23 Things to Do When You're Single on Valentine's Day

Woman with short blonde hair smiling outdoors — Gian Cescon / Unsplash

February means walking into any establishment and being bombarded with red hearts, pink flowers, and phrases like "be mine" written in elegant script everywhere you look. For some people, both single and in relationships, Valentine's Day is an annoying and unnecessary commercial celebration. For those who are single and not exactly happy about it, though, it can be more like pouring salt in a wound.

We're here to tell you that it doesn't have to be that way! While a couple's massage may not be on the docket, you can still plan on having a ball on February 14. In fact, Valentine's Day can be a great opportunity to indulge in fun activities, whether it's dinner solo or some self-care. Just because you don't have a significant other to cuddle up next to doesn't mean you can't commemorate a holiday that honors love by celebrating self-love instead.

Not sure what to do? Here are 23 awesome things to do when you're single on Valentine's Day—no S.O. required.

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Go to a Movie

Going to the movies alone is arguably better than going with someone else. Get a ticket to a new film you've been dying to see, splurge on some overpriced popcorn and candy, and have a date with yourself.

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Host a Singles-Only Dinner Party

Spending time with friends is a great celebration of love that doesn't involve romance. Invite all your favorite single people over, cook an amazing dinner, pop some bubbly, and toast to your independence.

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Get a Beauty Treatment

Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. Spoil yourself to a haircut, blowout, mani-pedi, or massage.

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Get Out of Town

Plan a Valentine's Day weekend getaway with a friend or family member, or go solo. Drive or take the train somewhere you've always wanted to go or visit an old favorite destination where you can bask in nostalgia.

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Cook a Romantic Dinner for Your Parents

What better way to celebrate love than to spend some quality time with your parents? Have them forgo a traditional dinner out and cook for them instead. Set the table, light candles, and open a good bottle of wine.

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Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant

Solo dinners out are so underrated. You can order whatever you want, you don't have to make conversation with anyone, and you can really focus on the delicious food you're eating. Book a table for one at your favorite restaurant (or sit at the bar), and don't forget to splurge on dessert.

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Sign Up for a Boutique Workout

Ever wanted to attend a class at Barry's Bootcamp or SoulCycle? Check out a cool studio near you! After reaping the emotional benefits of exercise, indulge in a smoothie.

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Bake a Chocolate Layer Cake

Make a delectable dessert and don't share it with anyone. Choose one that's a little more advanced, and be proud of yourself when you nail it.

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Try a New Dinner Recipe

Do you have a bunch of recipes saved to your bookmarks or favorites that you've been meaning to try out? Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to grab the ingredients and cook a delicious dinner for one.

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Stay In and Pamper Yourself

Make it a day full of self-care activities that make you feel rejuvenated and refreshed. Take a long bath, do a face mask, or paint your nails.

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Book a Couple's Massage

Who said you need an S.O. to do a couple's massage or facial? Bring your best friend or a family member and experience ultimate relaxation.

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Have a "Sex and the City" Marathon

There's nothing like the wisdom of Carrie Bradshaw to make you feel less depressed about dating. Order pizza from your favorite place, shake up a Cosmopolitan, and binge-watch the show that celebrates single women everywhere.

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Go to Your Favorite Bar

Odds are, that local dive bar you go to for happy hour after work will be chock-full of single people who just want to have a good time. Order your go-to cocktail and strike up a conversation with the bartender or another patron. Or, bring a book and keep to yourself.

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Plan a Date With Your Best Friend

Best friend love is something to celebrate! Get dressed up, go to a fancy restaurant, and order off the special Valentine's Day menu with wine pairings.

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Do Something Nice for Someone

Choose someone who is older than you, like a grandparent or mentor. Send them a bouquet of roses and tell them how much you look up to them.

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Explore a New Neighborhood

Head to an area of town you aren't too familiar with. Walk up and down the streets, enjoy a cappuccino at the hip cafe, and browse the racks of a stylish boutique.

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Watch Your Favorite Sporting Event

If the big game is on, head to a sports bar to watch. Get a group of friends together and cheer on your favorite team while sipping beers and eating greasy pub grub.

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Stay off Social Media

Make V-day a phone-free day. Stalking your ex on social media to see how they're celebrating with their new S.O. is not going to make you feel happy or confident nor are all the happy couple photos clogging up your feed. Buy a new book to read instead, or spend some time in nature.

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Hang With Your Nieces or Nephews

Offer to take care of your nieces and nephews (or your friends' kids) so their parents can go out. Be the cool aunt or uncle: Order pizza, watch Frozen, and make brownie sundaes.

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Buy Yourself Flowers

Buy yourself a beautiful arrangement of flowers, or bring home an assortment and channel your inner florist to make beautiful bouquets. Use them to decorate your house and bask in the sweet smell.

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Go to a Comedy Show

Stand-up comedy shows are often full of self-effacing humor, and laughing is one of the best ways to boost your mood. If you don't feel like going out, stream one of the latest comedy specials on Netflix.

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Splurge on a Nice Piece of Jewelry

Have you had your eye on some new accessories, like an expensive pair of earrings, ring, or bracelet, but haven't been able to justify purchasing them? Here's your opportunity. You're worth it!

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