Are you dreading the thought of spending Valentine’s Day alone? Do you wish you could just fast-forward this love-filled holiday? What about taking back this day for yourself? Let’s dive into seven ways to celebrate you — for a change!
Valentine’s Day — well, this whole month really — comes with an overwhelming message: love is in the air, and you should be head over heels for someone special. Everywhere you turn, there are heart-shaped decorations, couple’s promotions, and reminders that romance is the ultimate goal.
If you’re single or healing from a recent breakup, it can feel particularly lonesome — like you’re the only one not invited to the love parade.
But being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. Love isn’t just about romantic relationships — it exists in so many forms, and all of them deserve to be celebrated. So, instead of feeling like an outsider to Valentine’s Day, let’s take it back and make it meaningful on your own terms.
Why Do We Feel Alone on Valentine’s Day?
“Today is a holiday invented by greeting card companies to make people feel like crap.”
— from the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Everywhere you look, the message is the same: life is better when you’re in love. And, conveniently, there’s a long list of things you’re supposed to buy to prove it — gifts for your better half, overpriced dinner reservations with an “extra romantic” tasting menu, flowers that cost twice as much just on this date…
So, if we know what’s behind this day, why do we still fall for it? Why does being single on Valentine’s Day sometimes feel like you’re missing out on something magical?
Because beyond all the “promotional offers”, Valentine’s Day taps into something deeper — the universal desire to feel loved and chosen. The world spends an entire month celebrating romantic relationships, and when you’re not in one, it’s easy to feel like you’re on the outside looking in.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need a dinner reservation for two to be part of the celebration. Instead of letting this holiday tell you what you’re missing, let’s flip the script and focus on everything you do have — starting with yourself!
Why Should You Celebrate Yourself on Valentine’s Day?
Taking the time to celebrate you isn’t just about self-care; it’s about self-connection. The better you know yourself — your needs, your boundaries, what makes you feel loved — the easier it becomes to build relationships that align with your values.
The more you understand yourself, the stronger and healthier your relationships will be — not just romantically, but with everyone around you.
Even if romance isn’t on your list right now, dedicating time to getting to know yourself — what you love, what excites you, what you want to achieve — is a great way to feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin. And if the time comes when you do start looking for a romantic partner, you’ll walk into it with clarity and a strong sense of what you want (and what you don’t).
At the end of the day, self-love isn’t just about feeling good in the moment — it’s about creating a foundation for a happier, more fulfilling life. And if there’s ever a perfect time to start prioritizing you, why not now?
7 Ways to Make This Valentine’s Day Yours
Whether you spend the day alone or surrounded by loved ones, these tips go beyond Valentine’s Day. They’re simple ways to embrace self-love all year round!
1. Celebrate all the love in your life
Who says Valentine’s Day should belong to couples alone? If you’re feeling a bit lonely, chances are you’re not the only one — so why not spread the love and celebrate all the amazing people in your life?
Make dinner for a friend or family member who’s spending the day alone, offer to babysit for someone who could use a break, or put together a DIY gift for your closest friends. Even something as simple as sending an old photo or a heartfelt message can remind the people you love just how much they mean to you.
At the end of the day, love is about showing up for the people who matter most to you.
2. Write yourself a letter
Take a moment to look inward and reflect on everything you’ve accomplished and what you’re most proud of. What do you love most about who you are right now? How do you enjoy spending time alone? What makes you feel most connected to yourself?
You can also take this a step further by setting intentions for the year ahead. How do you want to show yourself more love and care? What goals do you want to work toward? Think of this letter as a time capsule — a way to capture where you are today and look back next Valentine’s Day to see just how much you’ve grown.
3. Plan a date or a weekend getaway for yourself
Going out or traveling around Valentine’s Day can be overrated — crowded restaurants, overpriced experiences, and an overload of romantic decorations. So, why not stay in and take the time to plan your next solo adventure?
There’s nothing quite like exploring a new place, treating yourself to something special, or simply stepping outside your routine. We often put off certain plans, waiting until we have someone to share them with — but experiencing them on your own can be incredibly empowering and freeing.
And the best part? You get to do exactly what you want, when you want. Sleep in or wake up early, wander without an agenda, splurge on a fancy dinner or grab street food — whatever you choose!
4. Volunteer your time
Love is also in the small acts of kindness and how we show up for others. So why not use this day to spread love in a way that truly matters?
Volunteering can foster a sense of purpose and connection, reminding you that love exists in the meaningful ways we support each other. Whether it’s helping at a food bank, spending time at an animal shelter, or getting involved in a community event, your time and effort can make someone’s day a little brighter—including your own.
In fact, studies show that volunteering can help reduce stress, lower rates of depression and anxiety, and even contribute to a longer life. So while you’re helping others, you’re also giving back to yourself in more ways than one.
5. Have an anti-Valentine’s movie marathon
Let’s skip the grand romantic gestures and happily-ever-afters for today. Some of the best stories aren’t about soulmates riding off into the sunset but about love that’s imperfect, complicated, or simply not meant to be. And that’s just as real and worth telling.
So go ahead and get ready for an emotional rollercoaster with the ultimate home cinema session. Gather your favorite snacks, snuggle up on the couch, and queue up the perfect anti-Valentine’s lineup.
🎬 Here are some of our favorites:
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- 500 Days of Summer
- La La Land
- Past Lives
- The Worst Person in the World
- Blue Valentine
- Marriage Story
- The Lobster
6. Take up a new hobby
Trying a new hobby isn’t just a great way to pass the time — it’s a chance to challenge yourself, spark creativity, and boost your confidence. In fact, studies show that people who have hobbies tend to be healthier, happier, and more satisfied with life overall.
Whether it’s painting, gardening, trying a new sport, or even picking up a language, hobbies help you connect with yourself in a different way and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Plus, there’s something really rewarding about diving into something just for you, with no pressure or expectations — just pure enjoyment. So why not use this time to explore a new passion and see where it takes you?
7. Sign up for local non-romantic events
Let’s find you some local activities that aren’t centered around couples — sound good? If you’re looking to have fun, meet new people, and enjoy the day in a different way, here are a few fun events happening around Baltimore and the Maryland area:
Anti-Valentine’s Day Happy Hour (Feb 13)
Gather your friends (or meet new ones) at The Motor House in Baltimore. Enjoy drinks, mingle, or even speed date with like-minded people who are also looking to skip the traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations.
“Love is Blind” Haunted House (Feb 14 – 15)
Horror fans, this one’s for you! Step into an abandoned movie theater transformed into an anti-Valentine’s nightmare — offering a thrilling, love-gone-wrong experience.
Self-Love Yoga Class (Feb 14)
A yoga session focused on nurturing yourself with movement, breath, and mindfulness. This class will guide you through gentle yet empowering yoga, helping you reconnect with your body, mind, and heart.
Let’s shift the focus from what Valentine’s Day is “supposed” to be to what you — and you alone — actually want it to be!
Start Individual Relationship Counseling in Baltimore, MD
Are you struggling with being alone on Valentine’s Day? Ready to explore what you need and deserve through individual relationship therapy?
Our Baltimore-based relationship therapists can help you reconnect with yourself, build self-confidence, and lay the groundwork for meaningful relationships. Reach out to know more, or schedule a free 15-minute consultation here.
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