Single? Valentine's Day Isn't Just for Couples

Healthy SELF, SELF Magazine

By April Daniels Hussar, SELF magazine

To the single and searching, Valentine's Day can seem like a cruel excuse for couples to flaunt their passion in lonely people's faces. But if you don't have a Valentine this year, take heart: Valentine's Day isn't just for couples anymore.


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After Christmas, Valentine's Day is now the biggest gift-giving holiday, according to a recent survey conducted by ORC International, sponsored by Godiva Coffee. A whopping 88 percent of Americans plan on giving some sort of Valentine's Day gift this year, but a majority of women are giving presents not only to their mates, but to their kids, immediate family members and -- you guessed it -- themselves!

And if you don't have a significant other, consider yourself spared from the cheesiness of V-Day. "Many people consider Valentine's Day a Hallmark holiday, so don't let it get you down if you don't have a special guy in your life at the moment," says Amy Levine, sex coach and founder of Ignite Your Pleasure. "You have 24 hours to sulk ... or celebrate your singlehood."


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So what can you do to make the day special? "Take the time to nourish yourself," says Levine. Maybe that means buying yourself a present, preparing a wonderful meal or getting a mani, pedi or massage.

Or, get your party on! "Invite your single besties to spend Valentine's Day together," she says. Arrange for each person in the group to have a secret cupid (another friend in the group who buys them a gift at a set dollar value). "Celebrate the love you have for each other!" Levine suggests. You can also spend some time thinking about the kind of partner you'd like to have in your life, and the relationship you hope to have someday, she adds.

Remember: If you're single this Valentine's Day, you're not alone. According to Facebook, of the people who have listed their relationship status on their profiles, over 37 percent say they're "single." And one of them is waiting just for you!


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