5 fun ways to spend Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day can be the most romantic day of the year for those who are happily attached, but the day doesn't have to be dull or dreadful if you're flying solo. It can be a great time to celebrate the fabulousness of single life, or a day to reflect on all the wonderful people in your life, even if a mate is not one of them.
According to Statistics Canada, there were about 13.5 million single people living across the country in 2005. If you're among this group, either by choice or by circumstance, here are some ways to have a fabulous Valentine's Day without a significant other.
1. Enjoy a movie night
Whether on your own or with a couple of girlfriends, an evening watching chick flicks could be just the thing you want. Pick a theme for the evening (make it a Johnny Depp night, a cheesy romance marathon or even a spine-tingling horror show), then grab your favourite sweats and some comfort food and plop yourself in front of the TV.
2. Pamper yourself
Take the opportunity to indulge in a little "me" time. Splurge by heading to the nearest spa for a facial and full-body massage, or go low-key and give yourself a manicure, pedicure and a two-hour bubble bath at home. A solo Valentine's Day offers an excellent opportunity to do something only you would enjoy. Rent that foreign documentary you've been yearning to watch, take your racy romance novel out from under your bed for an uninterrupted afternoon of reading or head to the gym and take the belly-dancing class you've been wanting to try.
3. Have a shopping party
There's nothing like a little retail therapy to brighten a dull winter day. Grab some girlfriends and spend the afternoon bargain-hunting through your favourite mall or plaza. There are often Valentine's Day sales just waiting for you to take advantage of them. After your trip to the mall, grab some takeout and head back to your place with your friends so you can admire each other's finds.
4. Host an elegant evening for the fabulous singles in your life
There's no law that commands singles to be alone on the annual day of romance. Invite all those amazing women you know who are sans partners and host a dinner party. Dress up and make (or order) your most impressive meal. Rather than awkwardly stumbling through a first date on Valentine's Day, bring out the champagne and fine china, and spend the evening engaged in real conversations with your nearest and dearest.
5. Take care of someone
The Christmas season is often touted as the time for those with more to help out those with less, but why can't Valentines Day be that time as well? Spend the evening volunteering at your local homeless shelter or food bank. Or book off the evening so you can go through your closet and bundle up all those items you'd like to give to a charity.
Another way to give back today is to show those around you how much you care. Take a widowed relative — who may be missing a departed loved one today — out for the evening. Or be the best sibling ever by taking your nieces and nephews out for a bowling night while Mom and Dad spend some quality time together.
However you choose to spend your solo Valentine's Day, do something that you truly enjoy. Because you just never know how many solo days you have left.
For more tips, check out our Valentine's Day survival guide for couples and singles.
Visit our Valentine's Day special section for recipes, relationship advice, gift ideas, fun e-cards and more.
