Look, it happens to the best of us. Many of us may want to be in a relationship, but it all too often feels out of our grasp, whether due to rough breakups in the past or just because you're shy and talking to new people feels like a death sentence. For some of us, it's probably a little something of both.
Valentine's Day especially feels like a kick in the gut for those of us who fall in this category (for obvious reasons), but it doesn't have to be that way. It's a celebration of love, for sure (and kudos to the couples who are spending the day together), but that isn't restricted to the romantic type of love.
It's time to understand your own value.
The first step in being satisfied in your circumstances is realizing that there's nothing wrong with them. As nice as having a partner can be, being without one in no way diminishes your own value. Everyone has improvements they can make on themselves regardless of relationship status, and this just makes it that much easier for you to work on your own.
You are your own person, and you deserve to take your time and come to terms with the fact that that's perfectly fine.
How can you enjoy such a day without a significant other?
Well, it's quite simple really, and maybe you've already thought of it - friends! You can have just as much fun spending Valentine's Day with a group of friends as you could on a date. There are always some new movies to see, whether you want to head out to the theaters or grab some snacks and bundle up for Netflix. It's also fine to indulge your yourself on the tantalizing options of chocolate that pop up at this time of year.
Pursuing a deeper relationship with the platonic people in your life is extremely important. The more caught up you are in not having a partner, the more you miss out on potential experiences to share with friends.
Sometimes, it only takes one.
In addition to what I just said, alone time is a valuable resource in its own right. It's vital that you understand that there is such a thing as taking too much time to yourself, which can be unhealthy, but everyone needs it now and then. Take some time to relax and recuperate. Catch up on the last few episodes of that show you've been watching, take a walk in the woods, or open up one of those books you keep swearing to get to "some other day."
In the end, it's up to you how you choose to spend your Valentine's Day. But just keep in mind that choosing to mope around and feel bad for your single self will get you nowhere. Don't waste this time and don't rob yourself of the fun you could be having otherwise. It's time to realize that Valentine's Day is not about romantic love exclusively, but that it also celebrates all kinds of love with all the kinds of people in your life. So whatever it is you decide to do this February 14th, make a point of letting those you care about know how much you love and appreciate them for continuing to encourage you.