Single? 5 Ways You Can Actually Enjoy Valentine's Day


By Kevin Armento forHowAboutWe

Single on Valentine's Day...'nuff said? There are all kinds of guides out there about how to take your mind off it, or ice cream away the dread, or scrounge up a last-minute date at all costs.

But you know what's better than trying to suppress any and every reminder that you're single? Doing things you might actually enjoy! Here are five to consider:

Related: 10 Signs You Need to Go On a Date

1. Sublimate!

Look, you're feeling that urge more than ever to be coupled, to lay in bed with someone, maybe even to get knocked up - so take those natural impulses and exorcise them elsewhere, in a productive way. That "treat yourself to a night in" advice doesn't work unless you actually accomplish something. Paint a room you've been putting off, clean out the attic, finish the novel that's been on your nightstand for three months. The cathartic chemical charge you'll get from crossing something off a list will be so much better than just wallowing.

2. Ladle out a dinner for people who aren't even thinking about V-Day.

I know it's easy to just skip right past this one, but if you really want to put your troubles in perspective and feel grateful on V-Day for what you do have, go down to a soup kitchen and hang with some homeless folks. They aren't complaining about how they haven't found Mr. or Ms. Right yet. And as you're dishing out a warm February meal for them, ask to hear some good Valentines Day stories - guarantee it'll make your night.

Related: The 5 Worst First Text Messages You Should Never Send

3. Platonic friend adventure.

I'm very intentionally not saying "date" here, because I've seen too many people get depressed by a platonic date on V-Day. Pick a fellow single friend and go do something you've never done before, or something you've both been meaning to do (train to Coney Island? Zipcar to the birthplace of your favorite author?). And try to make it as anti-Valentine's as possible, which means no dinner in a fancy restaurant and no candles.

4. Sort-of seeing someone?

Do a low-key V-day. Just because you've only been on two dates doesn't mean you can't take part in some Valentine-ish festivities. Be the one who's up-front and say "Hey, I know we've only been on two dates, and I'm not asking you to be my Valentine. But want to go to a wine bar or something anyway?" It doesn't have to be a high-stakes night. I'm sorry, but Serious Couples do not have a monopoly on the official romance holiday.

Related: 5 Ways Not to Freak Out If All Your Friends Are Engaged (And You're Not)

5. Do the anti-V-Day.

For the less monogamous among us, consider a playful twist on the usual chocolate and dress-up. Arrange a rendezvous with a booty call of choice, and celebrate the night of romance in your own special way. Again, this is not just a night for couples!

What do you think is the best way to spend Valentine's day when you're flying solo?