A Single’s Guide to Valentine’s Day

When you're single, the holidays are hard enough when you have to show up to family gatherings and New Year parties on your own. But then comes February, another reminder for all singles out there that they have yet to find their partner in crime, their yin to their yang. If you don’t want to spend the day alone, here’s a short guide to Valentine’s Day for singles.

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1. Meet Your Single Mates
For every single woman out there, there’s likely to be a single guy friend. Call him up and arrange a platonic date such as dinner or a trip to the movies. Plan ahead and avoid restaurants offering the cheesy set Valentine’s Day menu – this ensures you’ll be dining amongst fellow singles or those who don’t give a hoot about the Hallmark holiday. Look for a place that doesn’t have strict sitting times so you can wine and dine in your own time. Or check into a Gold Class cinema for a belly-laughing comedy film – Maltesers and all.

2. Avoid the Pub
I have a girlfriend who met her husband at a pub on Valentine’s Day but she’s the exception. Having spent a few Valentine’s Day out in pubs, I’ve quickly learned that it’s a pick up joint - great if you’re looking for a bit of fun but not so great if you’re looking for your better half in a sea of drunk men and women. If you do go out, pick an event or activity you’re interested in. You’re likely to attract like-minded people. One of the best Valentine’s Day I’ve spent solo was at a social dance event in a town hall - low key, unpretentious and fun.

3. Girls’ Night In
Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year. Since it’s a school night, plan a fun sleepover with your girlfriends and movies and homemade snacks. It takes the stress out of having to find a date and makes a great excuse to indulge in a night of chick flicks and chocolate. Need some inspiration? Here’s the go-to chick flick list. For a good laugh: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. For a side of Ryan Gosling’s six-pack: Crazy Stupid Love. For a good cry: The Notebook (more Gosling, please). For the warm and fuzzies: It’s Complicated or The Holiday.

4. Date Yourself
I write about self love on my dating and relationships blog (www.30everafter.com). The best relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself. Take the time to date yourself. Grab a healthy takeaway meal and bottle of wine (order in or go out, whichever you’re comfortable with) and indulge. It can also be a good time to reflect on all the things you want in a relationship when you’re ready for one. Putting pen to paper can be the most therapeutic and insightful thing to do.

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Five Tips to Plan Your Day
1. Pick a restaurant that doesn’t offer Valentine’s Day specials.
2. If a restaurant has two sittings, pick the second one. That way you won’t be rushed to finish.
3. Spoil yourself with flowers or surprise a fellow single friend to brighten their day.
4. Little things make the biggest impact. Write a simple note or card for your other single girlfriends to remind them of how awesome they are.

Iona Yeong is a relationships coach and blogger at 30everafter.com