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Photo by Gian Cescon on Unsplash
February means being greeted with red hearts, pink flowers, and sweet nothings like "be mine" written in elegant script everywhere you look. Although some people see Valentine's Day as an annoying and unnecessary commercial celebration, I'm a sucker for any and every holiday, and I am looking forward to sending handwritten cards and eating delicious desserts and chocolate kisses. If you're thinking, she must like Valentine's Day because she's in a happy and healthy relationship, think again.
While couples massages aren't in my near future, I plan on having a ball on February 14. 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.
Not sure what to do? Here are 23 awesome things to do when you're single on Valentine's Day—no S.O. required.
Just Make Plans
Seriously, if you don't make plans to do something—anything listed here!—you'll end up home alone. Which could lead you to wallow in loneliness, crying, or eating way too much ice cream. Avoid this scenario and make plans already.
Host a Singles-Only Dinner Party
Invite all your favorite single people and toast to your independence.
Treat Yourself
Spoil yourself to a haircut, blowout, beauty treatment, or massage.
Get Out of Town
Plan a Valentine's Day weekend getaway with a friend or family member.
Cook a Romantic Dinner for Your Parents
Set the table, light candles, and open a good bottle of sparkling wine.
Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant
Sit at the bar and splurge on dessert.
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.
Bake a Chocolate Layer Cake
Choose a recipe that's a little more advanced, and be proud of yourself when you nail it.
Do a Chocolate Taste Test
Get a bunch of different flavors of chocolate and have some friends over to help you eat them. Make notes of how each one tastes.
Stay In and Pamper Yourself
Take a long bath, give yourself a face mask, or paint your nails.
Book a Couple's Massage
Bring your best friend or a family member.
Have a Sex and the City Marathon
Order pizza from your favorite place, shake up a cosmopolitan, and binge-watch the show that celebrates single women everywhere.
Go to Your Favorite Bar
have your go-to cocktail, and then head to the local karaoke dive. Belt out all the classic love songs with your best buddies.
Plan a Date With Your Best Friend
Get dressed up, go to a fancy restaurant, and order the special Valentine's Day menu with wine pairings.
Do Something Nice for Someone
Choose someone who is older than you. Send them a bouquet of roses and tell them how much you look up to them.
Explore a New Neighborhood
Head to an area of town that 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.
Watch Your Favorite Sporting Event
Grab your group of friends and cheer on your favorite team.
Stay Off Social Media
Facebook-stalking your ex to see how they're celebrating with their new S.O. is not going to make you feel happy or confident.
Hang With Your Nieces or Nephews
Offer to take care of them so their parents can go out. Be the cool aunt or uncle: Order pizza, watch Frozen, and make brownie sundaes.
Buy Flowers
Bring them home and channel your inner florist. Make beautiful bouquets. Use them to decorate your house or deliver them to the people you love.
Go to a Comedy Show
Or stream one of the latest comedy specials on Netflix.
Splurge on a Nice Piece of Jewelry
You're worth it!
Love Yourself
Do whatever makes you happy! Cut yourself some slack. Remind yourself that you are lovable and worthy of love.