Move Over, Valentine’s Day — Singles Awareness Day Is All About Rolling Solo

Move over, Valentine’s Day. While February 14 is always reserved for lovers struck by Cupid’s arrow, the rest of us who are single end up getting a raw deal. Thankfully, our holiday is only one day later. Singles Awareness Day is a celebration for those of us who are rolling solo. And frankly, it should be a much bigger deal than it is. Read on to find out what it is and how to enjoy the day to the fullest.

What is Singles Awareness Day?

Singles Awareness Day is a holiday that is typically celebrated on February 15th, the day after Valentine’s Day. The purpose of the holiday is to provide an alternative perspective to the romantic focus of Valentine’s Day and to celebrate the joys and benefits of being single. After all, it’s not all about couples, y’know!

Singles Awareness Day is often celebrated by people who aren’t in romantic relationships and aren’t currently seeing anyone even casually. That being said, it can also be observed by those who are simply choosing to focus on their own well-being and independence rather than being defined by their relationship status. However, it’s usually those who are truly single that take part.

While Singles Awareness Day isn’t a widely recognized or traditional holiday, obviously, but it totally should be! On the plus side, it has gained popularity in recent years. What better way to embrace the single life and counteract the cultural emphasis on romantic relationships?

When did it start and where did it come from?

There’s no concrete origin story for Singles Awareness Day, likely because it’s an unofficial and somewhat recent holiday. However, National Today believes that it may be attributed to a guy named Dustin Barnes. He was reportedly a single high school student back in 2001 and decided to create a special day for himself and his friends to celebrate their solo status. They chose February 15 as a direct protest of Valentine’s Day.

He kept the tradition going even after graduating, taking it to Mississippi State University, where it got even more popular. The day was reportedly copyrighted properly in 2005. We’re still celebrating it now, 18 years later. Pretty cool, huh?

What’s the best way to celebrate Singles Awareness Day?

  1. Host a singles-only party. Invite all your single friends over for a night of fun and games. You can plan activities like karaoke, board games, or a movie night. While you probably already hang out with your single friends a lot, make it a point to get together for Singles Awareness Day. You can even hit up CVS for some discounted Valentine’s Day candy to serve as snacks!
  2. Delete your dating apps (at least for a night). This holiday is all about being single, not about being desperate for a partner. You spend enough time scrolling and swiping through endless options. Just for today, delete your apps (or at least log out of them). Make the focus on being happy where you are. It takes practice, but it’s worth it.
  3. Treat yourself to some serious self-care. You work hard and life is stressful AF in general. This is why self-care is so vital. This can be as simple as taking a bubble bath or treating yourself to a massage. You could also go to a yoga class, do some meditation, or even go for a long run. Whatever makes you feel good and at peace, do it.
  4. Volunteer. Giving back can be a great way to celebrate Singles Awareness Day. Consider volunteering at a local shelter or food bank. Not only will you be making a difference in your community, but you’ll also get the chance to meet new people and make some friends. It’ll also help give you a bit of perspective. After all, there are worse things in life than not being in a relationship.
  5. Plan a solo adventure. Use the day to take a trip on your own. You could go on a hike, explore a nearby city, or take a cooking class. This is a great opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the chance to. Life isn’t on pause until you have a partner.
  6. Get your priorities in order. Sure, you’re not supposed to spend Singles Awareness Day thinking about potential romantic prospects. However, getting your ducks in a row will help for when you do get back out there. Reevaluate your priorities and approach to dating. Do they still reflect what you want? If not, readjust. Having a clear idea of what you’re after will help you get it.
  7. Have a pamper day. Spend the day pampering yourself. This can include getting a manicure, pedicure, or facial. You could also try out a new hairstyle or makeup look. This is also a form of self-care, but it’s really about making you feel like a queen.
  8. Treat your pet. If you have a pet, why not spend the day spoiling them? Take them on a long walk, buy them a new toy, or even bake them some homemade treats. In many ways, dogs are better than boyfriends anyway. Don’t you think?
  9. Learn something new. Use the day to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby. This could be anything from learning a new language to taking up knitting. Obviously, it’ll take longer than a single day. However, you can use February 15 as a jumping-off point. Who knows how far you’ll have gotten by next year?
  10. Treat yourself to a fancy meal. If you’re a foodie, why not use the day to treat yourself to a fancy meal at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try? Dress up, order your favorite dish, and enjoy a night out on the town. Dating yourself is all the rage. Try it!
  11. Reflect and be grateful. Get out a journal to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Make a list of all the reasons you’re extremely fortunate regardless of your relationship status. Having this perspective will help you find peace and tranquility. When a partner does come along, they’ll be the cherry on top of an already decadent cake.

In conclusion

Singles Awareness Day is all about celebrating the joys of being single, so use the day to do something that makes you happy. Whether you choose to spend the day with friends or on your own, make sure to embrace your independence and enjoy the day to the fullest.

Jennifer Still is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. The managing editor of Bolde, she has bylines in Vanity Fair, Business Insider, The New York Times, Glamour, Bon Appetit, and many more. You can follow her on Twitter @jenniferlstill
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