I know you might be thinking that this post should be more motivating and empowering. A post about why you don’t need a man to enjoy your life. And that sisters are doing it for themselves etc. And it’s true. You don’t need a partner to enjoy your life. And sisters are doing it for themselves. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that it can suck to be single on Valentine’s Day. Now I’m not looking for any sympathy. And this isn’t a man bashing post. It’s just my reasons for why I think being single on this particular day sucks big time.
I’ve spent most of my twenties single. So spending Valentine’s Day on my own isn’t a new thing. But it doesn’t take away how crappy the day can be when you don’t have a Valentine. It’s a public reminder that no-one wants to send you flowers, give you a cute card and take you out for dinner. Now these may be cheesy cliches. And they are. But they’re also reminders that someone out there loves for you. Like really loves you. Yes your friends and family love you. But when you’re in a relationship with someone it’s a different kind of love.
The kind of love that makes the world go round and it’s what the purpose of life is right? It’s about meeting someone who you want to do everything and nothing with. That person who will be there in the good times and the bad. Who will love you as you develop and grow as a person. And Valentine’s Day is a celebration of that love. Now of course plenty of couples choose not to celebrate the day. Thinking it’s a commercialised gimmick. And maybe it is. But it’s easy to laugh it off when you have someone to laugh it off with.
This year was actually the first time in a long time that I didn’t think I’d be alone on Valentine’s Day. And I was looking forward to getting to do all the cliched couple things I’d seen so many of my friends do for years. But it clearly wasn’t meant to be. But that’s life for you right? Now I don’t want you thinking I’m bitter or unhappy about the situation. I’m (hopefully) neither of those things. And I’m OK with being single. I’m used to being on my own. After all ex’s are ex’s for a reason. But it can still suck to be single on Valentine’s Day.
What are your thoughts on Valentine’s Day?
I love how honest and forthcoming you are in this post! Being single on Valentine’s Day definitely has left me feeling a little down in the past.
I remember feeling that singleness on St Valentines was so public, there’s almost no other time in the year where every conversation be it at work or home, focuses on your relationship status and that there was no way around those conversations. It’s hard.
I agree it CAN suck to be single, but rather be single than spend another valentine’s with a shitty ex. It feels like the one time people look at you pitying so i usually try to keep busy in some way x
You make a great point – it is easy for someone to shrug off Valentine’s Day and say well we don’t celebrate it anyways when they are a part of a couple, but they don’t have to stop to think about how it would feel if they were alone.
After two failed marriages I am pretty happy being single right now so I am enjoying it although I got gifts off my kids and I plan to treat myself
I’m the complete opposite. I’ve never liked Valentines Day, i’ve never been a romantic x
I completely agree, it is a time of year that can be to be quite frank depressing. I think that Valentines day is commercialized but that does not stop a longing for someone to be with x
Thanks for being so honest! I try to remember that Valentine’s is a hallmark holiday – it really has no mean! Hang in there, beautiful!
I don’t think being single should be seen as a negative thing. You’re doing your own thing and owning it!
I was single for 6 or 7 Valentine’s Days before this one and while sometimes I hated them I always made sure I did something on the days whether it be doing a spa evening for myself or spending it with my best friends. I don’t mind the idea of Valentine’s Day but I do think it can go too far sometimes x
I think that Valentine’s Day is way too commercialised and it makes those that are single feel it a bit more which is a shame. Although I am married and with kids I sometimes do a Valentine’s meal at mine with friend, my kids and hubby as I love my friends too and want them to feel they have people they are close with on the day. Love the lipsticks x
I can understand this. But I do love the new ‘Galentines’ thing going on this year, celebrating friendship 🙂
I get what you are saying, I guess Valentines Day is like any other celebration day in that respect. If you aren’t in a position to celebrate it then it can feel upsetting.
For us it is really just another day, we don’t go out of our way to celebrate it – and if I want something special then I’ll usually just treat myself and enjoy not having to share with anyone! (Ben and Jerry’s, yay!)
I am not single but we haven’t celebrated Valentines Day for a long time. I much prefer to partake in Galentines so I can celebrate my female friends and the fun we have. x
Out of my friendship group, I was the only one who was single for Valentine’s this time.. & I’m okay with that!
I’m also single so it’s basically just another regular day! I do think it’s just an over-commercialised day (& that’s not me been bitter) – I think your should show your loved ones how much you care everyday xo
I’ve been single for countless years but Valentine’s Day has never bothered me. It’s just another day in my opinion
Until I met my husband, I was single every single valentines day and it made me miserable in all honesty so now I really celebrate it and I appreciate him so much xxx
When my mummy was younger Valentine’s Day was a big thing for her. Especially as a teenager. Nowadays it just passes like any other day, we do celebrate love between family members but it’s usually throughout the year not just for one day x
I actually think being single on valentines day is more exciting. You get a night out with other single friends where you can flirt if you want and have a great time. Can’t be doing that in a relationship 😉
I just ignore it. I don’t celebrate it, nor does my partner so it’s just another normal day. and i know people will think yeah but youmust be bothered really but I’m not lol it’s just overcommercialised and guilts people in to speanding a load of money just to show off to others – not for me xoxox #grumpycat
I personally think it’s a waste of money and you don’t need one day to express your love. Long gone are the days of sending anonymous cards!