Valentine's Day When You're Single: Advice From Our Matchmakers
Look, we're not going to pretend Valentine's Day when you're single doesn't have its moments. Seeing friends post their roses and romantic dinners can feel a bit... much. But here's what our matchmakers want you to know: being single on Valentine's Day doesn't have to be something you just survive. It can actually be pretty great if you shift your perspective.
Reframe the Day
Valentine's Day has become so couple-focused that we forget it's really just a day about love in general. And that includes the love you have for your friends, your family, and revolutionary concept here… Yourself.
Instead of seeing it as "Singles Awareness Day" (ugh), what if you treated it as a day to celebrate all the good stuff in your life? The friendships that make you laugh until you cry, the family who've got your back, the freedom to spend your time exactly as you please.
This isn't toxic positivity or pretending you wouldn't prefer to have someone special. It's just choosing not to let one day make you feel rubbish about where you're at.
Make Valentine's Day Work For You
Organise a get-together with your single friends. Whether it's morning tea, lunch, or a proper dinner and drinks, there's something lovely about being surrounded by people who get it. Celebrate each other instead of commiserating.
Bake something delicious. There's something genuinely therapeutic about baking, and let's be honest homemade beats bought any day. Here's our go-to Valentine's recipe that's so good you won't even care if you're baking for one:
The "You're Amazing" One-Cookie Recipe
Sometimes you just don't need a whole batch.
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
A few drops of vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 egg
3 tablespoons plain flour
2 tablespoons chocolate chips (or however many you fancy, really)
Mix the melted butter and sugars together. Add the vanilla, salt, and egg. Stir in the flour and chocolate chips. Shape into a ball, pop it on a lined baking tray, and slightly flatten it. Bake at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the middle still looks slightly underdone. Let it cool for a few minutes (if you can wait).
Treat yourself properly. Book that massage you've been putting off, try that new restaurant, or buy the nice wine. You deserve nice things regardless of your relationship status.
Do something completely un-romantic. Go for a walk, tackle that garden project, or reorganise your space. Sometimes the best antidote to Valentine's Day pressure is to just... ignore it entirely and do something productive that makes you feel good.
Spread the love around. If you've got grandchildren, Valentine's Day is a perfect excuse to drop off a little treat or take them for an outing. No grandkids? Send flowers to your mum, take a friend out for lunch, or surprise someone who could use a bit of cheering up. There's something rather lovely about being the person who brightens someone else's day.
And If You're Ready for Something Different...
Look, we get it. Making the most of being single is great, but if you're genuinely ready to meet someone, maybe it's time to try a different approach. The apps aren't working for everyone, and that's okay.
If you're curious about how matchmaking works or want to explore what finding someone who actually gets you might look like, our team at Compatico is here. No pressure, just real conversations about what you're actually looking for.
But for now? Enjoy your Valentine's Day. Bake that cookie. Celebrate the brilliant life you've already got. Because whether you're single or coupled up, you're pretty bloody great just as you are.