Spoiler alert: you’ll thrive.
Valentine’s Day. That one day in the year when couples flood social media with grand gestures; dinner reservations are impossible to get; and single people are expected to either mope or ignore it altogether. But what if we flipped the script? What if being single on Valentine’s Day wasn’t just okay—but actually a power move?
We asked single women how they spend February 14, and the results were anything but sad. This isn’t a survival guide, it’s a celebration of thriving in singlehood.
success, and some of the best outfits ever. Photo from Legally Blonde
If couples get candlelit dinners and overpriced roses, single women get full creative freedom. The key to making Valentine’s Day feel less like a rom-com cliché and more like an indulgent solo experience is simple: romanticize your own life.
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Here’s an ideal solo itinerary
First, I asked these girls about their ultimate “main character” Valentine’s Day fantasy. Levi paints a dreamy picture: “Imagine a beautifully decorated café, soft lighting, and the sound of raindrops tapping on the window. I’d be there, sipping a sea salt latte, sketching, and just enjoying my time. Then a boy comes and gives me a cute flower, followed by a little kid handing me a written letter. Then—wait lang, kinikilig ako—a charming man strikes up a conversation with me. No rush, just a perfect blend of connection and intrigue, ending with a sunset stroll and a spontaneous dance under the sky.”
Honestly? This is next-level main character energy.
The key to making Valentine’s Day feel less like a rom-com cliché and more like an indulgent solo experience is simple: romanticize your own life.
Marie, on the other hand, prefers a luxurious escape: “I’d book myself a stay at a five-star beachfront resort, where my only task is relaxation. My suite would have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, and my night would end with a gourmet seafood dinner, a glass of wine, and the sound of waves as my personal soundtrack.” Pure bliss.
Eajon’s power move? “Fully embracing a day dedicated to self-care. I’d savor a fancy, romantic dinner specially prepared by my favorite celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, followed by a stay in a seven-star hotel with all the lavish Valentine’s perks!” Now that’s an ultimate V-day celebration!
Ava keeps it fun: “A theme park or a library date. Just me, doing what I love.” Meanwhile, Chesca enjoys little surprises throughout the day—no grand plans, just unexpected moments.
Whatever your ideal solo date is, girl, lean into it! The beauty of this day is that it’s entirely yours to shape.
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Reality check: when the “feels” hit
Let’s be honest: there’s a moment on Valentine’s Day when you consider redownloading that dating app. You see a proposal post on Instagram, and suddenly, being single feels less exciting.
Before spiraling, remember why being single on Valentine’s Day (or any other day, to be honest!) is actually a win.
Marie sums it up best: “Absolute freedom. No pressure, no expectations, just me, doing what I want.” Levi agrees, adding, “The best part is avoiding the stress of buying gifts and planning surprises. I save money and avoid any Valentine’s Day arguments.” Chesca keeps it simple: “Valentine’s with friends. No competition, just fun.”
Eajon shares, “The best part about being single on Valentine’s Day is having the space to prioritize my own happiness, free from pressure or expectations. I get to enjoy the day on my own terms, whether that means treating myself to something extravagant and special or simply embracing the peace of doing what feels right for me.”
And if your love life were a rom-com? Levi’s would be Perfectly Imperfect Timing, a story about missed connections that eventually align. Marie’s is Not Another Love Story which is honestly a mood. Chesca, meanwhile, lives the Always the Best Friend, Never the Girlfriend storyline, a rom-com trope many can relate to. For me, maybe the Waiting Game But She Doesn’t Wanna Play trope. Who are we kidding, I admit there are times I want those romantic things too, but because I am so happy and contented with what I have right now, maybe I will meet a guy, who Austin Ames in A Cinderella Story describes as “the guy who hangs out at Starbucks and writes poetry.”
If you do find yourself longing for a partner, take a step back. Are you missing love, or just the idea of someone to share the day with? The latter is entirely fixable with the right kind of self-care and community. Promise!
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To post or not to post?
Valentine’s Day brings a flood of social media content. Some posts are sweet, some are performative, and some are just… well, exhausting.
If you want to join in, go for it. Post that unapologetic “hot girl” photo dump, or flex that solo dinner date. Others choose to mute the holiday entirely. Either way, both are valid. Levi suggests, “Post a cute movie night, or a solo café hop adventure.” Marie says, “Dim the lights, make popcorn, and watch your favorite comfort movie like you’re in a coming-of-age film.”
The message? You are complete as you are.
Love in other forms
V-Day is often framed as a celebration of romantic love, but why limit it? Love exists in friendships, family, and self-care. Text your best friend. Surprise your mom. Send a ridiculous e-card.
And let’s not forget the best part of platonic love: Galentine’s Day. Whether it’s an all-out celebration or a simple night in with wine and movies, friendships deserve to be honored just as much as romantic relationships.
I’ve been single for eight years already. I’ve tried putting myself out there, but it usually ends in disappointment. To be honest, I’m just not that interested, because I thrive in my own little bubble, where my world revolves around friends, workmates, and family.
I recently read Chuka by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in The New Yorker, and it struck a chord. The story explores the expectations placed on women to be in relationships, the pressure to settle down, and the reality of choosing self-fulfillment instead. It reminded me that my happiness isn’t defined by my relationship status, it’s defined by the life I build for myself.
Being single is not a waiting room. It’s not a temporary state before something ‘better’ happens. It’s an era in its own right.
I travel, buy merch, go to concerts, and fangirl over DK of Seventeen and Harry Styles without worrying about someone getting jealous. I get moody, I buy myself flowers because Miley was right. I watch Gilmore Girls, Friends, or rewatch Notting Hill and imagine my own Will Thacker. And most of the time? I read and get lost in beautiful stories. Plus, my dogs keep me company.
Not gonna lie, there are times I wish for romance too, but life is too good to sulk and feel “dateless” because, to be honest, I’m not.
Coming from a long-term relationship that didn’t work out, and having met guys who are either emotionally unavailable, unpredictable, or intimidated by my personality…I’ll take my peace over that any day.
This isn’t some woman empowerment speech, it’s just life. If it happens, it happens. In the meantime, I’m enjoying this season while I still can, because being single and being able to plan my life exactly how I dream of it? That’s still the best feeling ever. Not everyone will agree, but it’s true.
Coming from a long-term relationship that didn’t work out, and having met guys who are either emotionally unavailable, unpredictable, or intimidated by my personality, oh well. I’ll take my peace over that any day.
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Dear you…
Being single is not a waiting room. It’s not a temporary state before something “better” happens. It’s an era in its own right, full of possibility, fun, and complete control over how you spend your time.
So buy yourself the flowers, order the good dessert, and live the day exactly how you want. You are not missing out, you are living fully.
And if all else fails? Ocean’s 8 is streaming.
