How to survive Valentine’s Day when you’re single

Even for the happiest of singletons Valentine’s Day can be a nightmare, with reminders of love and romance hard to avoid. However, Valentine’s Day needn’t be just for couples. To celebrate your singledom and make the most of the day, check out these tips for enjoying Valentine’s Day as a single guy or girl.

Remember it’s not the end of the world

While many of us dream of being swept off our feet and lavished with attention (and gifts) from an adoring partner, in reality it’s important to retain some perspective and remember that it’s not the end of the world if Valentine’s Day is a bit of a letdown on the romance front. OK, you may not have plans this Valentine’s Day, but it is just another day on the calendar after all, and there will be many more to come in which to score the perfect date.

Treat yourself

If you don’t have anybody to spoil this Valentine’s Day, why not take it as an opportunity to spoil yourself? Treat yourself to a bit of pampering, cook yourself a nice meal or have a relaxing bath with candles and a glass of champagne. With no one else’s feelings to consider, you’re free to spend the day doing whatever you want and to make it a special day just for you.

Don’t get in touch with your ex

With romance in the air and seemingly everyone coupled up, it is perfectly natural for your mind to drift to past loves on Valentine’s Day, particularly if you are only recently single. However, although the temptation may be strong to get in touch with an ex, remember that setting yourself up for rejection and heartache is not going to improve your day. Give a friend a call and spend your valuable time and conversation on someone who will appreciate it instead.

Take off the rose-tinted glasses

It’s easy to feel jealous of those who are loved up on Valentine’s Day. However, it’s important to maintain some perspective and remember that no relationship is perfect and that the romance you see on Valentine’s Day is not representative of a day-to-day relationship. Rather than being envious of the relationships around you, remind yourself of all the things you don’t miss about being in a relationship, and all the perks of being single you get to experience now.

Stop torturing yourself

Sobbing into a bucket of popcorn as the credits roll on another romantic movie, wailing along to ‘All by myself’ at the top of your voice, or going over and over all the reasons your ex was definitely ‘the one’ to your poor best friend… Does any of this sound familiar? And if so, is this really how you want to spend your Valentine’s Day? Make a resolution not to torture yourself this February 14th by listening to love songs, watching romantic movies or sitting about reflecting on your failed relationships. Instead, get out there and do something fun!

Spend time with others

Just because you are single on Valentine’s Day that doesn’t mean you have to spend it alone. Rather than moping at home, make plans to spend time with your family or friends doing something you enjoy. You could get the girls round to watch DVDs, visit a family member you rarely get to see, or head out for cocktails with friends. After all, Valentine’s Day is a day for spending time with those you love, whoever they may be.

Kick-start a new romance

If there’s someone you’ve got your eye on and you think they may be interested too, why not take Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to express your interest? Send an old-fashioned anonymous card or just a flirty email and set the wheels in motion. Alternatively, sign up for online dating or look into other ways to find love, and let the thought of a potential new romance brighten up your day.

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