Valentine’s Day: Fun things you can do when you are single

February means being bombarded with red hearts, pink flowers, and phrases like “be mine” written in elegant script everywhere you look.

For some people, both single and in relationships, Valentine’s Day is an annoying and unnecessary commercial celebration.

For those who are unattached and not exactly happy about it, though, it can be more like pouring salt in a wound.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way! While a couple’s massage of fancy dinner may not be on the docket, Valentine’s Day can be a great opportunity to indulge in fun activities, whether it’s a solo dinner or some self-care.

Just because you don’t have a significant other doesn’t mean you can’t commemorate this holiday with some self-love.

Now, that love birds seem to know their way around the day, let’s talk to single people out there feeling left out. If you’re not so sure about what to do, Here are some activities that might help.

Avoid Social Media

Make V-day a phone-free day. Stalking your ex on social media to see how they’re celebrating with their new partner is not going to make you feel happy or confident, and neither are all the happy couple photos clogging up your feed.

This will help you feel not left out, as you won’t be triggered by posts including couples’ activities that could remind you of the things you are not having.

Go to a movie

Going to the movies alone is arguably better than going with someone else. Get a ticket to a new film you’ve been dying to see, splurge on some popcorn and candy, and have a date with yourself.

If you’re in Kigali and might wonder where to go for a movie, you might check “Canal Olympia” in Rebero, as they have a special program for Valentine’s Day.

Host a Singles-Only Dinner Party

Spending time with friends is a great celebration of love that doesn’t involve romance. Invite all your favorite single people over, cook an amazing dinner, pop some bubbly, and toast to your independence.

With a glass or two of wine, a couples beers or a few shots with friends, video gaming sessions, you can celebrate V-Day in a spectacular way.

Cook a Romantic Dinner for Your Parents

While a lot of people think they can’t celebrate without their significant others, you can celebrate love with your parents. Have them forgo a traditional dinner out and cook for them instead. Set the table, light candles, and open a good bottle of wine.

Tell them to tell you their love story. you never know, you might find it worth hearing what tricks your dad used on you mom, and might learn a thing or two, they can be legends.

Enjoy a Beauty Treatment

Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. Call your barber and spoil yourself with a haircut, call your nail guy if you have one, go for mani-pedi, a waxing session or massage.

Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant

Solo dinners out are so underrated. Not only can you order whatever you want, but you don’t have to make conversation with anyone and can really focus on the delicious food. Book a table for one at your favorite restaurant (or sit at the bar), and don’t forget to end the night with dessert.

Plus, you don’t have to endure the frustration of your date coming late, or some conversations you don’t wanna have.

Visit Your Favorite Bar

Odds are, that local dive bar you go to after work will be filled with single people. Order your go-to cocktail and strike up a conversation with the bartender or a stranger, you might get lucky and never celebrate another V-Day single, Or, bring a book and enjoy some me time.

Do Something Nice for Someone

Many people out here are lonely and haven’t felt love, either from parents, relatives, or friends.

Choose someone who is older than you, like a grandparent, elderly neighbor, or mentor. Send them a bouquet of roses with a sweet card.

Go on the streets, find some homeless kids and share a meal with them, you can’t know in how long they have had a decent meal, or how seen that might make them feel.

Go to a Comedy Show

Stand-up comedy shows are often full of self-effacing humor, and laughing is one of the best ways to boost your mood. If you don’t feel like going out, stream one of the latest specials on Netflix.

Buy Yourself Flowers

Treat yourself to a beautiful arrangement of flowers, or bring home an assortment and channel your inner florist to make beautiful bouquets. Use them to decorate your home and bask in the sweet smell.

For people in Kigali in need of flowers, you might check out “Majestic Rwanda” for special offers

Love Yourself

Do whatever makes you happy! And remind yourself that you are worthy of love.