Valentine’s Day is a day that usually feels like it’s reserved for couples, with its heart-shaped chocolates, and candlelit dinners. But love isn’t exclusive to relationships, and being single doesn’t mean you’re sidelined on February 14th. In fact, it would be the perfect opportunity to celebrate yourself, your friendships, and the freedom to make the day exactly what you want. Whether you want to pamper yourself, connect with loved ones, or try something completely new, Valentine’s Day can be just as meaningful and even more fun when you embrace it on your own terms.
To give a better look into how singles can celebrate Valentine’s Day, senior Gretchen Stief shares her plans for the holiday. “My friends and I are going to get together and hang out, turning our Valentine’s into more of a Galentine’s,” she says. This change from a holiday all about romance to one that celebrates friendship is becoming more popular, especially amongst young people. Instead of stressing about being single there has been an increase in people using Valentine’s Day to appreciate what matters most to them. A 2023 survey by the National Retail Federation found that 28% of people celebrate with friends or family instead of a partner. With things like “Galentine’s Day” increasing in popularity, many are changing the meaning of the holiday to a celebration of all kinds of love. “You appreciate your friends more and learn to find love through other relationships that aren’t necessarily romantic,” Stief adds. It’s a reminder that love isn’t just about relationships; it can be about friendship, family, and even self-love.
While some are changing how they spend Valentine’s Day, there are people who have their own ideas on how to make the holiday perfect. For senior Anna Vanoyen, the perfect way to celebrate isn’t about the gifts or dinners; but the experience. “My dream Valentine’s Day would be getting to go out to a cute picnic overlooking a destination spot, and spend it with my friends,” she says, showing that the holiday isn’t just about romantic gestures; it can also be about enjoying simple, meaningful moments.
She also speaks about a common misconception about being single on Valentine’s Day. “One misconception is how people think that it’s lonely,but it’s never really lonely when you have people that care about you,” she explains. This perspective shows an important change in how people, especially younger people, view the holiday.
Senior Alana White leaves us with some meaningful advice on the topic of being single on Valentines, stating, “Don’t dwell on what you’re missing, appreciate the love and friendships that you already have.” Her words give us a reminder that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about what society says it should be. Whether you spend it with family, friends or even by yourself, the holiday is what you make of it. Love comes in many forms, and celebrating it no matter how makes the day just as special. So instead of focusing on what’s missing, why not focus on what’s already there? After all, Valentine’s Day is about love in all its forms, and that’s something worth celebrating.
