Celebrating Valentine’s Day as a single can be depressing, you know, because Valentine’s Day is that magical time of the year when couples suddenly do nothing but act lovey-dovey. If you’re single, this day can feel like a personal attack, but hear me out: Valentine’s Day as a single person can actually be fun after all, because there’s no pressure and pretending you like flowers. (You’re too Nigerian for that).
If you’re a single person like some people in Accrue, here’s a guide to how to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
1. First Things First, Reject the Pity Party
Being single on Valentine’s Day is not a tragedy. It’s a lifestyle choice (even if it wasn’t your choice… yet). The sooner you stop seeing February 14 as “Lonely People Awareness Day,” the sooner you unlock joy.
Stand in front of your mirror and say these words seven times:
- I am not behind.
- I am not missing out.
- I don’t have to buy anyone a gift I can’t afford.
How do you feel? Calm right?
2. Romance Yourself
Couples don’t own romance. You can romance yourself, and honestly, you might do a better job. You can order your favourite food. This might be the perfect day to treat yourself to the perfume that has been in your cart since 2024. What of that wig? Order it today! Buy yourself something small and sweet. Is it self-love? Yes. Is it also self-indulgence? Absolutely. That’s the point.
3. Avoid the Internet (Or Use It for Chaos)
Scrolling on Valentine’s Day can be dangerous and fun at the same time. One minute you’re fine, next minute you’re asking life questions because of a matching-outfit post.
You can log off and protect your peace, or you can lean in and retweet the funniest Valentine’s memes, post something unserious like, “Valentine’s Day is a social construct,” and disappear. Either way, remember: social media is a fleeting moment.
4. Curate Your Celebration
Who said Valentine’s Day has to be about romantic love only? Love is broad. Celebrate something. Celebrate surviving the 99 days of January. That alone deserves flowers. While lovers are having a field day, you’re also celebrating. If you don’t have anything to celebrate, cook/order your favourite food and watch your favourite movie/series. Better still, you can catch up with your single friends. There’s a lot you can do, and you don’t need permission to celebrate.
5. Remember It’s a one-day celebration
Valentine’s Day is 24 hours. It is not a prophecy about your future. Being single today doesn’t mean being single forever, and being coupled today doesn’t mean happily ever after either. (I bet you don’t know that, right?)
Life moves. Things change. Love shows up in unexpected ways. For now, enjoy where you are and prepare for work on Monday.
Celebrate Yourself On Valentine’s Day
If you’ve decided how you’re treating yourself this Valentine’s Day, like food, shopping, subscriptions, movies, or a little online retail therapy, make it easy on yourself.
Use your Accrue Virtual Card to pay for it all without stress. One card, smooth payments, no declined payments, and if love isn’t coming from a person this year, it can definitely come from a well-planned checkout page.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’ve lived many lives, but one lesson ties them all together: money is only as powerful as its utility. Through my work, I share stories about money and create guides for Africans who want to get the best out of theirs.