If you’re over the age of seventeen and/or of sound mind, you probably realize that being single on Valentine’s Day isn’t the catastrophic event that Cathy would have readers believe. Click the cut for ways to have fun without a significant other!


1. Have a friend date. Parks and Recreation fans will appreciate my use of the phrase “Galentine’s Day.” Get some girl friends together for an old-fashioned sleepover, complete with Chinese takeout and Ryan Gosling movies. You can also go bowling, see a movie, get dinner or just have a romantic date without the romance! I’ll say that my Valentine’s plans this year involve getting sushi and going to a screening of The Princess Bride with a gal pal. Spending February 14th with anyone who cares about you will be satisfying.


2. Treat Yo Self. Another Parks and Rec line? Why not? TV references aside, Valentine’s Day is the best excuse to blow a bunch of time, attention and money on yourself without feeling too bad. Being alone may make you sad, but being alone and getting a massage, buying clothing, and eating hamburgers while watching that one show no one knows you love will make things much, much better. It might even be better than worrying about a date all night.


3. Volunteer. My mom has given me some good advice, as mothers tend to do. One gem I learned from her is that helping others will always make you feel better about yourself. Selfish? Perhaps. But it works. Go spend Valentine’s Day walking dogs at the Humane Society, or volunteer at a women’s shelter. Helping out can feel good for a variety of reasons, and you’ll probably have a more productive day than any couples you know.

4. Ignore it. This year, try and be nonplussed by the hype. You don’t get worked up over religious holidays you don’t celebrate, so why give any thought to this one? It may be tempting to scowl at pink balloons and happy couples, but just go about your daily routine, get home and act normal. As a single person, Valentine’s Day isn’t supposed to affect you, so don’t let it.

Do you have any single person tips for Valentine’s Day? Do you have any stories, good or bad, of being single on February 14?