Valentine’s Day plans that do not require a partner, or their drama

Valentine’s Day can feel loud when you are single. There are roses everywhere, elaborate menus, and couples posting soft launch selfies at 9 am. But here is the thing: being single on February 14 is not a tragedy, rather, it is a free pass. No fretting over gift exchanges, no splitting bills you did not want to split, no pretending you like crowded restaurants. Just you, your mood, and a whole day to romanticise your own life.

A solo date is not a backup plan but more of main character energy. It is choosing your pleasure without waiting for someone else to plan it. Whether you want soft and cosy or bold and chaotic, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge yourself. Think of it as a love story, where you are both the lead and the love interest.

Book that restaurant you keep bookmarking for “when I have a date.” You are the date. Wear the outfit that makes you feel expensive. Order that cocktail and get dessert. Sit at the bar if you want to people-watch or claim a corner table and journal between bites. There is something deeply powerful about being alone in a room full of couples and not feeling small. 

Plan a solo staycation

Check into a cute boutique hotel in your own city, or even somewhere on the outskirts (since Valentine's Day is on a weekend this year!). Think fresh sheets, fluffy towels, room service, breakfast in bed. Spend the evening watching trashy reality TV, taking a long bath, and sleeping diagonally across the bed, all without the worry of finishing your chores. 

PS: Don't forget to put your phone on Do Not Disturb.

Sign up for a pottery class, a painting workshop, or even a dance session that you've been mentally eyeballing but were too lazy to go to. Trying something new alone can be one of the best gifts you can give yourself. You do not have to impress anyone, and you can feel free to be absolutely bad at it. And then, you can laugh at yourself. Bonus, you might walk out with a new hobby!

Take yourself to the movies

There is no better time to enjoy a solo cinema trip. Pick whatever you want. Yes, even the cheesiest romcoms. There's no one judging you. Get that expensive tub of popcorn, turn your phone off, and let yourself fully sink into a story. Watching a love story alone can be oddly healing. It reminds you that romance is not disappearing from your life. It is just not limited to one format.

Have a self-care night that feels intentional

Not the rushed face mask before bed. We are talking full ritual. Long shower, hair mask, body oil, scented candles, your favourite playlist in the background, all of it. Then, order your favourite comfort food, and the best part is you will have it all to yourself and won't have to share it! Write a list of things you love about your life right now. Valentine’s Day is about love, so widen the definition. 

Make a tiny itinerary. Morning coffee at a new cafe, a bookstore stop, a long walk in a park with a playlist or podcast of your choice, and maybe end it with buying yourself flowers. There is something very soft about carrying your own bouquet home. You want it, you grab it!

Being single on Valentine’s Day does not mean you are missing out, no matter what that Instagram algorithm feeds you with. It means you get to define what love looks like on your own terms, without the adjustments and compromises. So maybe this year, skip the spiral and plan something that makes you feel seen by yourself. Because when you start loving yourself, that's when you actually arrive!

Lead image: Netflix

Also read: Five creatives spill the beans on their all-time favourite rendition of love

Also read: No dates, just soulmates: Galentine’s gifts that your besties will obsess over