Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. This can be such a challenging day — for both singles and couples alike — And even the most bodacious babe can find herself feeling a little down on February 14th. It doesn’t matter whether you’re single or hitched for life; if your one and only doesn’t show up with pockets full of chocolate and a heap of your most favorite blooms, Valentine’s Day can feel like a disappointment.
That’s why I decided to help you kick Valentine’s Day blues to the curb with oodles of ways to enjoy the day. Single and fabulous or contently coupled up, you’ll find something within this list to make your Valentine’s Day a little more snuggly and a little less traditional.
I married the love of my life…But we’re not all in relationships! So the first list is for all my fierce single mamas who want to make Valentine’s Day a tad less sucky. Enjoy the day–being single is filled with possibilities, hope and electricity!
34 Alternative Ideas for Celebrating Valentine’s Day
Invite your best girlfriend over for dinner & a sleepover.
Until we got married my best friend Becca and I would spend all our Valentine’s days together giggly late into the night and brunching somewhere beautiful the next morning in our workout clothes!
Go get a hot stone massage.
…..or a hydrating facial…or a gel manicure…
Wear red lipstick and big sunglasses all day.
….or just red lipstick! A bold gorgeous color always makes me feel extra sassy.
Buy yourself flowers… not just today but often.
Sleep in late.
Have you said Thank You?
Clean out your closets.
Buy some proper hangers and donate whatever you haven’t worn in the last 12 months to GoodWill.
Sweat!
I always find a very vigorous workout helps me clear my head, center and realign with my best self.
Purchase your favorite scented candle and spend 20 minutes meditating.
Pick up a new read you can lose yourself in.
Write a list of what makes you a beautiful soul and tape it to your bathroom mirror.
Better yet, send love/gratitude letters to 5 of the closest people in your life.
Tell them why they mean so much to you.
Bake a batch of heart-shaped goodies and share them with your co-workers.
Or what about these mini pink rose cakes?
Invest in yourself.
What’s the smart class you’ve been wanting to take? The exotic trip you have been wanting to make….the hobby you have longed to re-acquaint yourself with? Today is the day to begin it. Do the research. Book the ticket. Buy the equipment. Because you’re the expert on you and you intrinsically know what brings you to life.
Go on a hunt for those new shoes you’ve been wanting.
While you’re at it, take yourself out to lunch and sip on a delicious glass of champagne.
Toss out your couch pillows and replace with a set you actually like.
Want to be really bold? Think color! Polka dots and stripes!
Begin a program of greater self-love.
Get rid of all photos of you and your ex.
…and all the stuff they gave you….new beginnings start now!
Get really dressed up for the day and plan a night of dancing.
Buy yourself some lace lingerie…girly or glam.
Dinner and a date? Puh-lease. You and your honey are so much more fun and interesting than that! Creative dates help you bond with your partner, problem-solve, and create the sort of memories you can chew on when you need a pick-me-up.
Coupled up?
Here are 10 you-won’t-believe-what-we-did Valentine’s or anytime (!) date ideas:
Surprise yourselves with new music.
Grab a local newspaper or magazine, find the live music section, close your eyes and pick a band neither of you knows. Go check them out! You might discover your new favorite band (or you might remember why you hate heavy metal). Either way, there will be adventures and bonding.
Make a fort.
Use your sofa cushions and an old blanket and hide out under a card table. Make out.
Have a seven-course dinner.
… at six different places. Try appetizers at one place, soup at another, salad at another, entree at another, dessert some place else, and coffee or after dinner drinks at your final destination.
Try something neither of you have done before.
Salsa dancing? Pottery class? Rock climbing? Renting a Vespa and driving along the coast? (Groupon can help with this!)
Make a music mix for each other.
If you’re feeling ambitious, give your mixes a theme: Songs I Loved In High School, Songs We Heard On Our Trip To Mexico, Songs I’m Ashamed To Admit I Like.
Re-enact your first date.
This one is the most fun for married or long-term couples. Get ready separately, meet somewhere new, and pretend you’ve never met before. Just start over.
Shhhh. Make it a silent date.
Get cozy near each other and relax into reading your favorite books or magazines.
Go hunting for some new sex toys!
The Pleasure Chest is one of Los Angeles best sexy go to resources.
Better yet! Take an educational sex class and learn a few new tricks for the boudoir.
Workout together.
Spend the morning hiking, taking a long walk or in a aggressive spin class….recoup afterwards and toast to a healthy body with a green juice.
Have a “cultured” date.
Go to an art gallery, a poetry reading, or a lecture. Check out a fancy restaurant that serves things like escargot. Pretend to be sophisticated and talk about more than the latest episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians.
Have the most amazing day! Tweet or FB me and tell me what you are up to!
xx
D
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Dr. Dowling has spent years helping people live richer, more joyful lives. She has seen firsthand the magical pairing of psychology and life coaching, which allows people to access their happiest selves.
View Dr. Dowling's articles on Mindbodygreen
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