We are a few weeks into a brand new year and as singletons begin to find peace with getting through New Year’s Eve, the end of January means only one thing; we are two weeks away from Valentine’s Day. I feel passionately that New Year’s Eve is the worst night of the year to be single — but Valentine’s Day definitely gives NYE a run for its money.
Here are some alternative ways you can appreciate the day of love:

HAVE A NORMAL DAY
If you are newly single, experiencing heartbreak or recovering from being ghosted by your latest love interest then it is totally acceptable to have a normal day. It’ll be over in 24 hours anyway. Treat yourself to some self-care, whether that be a candle lit bath, massage or face mask (I recommend all three, to be honest). Besides, Valentine’s Day is sandwiched between ‘Galentine’s Day’ (13 February) and Single Awareness Day (15 February) anyway so you’ll need a day off amongst the festivities.

GO OUT WITH YOUR SINGLE FRIENDS
London is a crazy busy city. Rally your single friends and head to a buzzy bar, attend a speed dating event or book a karaoke booth and sing your little single heart out. Who said that those who are single should have to stay at home on Valentine’s? Single people are the ones who should be out in the wild, letting your hair down and toasting to the excitement of not knowing when you’re going to meet someone special.

LOVE YOURSELF
Be kind to yourself. The most important relationship we have in this life is the one with ourselves. We are all a work in progress and authentically owning who you are and falling in love with yourself is part of personal growth. The seasons of dating yourself can be the most transformative, so try and immerse yourself in these periods because once you meet your soulmate, you won’t get ever this independent time back.
You’ll find that the majority of your friends in relationships don’t actually celebrate Valentine’s Day with their other half. They can see through all the moneymaking marketing campaigns and simply don’t feel the need to show love to their partner on one rogue date in February just because the media has told them to. And for those friends that do choose to celebrate it, post on social media about their relationship and love the day of love, that’s OK too! Be excited for those friends celebrating their first ever Valentine’s Day with their person.
I don’t know about you but I am spending Valentine’s with a work colleague, seeing Cabaret in the West End (and yes, she has a boyfriend).

PLAY CUPID
If no-one is buying you flowers this year then why not give them? Send your friends, family or colleagues some love in the form of gifts. I know I’ll be throwing love heart sweets and chocolate hearts at anyone I see on February 14!