Hectic — I haven’t been asked to be someone’s Valentine since I was 14! But I’m doing just fine. A wise tweet once read: “How are you gonna love somebody else when you don’t know how to love yourself?” Here are our top picks of Valentine’s Day ideas that are all about… you.
Consider this Valentine’s Day a day for universal love, for not all love is about romancing and being romanced. A fine dose of self-love may be all you need this V-Day. Read up on some cute ideas on how to spice us your singles Valentine’s.
1. Enjoy a self-love spa treatment
You don’t need to be staying at a hotel to take advantage of spa deals this V-Day. You’ve survived the first month of 2020 and all your Janu-worries are a thing of the past. V-Day can be the perfect time to reward yourself for being fabulous and resilient…
Word on the street is that the Mount Nelson Hotel is home to one of the best luxury spas Cape Town has to offer (ask them about V-Day specials!). Everything from facial treatments, massages and a selection of body rituals are on offer to make February 14th the ultimate self-care day.
READ MORE: 25 Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day If You’re Single
2. Host a (lingerie) party
Friendship love is just as rewarding as any steamy romance, so celebrate it. Why not get your crew together and have yourselves an intimate pool-side throw-down? This works even better if you have single friends who share your enthusiasm for the holiday. Whatever your friendship culture, it all goes well with a braai and a dip in the pool.
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3. Try a new recipe
If all else fails, order in. But make sure it’s something delicious and exclusive. Check out the UCOOK range for some culinary inspo. They let you have one free recipe, which you can download and try at home! Cooking is a great way to get in touch with your creative side. And a fun, easy recipe beats chowing soggy noodles on a Friday night. You won’t regret it.
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4. Picnic at home
Best believe all the picnic spots will be crawling with lovers (let’s face it). The last thing you need is to witness another KFC Proposal moment. Save yourself and your petrol money with a cute picnic indoors. (Tip: Order something ultra-delish from We Are Food!) Think: Sprawled on floor/lawn, cheese board at arm’s reach and a good page-turner to while the day away.
5. Dare to book a dinner for one
Pick the most romantic restaurant setting you can think of to enjoy a fine meal and a glass of wine or bubbly. Then book it. For yourself. We dare you!
6. Check into a fancy hotel
Do yourself a huge favour and give yourself a night at a hotel near you. Room service can be a girl’s best friend, too… Since love is in the air, depending on your pick, they might throw in a bottle of somethin’-somethin’ for you. The point is to kick back, relax and enjoy all the worldly comforts of Egyptian cotton. If only for a night.
7. Put a smile on someone’s face
Bear with me for a second… Surely choosing to give your time to those who truly need it is true love in action? This Valentine’s Day, consider visiting an animal sanctuary or a local library and offer to spread some love. Volunteering at a charity lets us appreciate more of what we have instead of seeking out what we might be lacking. By putting a smile on someone else’s face, you are also filling your own cup of love and joy. Try something new and (dare I say it) selfless on your journey of self-love.
8. Plant a tree
I can’t think of a better way to counter the consumerist culture surrounding V-Day. While everyone is out shopping for hearts and flowers, why not plant a tree instead? If everyone who didn’t receive flowers this year did the same, we could populate the TL with our gardening efforts. Pssst: Maybe your partner takes the hint and gets you that gardening gear you’ve been needing.
9. Stay shopping
Kinda like a stay-cation, except shopping is the only occasion! You are allowed to avoid the mall as much as possible over the next week. But there’s nothing stopping you taking advantage of all those Valentines Day specials online. It’s 2020, baby — we don’t even need to leave the house to get the best deals. Shop everything from fashion to beauty, all to your heart’s content.
10. Any time is selfie-time
Take a day, stay home, get your face and nails done and then… pull a face, strike a pose. Who knows? A potential bae could be lurking all over your Insta Story and going “SBWL”. Don’t sleep on yourself just because everybody else seems boo’d up. Your time to shine is now, even if you’re doing it solo. The fact is, you look good doing it!
READ MORE: Press-On Nails Are The Latest Nail Trend – And We’re Here For It
11. Take a recovery day
Give yourself an active day outdoors. A good low-intensity workout and some deep reflection should help put away any Valentines Day FOMO you may be feeling. Some outdoor yoga, an easy jog, or a lekker swim can have a positive impact on your mental health. And for all those who will be joining us at this year’s Cape Town Fit Night OUT, you’re welcome…
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READ MORE: The 11 Best Ways To Spend Active Recovery Days
12. Yay or nay, fun either way
So maybe you and your boo aren’t quite an official couple, but this shouldn’t bog you down. After all, at least one of you is not yet ready for a proper relationship (no judgement here). By all means, take as much time as you need before committing fully. However, this doesn’t mean the love isn’t all there, does it? You can still call your Mr/Ms. Right Now over for a lovely meal, some wine and a little funny business if you like. It might be the V-Day gift you never knew you wanted.
Or you can treat yourself to some alone time and have a little fun…
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READ MORE: 50 Funny Sex Stories That’ll Make You LOL
13. Stock take
Take this time to reflect meaningfully on all the things you love. As a gift, write yourself a letter and pen letters to your loved ones. You may hesitate, but kind words are always worth sharing. Show some courage this Valentines Day. You might be single, but you’re not alone.
Now, I know I won’t be getting a bouquet of flowers or a surprise baecation on Valentine’s Day. And that’s just fine by me. Besides, self-love is the wave and we all deserve it. I figured it won’t be so bad if I’m surrounded by family or riding solo, with hordes of online shopping in my cart, a night in lounging on my couch enjoining another viewing of V For Vendetta. If you are like me, I wish you much love this Valentine’s Day.
