With all the couples celebrating Valentine’s Day around you, it’s easy to feel left out if you’re single. However, there are actually plenty of advantages to being single on the Hallmark holiday.<\/p>\n
“So often, pressures and overwhelming expectations around holidays can be disguised as traditions or what is normal<\/em>,” says licensed professional counselor Melissa Coats<\/a>. “After we relieve the pressure [of] what we think<\/em> we should be doing, we get to be creative with how we choose to spend our time on these holidays. That means you get to do what feels authentic and fulfilling to you.\u201d<\/p>\n So instead of sulking on a day that should be about love, try these four things to embrace being single on V-Day.<\/p>\n Have a Galentine\u2019s (or Palentine\u2019s) Day party Hit the town<\/strong> Have a personal night in<\/strong> Try something new<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>Valentine\u2019s Day isn\u2019t just about celebrating romantic relationships; it’s about celebrating friendships too. “Singles can get together with other singles and celebrate each other,” says licensed clinical social worker Patti Sabla<\/a>. Get a bunch of girlfriends together for a Galentine\u2019s Day party or throw a Palentine\u2019s Day celebration with a mixed-gender group. Sabla suggests exchanging cards to express how much you mean to each other.<\/p>\n
\nWhether you enjoy cocktails during happy hour or attend a wine and painting class, you and your friends can enjoy singlehood together. “If you aren\u2019t coupled up and you decide to head out with some friends, chances are, most people at the happy hour are probably single too,\u201d says\u00a0matchmaker and dating coach Michelle Frankel<\/a>. “It can actually be a really great way to meet someone new.”<\/p>\n
\nFebruary 14 doesn\u2019t need to be a\u00a0big celebration. Take it easy at home and enjoy small pleasures like lighting candles or wrapping yourself up in a cozy blanket. Engaging your five senses can also help if you start to feel lonely. “Focusing on the senses helps us feel grounded and present,” says Coats.<\/p>\n
\nFall in love with a new hobby or activity by stepping out of your comfort zone on Valentine\u2019s Day. “Sign up for a yoga class, rock climbing, or anything that’s been on your bucket list,” says Frankel.<\/p>\n