Feeling lonely on Valentine's Day? Here's what to do
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
If you're feeling lonely on Valentine's Day, you aren't alone. Learn what to do if you feel lonely, plus tips to enjoy Valentine's Day when you're single.
Valentine's Day can be tough whether you have a partner or not. Because it’s a holiday associated with romance, it’s easy to get caught up in an idealized version of what your love life should look like. And while some people just see Valentine’s Day as a great excuse to say “I love you” to the special people in their lives, for others, it magnifies feelings of loneliness.
When this time of year rolls around, constant reminders of romantic relationships can be difficult for many to stomach. But if you find yourself dwelling on the negatives of not having a partner—or if you’re not so sure about your current relationship status—you might consider using this time for self-discovery and personal growth instead. Plus, who says singlehood can’t be celebrated on Valentine’s Day?
Lonely on Valentine's Day? You're not alone
Feeling lonely on Valentine's Day is common. From store displays to social media posts, the pressure to be in a great relationship—or feel confident in your singlehood—is everywhere you turn.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way. One way to use Valentine’s Day to empower yourself is by shifting your perspective and making it a day all about self-love, self-reflection, personal growth, and fulfillment. It can become a chance to prioritize your own happiness and wellbeing, as opposed to a day when you feel sad about not having a partner — or pressured to feel a certain way, anyway.
You can also choose to spend the day with friends or family. Many people like to turn Valentine’s Day into a time to celebrate and uplift the friendships in our lives. Remember, there’s no wrong way to celebrate love for yourself and the people you care about.
What to do if you feel lonely on Valentine’s Day: 7 tips
If you're feeling lonely on Valentine's Day, here are several practical steps you can take to make the day more special, and even fun.
1. Embrace self-care
Take time to pamper yourself. Run a relaxing bath with essential oils or bath salts, put on a face mask, and enjoy a quiet evening reading your favorite book. If getting out of the house sounds better, you might schedule a massage or a haircut. Self-care can help boost your mood and make you feel cherished.
💙 Extend tenderness and love toward yourself with the Daily Trip’s Send in Love guided meditation.
2. Avoid social media if it’s triggering
Social media can amplify feelings of loneliness, especially when you're bombarded with images of couples. Take a break from these platforms for the day and focus on activities that make you truly happy instead.
💙 Learn to navigate feelings of jealousy or Envy if your exposure to partnered people on Valentine’s Day makes you feel sad.
3. Try practicing meditation and mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness exercises can help center your mind and reduce feelings of loneliness. Even a few minutes of deep breathing can make a difference in how you feel.
💙 Try Jeff Warren’s Mindfulness for Beginners, a 30-day program that introduces meditation in an engaging way.
4. Redirect your focus
Sometimes life gets busy and we aren't able to prioritize our hobbies. Use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to spend time on activities or passions you love. Whether it's baking, painting, hiking, or playing an instrument, immerse yourself in something enjoyable.
💙 Focus on the positive aspects of your life with guidance from Jay Shetty’s What Good Have You Done meditation.
5. Volunteer your time
Helping others can be incredibly fulfilling and provide a sense of connection. Look for local volunteering opportunities that interest you — perhaps helping at a food bank, animal shelter, or other community event. Giving back can bring a sense of purpose and reduce feelings of isolation, especially on days that center romantic love above the rest.
6. Connect with friends and family
Reach out to loved ones for a chat or arrange a get-together. Plan a video call with family or friends, or organize a small gathering. Having fun with people you love can lift your spirits and remind you that you’re loved.
💙 Make Valentine’s Day a day of Nurturing Relationships beyond the ones that are romantic.
7. Plan for the future
Use Valentine's Day as a moment to reflect on your life goals and aspirations. Create a vision board and write down your goals for the year. Having clear objectives can provide a sense of direction and purpose, helping you feel more positive about your future, no matter who’s by your side.
How to stop feeling lonely (and enjoy being single) on Valentine's Day
While Valentine's Day might traditionally focus on romantic love, it can also be a celebration of self-love and the joys of being single. There are plenty of tips to enjoy Valentine’s Day as a single person that can help you form new traditions and celebrate where you are in life.
Attend non-romantic social events
Look for local events or activities that aren’t centered around couples. This could include exercise classes, hobbies, or social meetups. These events can be a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the day in a different way.
Host a gathering with friends
If you have other single friends, make plans with them. This could be a small dinner party, a movie night, or a game night. Celebrating with friends can be fun — and you’ll create new, happy memories too.
Explore new hobbies
Take up a new hobby or get more involved in an existing one. Whether it’s trying a new recipe, starting a new fitness routine, or taking on a crafting project, focusing on something that brings you joy can be fulfilling and fun.
Celebrate the advantages of being single
Reflect on the positive aspects of being single, and enjoy the freedom to make your own plans without needing to compromise. Use this day to indulge in your personal interests, take a spontaneous trip, or simply enjoy some quiet time for yourself. Embrace the opportunity to prioritize your own happiness.
Lonely Valentine's Day FAQs
How can I meet new people on Valentine’s Day?
Meeting new people on Valentine's Day can be a great way to combat feelings of loneliness and make connections.
Attend community events: Interesting gatherings, such as hobby groups, classes, lectures, or community service projects, are great places to meet people who share your interests.
Join online communities: There are many online platforms where you can connect with people like you. Try websites and apps designed for meeting people, or social media groups for locals in your local area. These can help you find events and communities to get involved with.
Take a class: Enroll in a workshop or class, like cooking, painting, yoga, or a new language. You can learn something new, and make new friends too.
Volunteer: Volunteering can be a fantastic way to meet new people while contributing to a good cause. Look for opportunities at local shelters, food banks, hospitals, or community centers.
What are some ways to treat myself on Valentine's Day?
Treating yourself on Valentine's Day can make the day fun.
Indulge in your favorite meal: Whether you cook at home or order from your favorite restaurant, savor a meal you love. Try making that new recipe you've been thinking about!
Buy yourself a gift: Treat yourself to something nice. Pick up a book, a piece of jewelry, a new gadget — it could be anything that brings you joy.
Have a spa day at home: Create a relaxing spa experience at home with a long bath, face masks, and soothing music. Light some candles and use your favorite lotions and oils to make yourself feel extra-special.
Spend the day doing something you love: Take time for activities that make you happy, like visiting a museum, going to the movies, hiking, or spending the day with a good book.
Enjoy a creative outlet: Try painting, crafting, writing, or playing an instrument to express yourself.
Is it normal to feel lonely on Valentine’s Day?
It's completely normal to feel lonely on Valentine's Day, because of the focus on romantic relationships and societal pressure to be part of a happy couple. Many people—regardless of their relationship status—experience these feelings.
How many people spend Valentine’s Day alone?
Many people spend Valentine's Day alone, including those who are single by choice or circumstance. Many people use this time to reflect on their personal goals, indulge in activities they love, get together with friends, or create new traditions that celebrate self-love and personal growth.
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