50 self-care ideas for a solo Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is…tomorrow. Wow. How did I wait until the last minute to make this post?

If you’re single or spending the holiday on your own this year, don’t fret. Valentine’s Day is not reserved solely for couples. This is a day to learn about love languages, self-love, and all of the other types of love that the Greeks talked about. (Yes, they really did have multiple words for love!) 

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Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post may include affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.

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Before I get into the list, I did want to share a few things that may help you out this Valentine’s Day!

Greek types of love

Below are the different types of Greek love. I’m sharing this because many people often think of Valentine’s Day as a day that only couples can enjoy and that’s simply not true. Valentine’s Day is a day of love. It’s a day to show all of the people around you why you adore them and why you’re grateful they are in your life.

Agape

This is the type of Greek love that can best be described as “brotherhood.” It’s a love that extends across all people. We love all humans equally and we feel a sense of connection to them. 

Philos

This is the deep and true bond of friendship. It is non-sexual and often revolves around companionship, partnership, and unconditional love for another human who “gets” you.

Eros

Eros is what most people think of Valentine’s Day love. It is a sexual pull between humans at its core. Eros represents erotic love.

Storge

Storge is the kind of love reserved for familial bonds. People who end up being our lifelong friends, who raise us, and whom we hold a kinship with are placed under this sector of love.

Ludus 

This is a playful love, often shared between young lovers or children. It is similar to “puppy love,” filled with teasing, giggles, and shameless flirtation.

Mania

Mania is probably not something to indulge in on Valentine’s Day, but it is a type of Greek love. Mania represents obsessive love.

Pragma

Pragma is the enduring and unconditional love often found in older couples who have had a long marriage. It is a deep understanding and bond that holds true for each partner no matter what.

Philautia

Philautia is similar to self-love. It is one’s ability to love themselves wholly and unconditionally. And for this article, it is the most important type of love.

Types of Love Languages

At some point, I will likely make a more in-depth article on this. But for now, my goal is to lay out love language in a digestible format to help you understand yours and make sense of which activities will work best for you below.

Physical Touch

As you may have guessed, those with the love language of physical touch feel love through contact and physical interaction. Sex, massages, hugs, and cuddling are all ways these people feel loved.

Quality Time

People with this love language prefer long, interrupted conversations and time spent with others. They enjoy watching movies, doing board games, hiking, talking, and just genuinely spending long stretches of time with others.

Receiving Gifts

Some people feel loved when they receive small gifts, especially those that hold a deeper meaning. Even if you’re alone this Valentine’s Day, there’s no one to stop you from purchasing flowers, jewelry, or other items for yourself!

Words of Affirmation

Gratitude lists, affirmations, compliments, and other forms of verbal appreciation make these people feel loved. When practicing self love especially, this love language can be truly transformative!

Acts of Service

Those who appreciate acts of service enjoy simple actions that help them out and appreciate what others do for them out of love. Whether it’s a roommate gathering the mail or someone pitching in to clean house, these people feel loved when they can service and be serviced by others.

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50 things to do for a solo Valentine’s Day 

Alright, we’ve covered the basics. So let’s get into this list!

1. Make some popcorn and cozy up with a fun rom-com or your favorite movie!
2. Light some candles and settle into a warm, rose petalled bath.
3. Order some flowers to be delivered to your door and write a love letter to your future self.
4. Invite your girlfriends over for a stay at home Galentine’s day party!
5. Get pink Moscato, pink lemonade, strawberries, and sugar to make a sweet adult pink drink. (Here’s an amazing recipe!)
6. Take yourself on a date to your favorite restaurant, bookstore, museum, etc.
7. Make a gratitude list of your life right now and write down what you most love about yourself.
8. Dress up in sexy lingerie and have a little fun—even if it’s solo!
9. Or, doll up for yourself just for kicks! Have a solo photoshoot!
10. Use a self-timer for a boudoir photoshoot.
11. If you live with roommates or family who have a bit of free time, play some classic board or card games and enjoy the type of love called Philos by the Greeks which represents the bond of deep and true friendship.
12. Light some candles and make your favorite dinner at home!
13. Or, order food to arrive at your door to save the prep time.
14. Bake some Valentine’s Day themed goodies! Sugar heart cookies, anyone?
15. If you enjoy story telling, try your hand at a scene from a romance novel. Write whatever you want!
16. If you’re into Tarot, lay out a Valentine’s Day self-love spread.
17. You can also take on some self-love/self-learning journal prompts to get to know yourself better.
18. If you’re free, cozy up with some amazing reads! Romance or not, it’s wonderful to cuddle up with a good book.
19. Try your hand at some Valentine’s Day arts and crafts! Pinterest has plenty of inspo!
20. Take a walk down memory lane and look at past Valentine’s Days or past memories of you with your loved ones.
21. Let out your inner child by making your own Valentine’s Day cards and write thankyou/love notes for your loved ones.
22. If you’re artistic, do a self portrait of your best self!
23. Participate in a current me vs future me exercise to manifest what you want most in life.
24. Take a trip somewhere new, whether that be in your town or a few cities over.
25. Head to the library, bookstore, or coffee shop for some quality alone time in a serene, cozy environment.
26. Take a walk outside and reflect on nature and life.
27. Decorate your home for Valentine’s Day with decor from a dollar store. Or, make your own!
28. On the day after Valentine’s Day, ask some friends or family members to have a bowling, rock-climbing, golfing, or other physical activity night.
29. Color in an adult coloring book for some therapeutic art.
30. Meditate and find your center of peace and tranquility.
31. Follow a YouTube tutorial for yoga or deep stretching to show your body some love.
32. Or, head to the gym. It’ll be less crowded on the holiday!
33. Practice a skill you’re trying to master and really invest time in the things you love.
34. Put on some music and get a head start on spring cleaning.
35. Try to be really intentional with your day and take things slow. Maybe watch the sunrise and sunset as a way to connect with the world.
36. Create a vision board for your ideal life or love life. 
37. Treat yourself to a spa day or a massage to indulge in life’s luxurious pleasures.
38. Get your nails and hair done. Be ready to impress yourself and others!
39. Visit a botanical garden or a plant store to reconnect with nature. Really slow down and stop to smell the roses!
40. If you have a pet, why not treat them to a Valentine’s Day date? Take them to a park or buy them a new pet accessory!
41. If you have children in your life, spend some time making crafts with them and teach them about unconditional love.
42. Watch a throwback movie that always makes you smile.
43. Take your mom on a lunch date or go shopping together.
44. Spend some time with your dad and siblings and do something that always makes them smile.
45. Redecorate your house. Move the furniture around and purchase some new pieces that suit your aesthetic.
46. Play some records or turn on some tunes and dance around the room like no one is watching.
47. Take a waltzing or swing dance class lesson. 
48. Sign up for an art class or other creative class. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll create!
49. Do something that really makes your heart happy and spend time enjoying that hobby or passion.
50. Take some time to learn about love languages and really dive into yours.

I hope this helped to relieve any stress of finding “something” to do on Valentine’s Day. This holiday doesn’t have to be reserved for couples and there’s no reason you should feel sad or lonely. Love yourself. Treat yourself. And become your own date. 

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If you like this post, check out some similar posts of mine below!

Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what ideas you had for Valentine’s Day!

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Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.

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