we usually hear, but there are benefits to spending Valentine’s Day solo. When you strip away the marketing gimmicks and the overpriced dinners, you’re left with freedom. And that is something worth celebrating.
So, what’s so great about being alone on Valentine’s Day?
You call the shots: Want to spend the entire day in sweatpants eating pancakes for dinner? Done. Feel like taking yourself out for an over-the-top meal just because you can? Go for it. You’re in complete control. There’s no one to compromise with, no awkward “where should we eat?” debate — just you doing exactly what you want.
No expectations, no pressure: No stressing over finding the perfect gift. No pretending to love a mediocre date night. No wondering if your partner put as much thought into your present as you did into theirs. Just a regular day… that you get to enjoy on your own terms.
You get to focus on self-care: Instead of pouring energy into making someone else feel special, you can use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to prioritize yourself — whether that’s with a spa night, a solo adventure, or finally watching whatever you want without a second opinion.
Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely: There’s a huge difference between being alone and being lonely. One is a state of being; the other is a feeling. And believe it or not, plenty of people in relationships still feel lonely. True fulfillment comes from within, not from a relationship status.
You are enough, just as you are: You don’t need to be in a relationship to be happy, loved, or worthy. You are already all of those things, exactly as you are, right now.
How to feel good about being single on Valentine’s Day
Sometimes, being single on Valentine’s Day can feel a little sad. Not because being single is bad, but because we’ve been trained to think of February 14th as a relationship report card. If you’re single, it feels like society whispers that something must be missing. But here’s the thing: There is nothing missing from your life just because you’re not spending the day in a different way.
Being single—on Valentine’s Day or any other day—isn’t a problem to be solved. It’s a life stage, a choice, a season, or just where you’re at right now. And it can be pretty freaking great.
The key to feeling content on your own is shifting your mindset. Here are a few ways to start.
Stop comparing your day to someone else’s highlight reel
Social media is going to be full of picture-perfect couple posts, but here’s the reality: social media is curated. For every candlelit dinner you see, there’s an off-camera argument about where to park. Stay in your own lane and remind yourself that no one’s life is as perfect as it looks online. (Feeling especially alone this Valentine’s Day? Here are seven tips to help you feel better right now.)
Shift your focus to what you do have
Instead of fixating on what’s missing, think about the love that already exists in your life. Friendships, family, pets, passions — these all count as love. The more you focus on appreciating what you have, the less you’ll dwell on what you don’t. Also let’s not forget that our relationship with ourselves is the longest one we’ll have. So if you spend a day caring for yourself, that’s a major win.
Remind yourself that being single isn’t a problem to fix
Being single or unpartnered doesn’t mean you’re incomplete and it’s not something you need to change. It doesn’t mean you’re “behind.” It doesn’t mean you need to be in a hurry to change your relationship status. Sometimes the things we learn and accomplish on our own are even more important than the things we achieve when partnered with another person. Being single is just a relationship status, and not a reflection of your worth.
Lean into what makes you happy
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean flowers and candlelit dinners. It can mean pizza on the couch, a long walk, a new book, or a day spent doing exactly what you want. When you stop forcing the holiday to look a certain way, it becomes a lot more enjoyable. Turn it into whatever you want it to be. And if seeing other people’s celebrations feels hurtful, log off of social media for the day!
💙 Explore how you can Combat Loneliness in this session with Jay Shetty.
10 ways to spend Valentine's Day alone (and actually enjoy it)
Now that we’ve shifted the mindset from, “Why am I single on Valentine’s Day?” to “Who cares? I’m amazing!" Let's talk about what to do with the day. Because sitting around feeling sorry for yourself while scrolling through engagement announcements isn’t it.
The beauty of spending Valentine’s Day alone is that it’s all yours. No expectations, no pressure, no weirdly formal dinner dates where you have to pretend to love an overpriced steak. You get to make February 14th exactly what you want it to be. Here are a few ways to spend the day solo and actually have fun.
1. Take yourself on a date
Treat yourself like the absolute catch that you are. Go to your favorite restaurant and order exactly what you want (with no one stealing fries off your plate). See a movie alone — which, by the way, is one of the most underrated solo activities. No one talks through the plot, no one asks silly questions, and you get the whole popcorn bucket to yourself. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, take yourself out to a museum, an art exhibit, or that café you’ve been meaning to try.
Spending time with yourself is a skill, and the more you practice it, the more you realize you’re actually pretty great company. Explore the benefits of alone time and five signs you need more of it.
2. Have a full-blown self-care night
And no, not the “I guess I’ll slap on a face mask and call it self-care” type of night. We’re talking full-blown, indulgent, no-holding-back self-care.
That means:
A long, hot shower or bath with all the fancy products.
Cozy pajamas straight from the dryer.
Your favorite comfort food, whether that’s homemade mac and cheese or three types of takeout.
A guilty-pleasure movie or show (no wrong answers here).
Basically, whatever makes you feel good, relaxed, and recharged. Valentine’s Day is literally built for indulgence — so we say why not make yourself the priority? Here are 12 relaxation ideas to reduce stress and anxiety.
3. Throw a Galentine’s (or Palentine’s) party
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance — it’s about all kinds of love. So why not celebrate the people who’ve been there for you through everything? Your friends.
Host a dinner party, order a massive pizza, or do a round the world dinner where you order several different kinds of take-out. Do a group movie marathon (breakup movies highly encouraged). If an in-person gathering isn’t an option, have a virtual hangout. Your friends are your soulmates too, so celebrate them. If you’re looking to give Galentine’s a whirl, explore these 10 tips to celebrate with your besties.
4. Try something totally new
One of the best ways to shake up any sadness you might be feeling? Try something different.
Sign up for a cooking class. Go to an open mic night (as a spectator or a performer, if you’re feeling bold). Try an activity you’ve always been curious about like, pottery, salsa dancing, or axe throwing (because why not?). Here are five mindful ways to find your passions in life.
There’s something about stepping outside your usual routine that makes you feel alive again. And who knows, you might just discover a new passion, or fun hobby.
5. Volunteer or spread some kindness
Nothing shifts your mood faster than giving love, rather than waiting to receive it.
Valentine’s Day can be hard for a lot of people — not just singles. So why not take a little time to spread kindness. Volunteer at an animal shelter (puppy cuddles are an instant mood booster), donate to a cause you care about, or send handwritten notes to people in your life who could use a little extra love.
Even something as simple as complimenting a stranger or texting a friend to say, “Hey, you’re amazing and I appreciate you” can make their day better, and by extension, yours too.
6. Go on a solo adventure
Staying in is great, but sometimes, you just need to get out and do something fun for yourself.
Take a scenic drive with your favorite playlist blasting. Go for a long walk in a park or at the beach. Spend the afternoon browsing bookstores, record stores, or anywhere else that makes you happy.
The best part of a solo adventure is that you get to follow your mood. No one else’s opinions, no one else’s schedule — just you, going wherever the day takes you.
7. Create a vision board for your year ahead
If Valentine’s Day is all about love, why not focus on what you love about your life — and where you want to take it next.
Grab a stack of magazines, some glue, and a poster board, and start crafting a vision board that reflects your dreams, goals, and everything that excites you. You can also do virtual vision boards online in simple graphic design programs.
Not a fan of arts and crafts? Write a list of things you want to do this year. Think big and visualize your life the way you want it! Consider travel plans, career goals, personal milestones, and new hobbies you want to try. Is your life feeling out of your control, explore these 10 ways to empower yourself.
8. Treat yourself to something special
Buy yourself flowers. Order that ridiculously fancy dessert. Finally get that thing you’ve been eyeing but keep putting off because you feel like you need an occasion. This is the occasion. You don’t need someone else to spoil you — you can do that just fine on your own.
💙 Explore how to Self Love-Bomb yourself with Jeff Warren.
9. Turn it into an anti-Valentine’s Day celebration
Not feeling the whole love-fest? Flip the script and make it an anti-Valentine’s Day.
Watch a lineup of hilarious breakup movies (Legally Blonde and The First Wives Club are classics), or straight up horror movies. Make an empowering playlist full of songs about confidence and independence. Sometimes, the best way to deal with an overhyped holiday is to make fun of it.
10. Just treat it like any other day
And here’s the simplest, most freeing option of all: just don’t acknowledge it. Go to work, go to the gym, do your usual grocery run — whatever makes the day feel normal. Valentine’s Day is only a big deal if you decide it is. So if you’d rather just let it pass like any other day, that is completely valid.
If you’re worried that seeing other people’s bouquets or proposals will cause you to spiral, log off social media for a few days.
Alone on valentine's day FAQs
How can I avoid feeling lonely on Valentine’s Day?
The trick to avoiding loneliness on Valentine’s Day isn’t about forcing yourself to be busy — it’s about being intentional with your time. Instead of dwelling on what the holiday represents, focus on making it a day that actually feels good to you.
Plan something you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s a night in with your favorite movie, a long FaceTime call with a friend, or even a solo adventure to shake up your routine. And if feelings of loneliness do creep in, remind yourself that emotions are temporary. You are not defined by a single day on the calendar, and just because you’re alone today doesn’t mean you always will be.
What are some self-care activities to do alone on Valentine’s Day?
Self-care isn’t just face masks and bubble baths (though those vibes are always encouraged). It’s about doing things that make you feel good, inside and out. Maybe that means getting outside for some fresh air, journaling about what’s been on your mind, or treating yourself to a slow, stress-free morning.
It could also mean saying no to things that drain you — like social media scrolling that triggers comparison or invitations you don’t actually want to accept. The best self-care is whatever makes you feel lighter, calmer, and more like yourself.
How can I practice self-love on Valentine’s Day?
Self-love isn’t just about doing nice things for yourself — it’s about the way you talk to yourself, too. Instead of letting negative thoughts creep in about why you’re single or what your love life “should” look like, use today as a reminder that you are already whole, already worthy, already enough.
Wanna try something cheesy? Write yourself a love letter, list out things you genuinely appreciate about yourself, or simply make the choice to treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you’d give to a close friend. Self-love isn’t a one-day event, but hey, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to start making it a priority. Here are 10 self-love-activities you can try today!
Are there any benefits to being single on Valentine’s Day?
Absolutely. Being single on Valentine’s Day means no stress, no pressure, and no scrambling for last-minute gifts that might be the right level of thoughtful but not too serious. It’s a chance to celebrate yourself instead of worrying about meeting someone else’s expectations.
Plus, you get to avoid the chaos of overcrowded restaurants and overpriced bouquets/candy. More importantly, being single means you have the space to focus on yourself. Take the day to focus on your goals, your happiness, your own definition of love. Instead of seeing it as a lack, consider it an opportunity.
How can I celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends instead of a partner?
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love—it’s about all forms of love, including the love we share with friends. Plan a Galentine’s (or Palentine’s) gathering, whether that means a cozy movie night, a dinner party, or a fun activity you’ve all been wanting to try.
If an in-person hangout isn’t possible, send small gifts or heartfelt messages to let your friends know how much they mean to you. Love exists in so many forms, and celebrating friendships on Valentine’s Day can be just as meaningful—if not more—than any traditional romantic date.
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