February 14th is quickly approaching, and for many, this means an onset of pressure-filled panic! Regardless of if your single or coupled, Valentine’s Day seems to have a lot of expectations, and the truth is that none of us can really keep up.
If you caught our last post about Valentine’s Day, you know that singles are not too hot on the holiday of love this year. As someone in a long-term relationship, I can tell you I still agree! Valentine’s Day comes with a lot of pressure to do all kinds of things, including being romantic, going on a date, spending money on gifts, being in a relationship, or having sex. Many of us feel the most pressure to act like the holiday is meaningful, even if it’s not.
Well, I’m here with an important PSA for singles and couples alike: Valentine’s Day is whatever you make it. Seriously. Gone are the days where we fall victim to external pressure, this year is all about doing you.
What does that look like on Valentine’s Day, you might ask? Well, here are some hypothetical V-Day plans that anyone can rock this Feb. 14th, or not (again, you do you).
Have a PALentines Day or Galentine’s Day!
Close friends make our worlds go round. If Valentine’s Day is about spending time with loved ones, there’s no reason why your besties can’t fit in that category. 17% of surveyed singles would rather spend V-Day with their close friends, and even if you’re taken there’s nothing wrong with a good old fashioned girls or boys night. The best friendships are full of belly laughs and good times, and sometimes that’s all you need. Have a huge games night, go for drinks, play pool at a bar, or have a movie marathon and fill your night with who’s most important to you.
Have a PUPentines Day
If you’re like 12% of surveyed singles, and would rather spend Valentine’s Day with your pet, we don’t blame you! There’s truly nothing better than snuggling up with your furry friend, and honestly, nothing boosts your mood like being greeted by your happy pup. Besides, your dog can give you all the kisses and love you would ever need.
Go All Out
If you’re a die-hard romantic, all the power to you! 23% of surveyed singles prefer to spend the day with a romantic partner, and if you’re among them, or happily in love and want to shout it from the rooftops, go out there and do it! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to do something special on Valentine’s Day, just make sure it’s because you want to do it. Or, if you’re single and want to mingle – spend the days leading up to the 14th on Plenty of Fish and find yourself that special someone to spoil you on the day of love.
Extravagant date ideas? Go for a ridiculously fancy dinner, sail away on a romantic night cruise, or get a hotel room for the night and have a mini stay-cation.
Stay Low Key
Whether you’re in a relationship, single, or somewhere in between, it’s okay to just stay home for V-Day. 58% of surveyed singles believe self-care is more important than Valentine’s Day dates, and we agree! Staying in to pamper yourself, or eating take-out on the couch with your boo can often be the stress-free Valentine’s Day you didn’t know you needed. So go ahead, drink wine in the bathtub, curl up and watch a movie, or cook yourself a nice meal. If you’re a homebody like I am, these are always the best ‘dates’ anyways.
Ride Solo & Love It
⅓ of surveyed singles prefer to spend the day solo, and even if you are in a relationship, it’s okay to spend the day alone. Take a page out of Emma Watson’s book and be self-partnered for the day – it can actually be really freeing to focus only on yourself and your needs. My favourite thing to do solo is to go shopping, but find whatever works for you! Take yourself out for lunch or dessert, go for a run or hike through the park, or go thrifting. Learning to love riding solo is not always an easy feat, but it can be incredibly rewarding for your heart, and isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about?
Treat It Like It Is, Just Another Day
If you’re one of those people who would rather just forget about Valentine’s Day altogether, that’s okay too! 46% of singles have admitted they care less and less about Valentine’s Day every year, so you’re in good company. If you’d rather not acknowledge the day at all, don’t! Live your life the way you normally would and don’t succumb to the pressure. You got this.
If all else fails, just remember that with February 14th comes February 15th… discount candy day. You’re welcome.
