Valentine’s Day is nearly here, which means love is in the air!
Whether you’re coupled up or flying solo, the week of February 13-15th offers several opportunities to celebrate all kinds of love.
From honoring female friendships on Galentine’s Day to romantic dates on Valentine’s Day, there’s something for everyone.
Keep reading for a complete guide to making the most of Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Singles Awareness Day.
Galentine’s Day: Celebrating Female Friendships
Observed on February 13th, Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating the incredible women in your life. This unofficial holiday was conceptualized in a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation, but it has since evolved into a beloved day to appreciate female friendships.
Planning a Galentine’s Day celebration is easy and fun! Here are some ideas to make your Galentine’s Day special:
Schedule a Galentine’s Day Brunch or Dinner
There’s no better way to commemorate this day than by breaking bread with your closest girlfriends. Plan a special brunch or dinner at your favorite restaurant or cafe. Share food, laugh, and make memories together.
Exchange Galentine’s Day Cards and Gifts
Pick up some thoughtful Galentine’s Day cards and fun gifts like jewelry, candles, baked goods, or other treats for your BFFs. Write heartfelt messages in each card reminding your friends how much they mean to you.
Organize a Galentine’s Day Spa Day
Treat yourself and your gal pals to a rejuvenating spa day. Book massages, facials, and mani-pedis and relax in the serenity of the spa. It’s a luxurious way to bond and pamper yourselves.
Host a Galentine’s Day Games Night
Stay in with the girls and host a lively game night filled with rom-coms, charades, board games, wine, and endless laughter. Make it potluck-style with everyone contributing snacks or desserts.
Toast Your Gals with Galentine’s Day Cocktails
Meet up at a lively bar or lounge and raise a glass to your wonderful friendships. Sip on festive cocktails and let the good times roll!
The most important part of Galentine’s Day is spending meaningful time with the phenomenal women in your life. However you choose to celebrate, make sure the day is filled with sisterly love.
Valentine’s Day: For Couples and Singles
Ah, Valentine’s Day! For lovers, it’s a romantic day to celebrate their relationship. For singles, it’s either an invitation to find a date or embrace being happily unattached. Regardless of your relationship status, February 14th offers fun opportunities to spread love.
Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
If you’re coupled up this Valentine’s Day, plan a memorable date night that reminds your partner how special they are. Get creative with these romantic date suggestions:
- Candlelit dinner at an elegant restaurant
- Couples massage followed by champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in your hotel room
- Slow dance in your living room to your song
- Create a personalized scrapbook of your relationship memories
- Surprise your partner at work with flowers and take them to lunch
- Watch the sunset from a scenic viewpoint
- Recreate your first date
Where to Meet Singles on Valentine’s Day
Don’t have a Valentine? No problem! Valentine’s Day is filled with classy events and gatherings where you can meet new people. Here are smart places to meet other singles:
- Singles mixers – Many bars and lounges host lively mixers on Valentine’s Day
- Speed dating events – Give speed dating a whirl and meet a bunch of eligible dates in one night
- Cooking classes – Conversation flows easily in a fun cooking class environment
- Singles travel groups – Sign up for a weekend tour or retreat designed specifically for singles
- Local concerts – Attend an awesome concert and chat up fellow music lovers
Don’t be shy about putting yourself out there! Approach an attractive stranger at any of these events and make a connection. You never know who your Valentine’s match might be.
Make Valentine’s Day Special Even If You’re Single
Just because you’re riding solo, doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in Valentine’s Day magic. Here’s how to celebrate when you’re happily single:
- Plan Galentine’s Day part two! Round up your single ladies and treat yourselves to a fun night out dancing bar hopping, or karaoke singing.
- Have an indulgent date with YOU. Draw a luxurious bubble bath, pop open a bottle of wine, light candles, and relax with a good book or movie.
- Register for a singles cooking class and learn some new romantic recipes. Impress your next date with your enhanced culinary skills!
- Be your own Valentine. Buy yourself pretty jewelry, flowers, chocolates, or any gift your heart desires.
- Get together with other fabulous single friends and have an anti-Valentine’s Day party where you celebrate your independence.
Being single on Valentine’s Day is only a problem if you see it that way. Embrace this day as a chance to celebrate your awesomeness!
Singles Awareness Day: Unapologetic Self-Love
Capping off the lovefest week is Singles Awareness Day on February 15th. Also known as SAD, this day originated as an anti-Valentine’s Day but has evolved into a celebration of self-love for the unattached.
Think of Singles Awareness Day as a chance to focus your energy inward and appreciate being comfortable flying solo. Here are constructive ways to observe the holiday:
Pamper Yourself
Treat yourself to some TLC with a spa day including a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, or whatever relaxes you most. Light scented candles when you get home and continue nurturing your mind, body, and soul.
Revel in Your Freedom
When you’re single, you’re not accountable to anyone. Let loose and enjoy your independence to its fullest. Go on a spontaneous weekend road trip, check items off your bucket list, and stay out late dancing. The possibilities are endless when it’s just you.
Declutter Your Space
Use Singles Awareness Day as motivation to declutter your home. Toss out old gifts from exes, organize your closet, and clear out anything else that no longer sparks joy. Make space for positive energy.
Express Gratitude
On a day designed to highlight being single, it’s beneficial to reflect on all your blessings. Make a list of everything you’re grateful for – your health, family, friends, talents, etc. Shifting perspective cultivates happiness.
Treat Yourself to Dinner and a Movie
Being your own date for dinner and a movie is hugely underrated. Dress up fancy, select the restaurant, order your favorite meal, and embrace the night. After dinner, catch a rom-com or any film you like.
Singles Awareness Day presents the perfect excuse to celebrate your relationship with yourself. Seize the opportunity to appreciate the perks of flying solo. At the end of the day, your relationship with YOU is the one that matters most.
Embrace the Love-Filled Week
Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Singles Awareness Day offer the ideal trio of holidays to spread love in all its glorious forms. From platonic to romantic to self-love, there are so many opportunities in one short week to open your heart and share meaningful connections.
If you’re in a wonderful relationship, remind your partner how special they are to you. For the singles, approach the week with an open mind and heart. Meet new people, say yes to invitations, and don’t be afraid to make the first move. And for everyone, take time for self-care and celebrate your individuality.
No matter your circumstances, you have so much love to give. Be bold in sharing it with others and yourself.
In this world filled with seemingly endless negativity, any occasion to uplift love is a beautiful and needed one. Allow Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Singles Awareness Day to fill your heart with joy and reinforce that love comes in infinite forms.
Here’s to a love-filled week!
