I’ve been single for quite a while now… truth to be told it has been an amazing time for me. I embarked on a journey of self-independence and self-awareness and being in my 40s it’s the first time ever when I actually feel good about myself and my life. I’ve grown up so much and learnt things about me that I did not understand earlier. Being single in your 40s is not easy yet it just shows that you actually have courage to live your life on your own terms and you prefer spending time alone rather than being stuck in a loveless relationship.
There is however one day in the year that is extremely couples’ centered. On February 14th we celebrate Valentine’s Day and while you can just ignore this day I actually believe you can have so much fun celebrating the love that you have for yourself. Because you know what they say… the greatest love of all starts within you! I had a bit of fun digging throughout the history of Valentine’s. The origin of this romantic holiday is not entirely clear but it probably traces back to a christian martyr named Valentine who was actually imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers, who were forbidden to marry, and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. While in prison, he supposedly healed the jailer’s daughter and sent her a letter signed “Your Valentine” before his execution on February 14th! Can you imagine that the day of love comes from a day of someone’s execution?
After that the association between Valentine’s Day and romantic love began in the Middle Ages, with the belief in France and England that February 14th marked the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea of love and romance.
Over time, Valentine’s Day evolved into a day associated with expressing love and affection, not only between romantic partners but also among friends and family. Today, it’s celebrated in many countries around the world with the exchange of cards, flowers, and gifts. I love the idea that the romantic day has its origin is such a grim story, don’t you?
For couples, Valentine’s Day is a chance to do something special for each other, whether it’s through gifts, romantic gestures, or spending quality time together. It’s a day to cherish the bond you share and to make your loved one feel valued and cherished. But it’s not just about romantic love. Many people also celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends and family, exchanging cards, gifts, or simply spending time together to show appreciation for the important people in their lives. But for me Valentine’s is also a day when I cherish the relationship that I have with myself. Because I do believe that it’s the most important relationship we will have for a lifetime. I’ve realized that paradoxically, when you have a great relationship with yourself, you’re better equipped to have healthier relationships with others. I noticed that now I can communicate more effectively, empathize with others, and create more meaningful connections than ever before. What is more, building a strong relationship with myself helped me weather life’s ups and downs. I’ve become more resilient in the face of challenges, knowing that I have my own back and can rely on my inner strength to overcome obstacles.
Don’t get me wrong – I do not recommend spending your life alone at all! It’s fantastic to have someone you love and come back home to. And I just believe that having a great relationship with oneself lays the foundation for a fulfilling and balanced life. In my personal experience those single years allowed me to navigate life’s challenges with grace, appreciate the present moment, and cultivate deeper connections with others. So I’m encouraging you not to despair if you currently are on your single path but to focus on building a connection to your best partner – which is you! Celebrating Valentine’s Day while single can be a fantastic opportunity to focus on self-love and enjoy some solo activities. I’ll give you some ideas on what to do when you celebrate Valentine’s Day while being single. Some of those were checked by me!
My favorite way of celebrating self-love is definitely self-pampering or what you can call a spa day. I’d book myself a massage, facial, or indulge in a DIY spa day at home with bath bombs, face masks, and scented candles. That’s what I call full relaxation! It gives me a glowy skin and full mental relaxation. I’m also a huge movie buff so another idea would be to pick my favorite movies or discover new ones. Whether it’s romantic comedies, action films, or documentaries, I create my own cinema experience at home. I’m a foodie as well so I usually prepare something extra special on Valentine’s for myself. I whip up a delicious dinner just for me trying out a new recipe or indulging in my favorite comfort food. I’m also a big fan of going out solo so another thing to do is going out for a date to my favorite restaurant, cafe, or dessert spot and I must say that I do enjoy the pleasure of my own company. I have some other ideas for you guys that I will list below! :
- Explore Nature: Spend time outdoors hiking, walking in a park, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. It’s a great way to clear your mind and connect with yourself.
- Artistic Expression: Get creative with painting, drawing, crafting, or writing. Channel your emotions into your art or simply have fun experimenting.
- Exercise: Release those feel-good endorphins with a workout session. Whether it’s yoga, running, dancing, or hitting the gym, find an activity you enjoy and get moving.
- Game Night: Have a game night with yourself. Play video games, board games, or card games and enjoy some friendly competition.
- Volunteer: Spend the day giving back to your community by volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or charity organization.
- Learn Something New: Take an online course or workshop on a topic you’re interested in. It could be anything from cooking to photography to learning a new language.
- Self-Reflection: Spend some time reflecting on your goals, dreams, and accomplishments. Journaling or meditation can be great ways to connect with yourself on a deeper level.
- Virtual Hangout: Organize a virtual hangout with friends or family members who are also single. Play games, watch movies together, or just catch up and enjoy each other’s company.
Hopefully I did add to your ideas for a fun and active Valentine’s Day as a single person? It’s nothing that we should be scared of! You just need to remember that time with yourself is a great investment in getting to know what you like or don’t like and a way to show full acceptance of your life as it is now. Maybe if you grow in a relationship with yourself first you will learn how to build a healthy union with someone else? So don’t be afraid to embark on a solo journey on this very romantic day and romance yourself!
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