Valentine’s day is looming in the distance and it can be quite a daunting day for single people like myself. There’s so much pressure and expectations and the day usually ends in broken spirits and loneliness. Whether you’re a chronic single like myself (that’s right ladies, I’m on the market), or fresh out of a relationship, Valentine’s Day can be a gloomy reminder of our solitude.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Modern age Valentine’s Day has become an occasion to celebrate love and romance, but it actually originated as a feast to commemorate certain Christian martyrs. How we got from there to here, I have no idea. But, now that we are here, there are plenty of ways for single people to celebrate this day of love.

1) Throw A ‘Singles Only’ Party

Who said that only the couples get to have all the fun on Valentine’s Day? You can invite all your single friends over and celebrate your singleness together! Play games, share stories, watch a stupid romance film together and make fun of the characters. Sounds like a good time all around!

2) Spend Time with Your Family

You don’t have to celebrate romantic love on Valentine’s Day. You can show your family some love and spend quality time with them. And you know it’s a sure-fire way to get some love back. Just make sure your brother and his new girlfriend don’t show up and ruin all the fun.

3) Exercise Self-Love

The one person who truly deserves all your love and devotion is you! Again, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romantic love. You can show yourself some love, too. Maybe buy yourself a present, treat yourself to your favorite food, or jam out to Tech N9ne’s ‘Kick It With Myself’. It’s the perfect opportunity to remind yourself that you are worth loving.

4) Do Nothing

Valentine’s Day 2023 falls on a Tuesday. It’s business as usual for most of us. Just go about your day like it’s just another Tuesday. Chances are you won’t even run into any couples out on their escapades and be reminded of your singleness. I’m pretty I won’t even remember it’s Valentine’s Day on the day of.

Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list and you may have ideas of your own for the day. In fact, if you do, go ahead and share them with us. Maybe I’ll pick up something for myself too.

Finally, I just want to remind you that being single is part of life. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have someone to celebrate Valentine’s Day with. Maybe you don’t this year, maybe you will next one. I would much rather be by myself than with someone who isn’t worth my time and attention. So, be patient and try to find the right person for you. Don’t let the pressures of this arbitrary non-holiday force you to settle for anything less than what you deserve. It’s not love if you’re not happy with it.