Valentine's Day is a day known for love and connection. However, for those without a partner or a spouse, it can feel depressing. If you are facing this Valentine's Day without a special someone, know that it doesn't say anything about your worth. The Bible tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). You are part of God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
It can be tough to embrace these truths when Valentine's Day arrives fully, yet it is something that must be done. You are worthy, beloved, and cherished by God Himself (1 John 3:1). Rather than giving in to a heart of discontentment and sorrow, lean into this present season of life. You can do this by celebrating Valentine's Day as a single. Here are seven activities to do just this.
1. Galentine’s Celebration
The best alternative to a regular Valentine's Day celebration is a Galentine's celebration. Celebrate with your friends and have a girls’ night. A few fun activities you could do include making your own homemade decorations, playing Galentine's-themed games, baking fun treats, and watching happy movies. Playing board games, listening to music, and simply catching up with one another can also make for a fun Galentine's celebration.
Here are a few Galentine's Game Ideas:
● Galentine's Trivia (Gauging how well you know one another)
● This or That (An either/or game. For example, “Would you rather live in New York City or Miami?”)
● Make Your Own Galentine's Cards (Share what you love about your friends/friendships in a homemade card)
Homemade Decoration Ideas:
● Various Crafts from Pioneer Woman
● 30+ Valentine Decorations from the Sunnyside Home
Sweet Treat Ideas:
● Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
● Valentine's Brownies
● Valentine's Banana Pops
2. Spend Time Doing a Hobby You Love
Hobbies can help us get our minds off things. Think about a hobby that you already love. This could be playing mini-golf, cycling, or painting. Starting a new hobby is also a great idea, such as taking up a sport you've always wanted to try or learning a new craft.
Hobbies are great ways to pass the time, especially when we are by ourselves. Spending time by ourselves doesn't have to be awful. Learning to enjoy time alone can help us find fulfillment in life. We don't need a partner or spouse to have a happy Valentine's Day.
3. Watch Your Favorite “Happily Ever After” Movies
Valentine's Day can remind us of the reality that we are alone, but we can change the way we think about it. Rather than leaning more into sorrow, choose to watch your favorite “happily ever after” movies. A few of these movies could be Disney classics, such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, or The Princess Diaries.
You can watch these movies by yourself or with others. Have a girls’ night or watch these films with your mom. Take time to relax and decompress from the holiday stressors. Watch your favorite movie and enjoy some popcorn with your girls.
4. Talk with God in Prayer and Study His Word
Let's face it: Valentine's Day is a challenge when we are alone. Rather than allowing the pain to consume us, why not turn to our Heavenly Father? We can present all our worries, fears, and troubles to Him (1 Peter 5:7). He will listen to every concern we have.
The Lord tells us, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you” (Jeremiah 29:12). God hears all our prayers—not one goes unnoticed by Him. Tell God the deepest pains of your heart. Allow Him to heal these broken pieces and to redeem your Valentine's Day (Psalm 147:3).
God doesn't want you to feel inferior on Valentine's Day. He wants you to know you are loved, valued, and worthy. God says, “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you” (Song of Solomon 4:7). Despite what you think about yourself or what others have said about you, you are more than enough, and you are loved beyond measure.
5. Spend Time with Family Members
Valentine's Day doesn't have to be spent alone unless you want to be by yourself. If you don't want to be alone on Valentine's, spend time with family members. Hang out with your mom, go shopping with your cousins, or go out for dinner with your sisters. Spending Valentine's Day with family members will bring more happiness and serenity into your life. It will bring light into your eyes and hope into your heart.
6. Get Out into Nature
Getting out into nature is a natural mood booster. Refrain from locking yourself inside all day. Instead, get out for a walk or a hike. Go to the mountains or the beach. Embracing God’s beautiful creation around you can help you feel more at ease on this challenging holiday.
Changing the scenery from an empty house to a beautiful outdoor landscape could also help you forget it is even Valentine's Day. Take time to talk with God as you travel up the mountains or walk along the seashore. Praise Him for surrounding you with such beauty.
7. Know that it is Okay to cry
It is also essential to know that it is okay to cry. You don't have to be the strongest soldier on Valentine's Day, nor do you have to act like it doesn't bother you. If you need time to sit by yourself and cry, that is okay. Talk it out with God, and rest in the promise that He is always with you (Psalm 23:1-6).
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” God will be right beside you on Valentine's Day. He understands your pain, sadness, and tears.
God doesn't expect you to be all smiles if you don't want to be. Be honest and authentic with Him. Allow your emotions to be revealed before God, and let your tears fall. God will catch each tear (Psalm 56:8).
8. Take a Mini-Getaway
For some people, such as those who have gone through a break-up or divorce, Valentine's Day may be too heavy. If you need to get away for the day or even the weekend, then take some time to remove yourself from the situation. Seeing other people happy on Valentine's Day with their significant others can make you feel awful and bring up bitter feelings; therefore, consider removing yourself from the setting.
Take a trip to visit your parents or spend a weekend in another city. Do things you love and cultivate new skills. You could visit Italy and try gelato, or France and see the Eiffel Tower. There are numerous things to see in this world, and God created them. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Iguazu Falls, there are a myriad of sights to behold.
Allow yourself to rest this Valentine's and truly have fun. Give yourself permission to take a break from the ordinary and help your heart. God will be with you wherever you go, and He will ensure you always know you are loved (Matthew 28:20b; Romans 8:37-39).
Photo credit: Unsplash/Sixteen Miles Out
