20 Things to Do If You’re Single This Valentine’s Day
Let’s face it. Being single is no walk in the park, especially on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re single by choice or circumstances, you can make sure February 14th isn’t just another day on the calendar. Here are 20 things you can do this Valentine’s Day.
1. Treat yourself to a spa day.
This Valentine’s Day, take a page from Tom Harverford’s book and treat yourself! You can take a hot bath or put on a face mask, complete with cucumbers. Alternatively, you could schedule a massage at a spa!
2. Have a movie marathon.
First, check out our list of the 9 Best Movies to Watch This Valentine’s Day. If you don’t want to watch something about love, then disregard that and choose a different movie. Preferably, one that will make you laugh and smile and forget about your relationship status!
3. Cook a special meal.
Maybe you feel sad about being single and need some comfort food. In that case, cook yourself a nice meal! If you don’t feel like cooking, you could always order your favorite meal and have it delivered to your house. Don’t let singleness stop you from going out and enjoying a fancy meal in a restaurant, either!
4. Read a book.
Some people are okay with singlehood, and others are not. If you’re in the second camp, that’s perfectly okay! Valentine’s Day might be a painful reminder of your relationship status. This Valentine’s Day, get lost in a good book. Choose one that’ll be a good escape from reality! We recommend steering clear of romance books until after the 14th is over. Unless, of course, you want to live vicariously through the characters!
5. Exercise!!!
Exercise is a great mood booster. In fact, studies show that it eases both depression and anxiety. So, if you’re feeling sad and lonely this Valentine’s Day, put on your exercise shoes and get moving. Maybe your body will protest a little at first, but we guarantee you’ll feel better afterward!
6. Try a new (or old) hobby.
This Valentine’s Day, don’t throw on your most ratty pajamas and throw a pity party on the couch. Be productive and do something that you know you’ll enjoy! Pick up an old hobby or try a brand-new one. Do whatever it takes to make you happy! You deserve it.
7. Plan a solo adventure.
If you dread the thought of staying home and thinking about how lonely you are, then plan a day trip! You can visit a nearby town or even go hiking, weather permitting. A change of scenery will do you some good, and you can make fun memories that’ll last well beyond February 14th, no significant other required!
8. Attend a social event.
Check out local events or gatherings happening in your area. You might meet new people and make connections. And, if you want to find that special someone, who knows? Maybe you’ll cross paths with them at a local event on Valentine’s Day!
9. Volunteer!
If you’re sad or lonely this Valentine’s Day, don’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, spend your day helping others. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and all the wonderful people in it.
10. Host a virtual game night.
If you have single friends (or friends who just don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day), connect with them online for a virtual game night. You can play video or board games, or just do a little trivia together. If you’re not into technology, no worries! Host an in-person game night instead.
11. Buy yourself a present.
If you love chocolate and cute teddy bears, there’s no law stating that you can’t buy them for yourself! Go and buy yourself some presents this Valentine’s Day. Or log onto your Amazon account and get that cute shirt you’ve been eyeing since Christmas. You don’t have to get too crazy. Just get at least one item that’ll make you happy!
12. Watch a comedy show!
Laughter is a great way to lift your spirits. In fact, laughter boosts both your immune system and your mood! So, this Valentine’s Day, attend a live comedy show or watch your favorite comedians online. You could also turn on a funny sitcom that you enjoy. We recommend Seinfeld. The four main characters are as jaded about love as you might feel this holiday.
13. Babysit.
If you have grandkids, offer to babysit them on Valentine’s Day. Remember, love comes in many forms, not just the romantic variety. So if you want to make sure you’ll have a special holiday, spend it alongside the ones you love most!
14. Visit a museum or art gallery.
If you’re lucky enough to live near a museum or art gallery, then make good use of it on Valentine’s Day! Go and check out the art. Or stare at a taxidermied animal for a while and realize how good you really have it. A lot of museums and galleries offer virtual tours if you can’t visit in person. Click HERE to check out our “Ultimate Guide to Free Museums, Concerts, and Events for Retirees”!
15. Journal your feelings.
You don’t have to stuff down your feelings and pretend Valentine’s Day isn’t incredibly painful for you. Trust us, it’s perfectly okay to be sad or even a little bitter. What isn’t okay is holding those feelings inside. So instead of letting them fester, grab a journal and let them out on paper. List the pros and cons of being single. If you hope you won’t be single around this time next year, then don’t just sit there and wait for the perfect person to walk into your living room. Get proactive and write a list of what you’re looking for in a potential mate. If you want to get really proactive, then consider joining a dating website or downloading a dating app. There’s no shame in using the internet to find that special someone!
16. Bake cookies.
Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like sugar! This year, channel some of your frustration into a little baking and make some cookies! You can do simple sugar cookies or the perennial favorite, chocolate chip cookies. You can even make Valentine’s Day cookies, like this recipe from Sally’s Baking Recipes!
17. Buy yourself flowers.
As Miley Cyrus famously sang: “I can buy myself flowers.” Take a page from Miley’s book and buy yourself some flowers! Don’t be ashamed to march into a store and swipe yourself a dozen red roses. Or call a florist and have a bouquet custom-made with all your favorite flowers. Maybe it won’t be as special as someone else buying flowers for you, but it’ll be sure to lift your spirits!
18. Create a playlist and dance.
Dancing is good for the soul! If you’re feeling down this February 14th, then make a playlist of all your favorite songs and dance!
19. Host a potluck dinner.
You probably aren’t the only single friend in your friend group. If you know some other people who’ll be spending this Valentine’s Day alone, invite them over for a potluck dinner! Everyone can bring a dish and enjoy some good food and even better company. It’s impossible to lament being single when you’re having fun with your friends!
20. Do a puzzle.
Since doomscrolling through social media probably isn’t the smartest distraction on the Day of Love, do a puzzle instead. When you’re trying to fit a thousand tiny pieces together, you probably won’t be thinking about how badly you wish you had someone to kiss. If jigsaw puzzles aren’t your thing, then do some crossword puzzles or even a little Sudoku.
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Originally published February 02, 2026
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