No date, no problem: 7 ways to enjoy Valentine's Day solo, from cooking sprees to adventure sports

Who says you need a partner to enjoy Valentine ’s Day?

If you’re navigating the whirlwind of chocolates, roses and sweet posts on social media and wondering what your plans are, be a day of watching films or just a leisurely stroll in a park, we might have some ideas for you. The day is about love, which entails platonic and self-love too. So, with the help of UAE residents and some event planners, here’s how to turn February 14 into your favourite holiday.

Bike rides, parasailing...what’s your pick?

For instance, Abu Dhabi-based Tapti Guha, a freelancer doesn’t feel sorry for herself at all, and always enjoys a bicycle ride with her friends. “It’s freedom in the purest form. That’s what I love about this day, people just want to celebrate love. So, I never understand why people try to give me sorry looks, and ‘oh how sad, you’re single’. I say, so what? A bike ride with my friends is all I need.”

Similarly, Kamya Pathak, a Dubai-based college student, is keen on trying parasailing for the first time. “I broke up with my partner, two years ago, and since then, every year on this day, I try something new to avoid the deluge of loneliness. This time it’s parasailing.”

Treat yourself to something special

There’s such beauty in flowers, as Asmita Menon, a Dubai-based IT professional says. She loves ordering a bouquet of lilies for herself, every year. And why stop at flowers? She cooks a grand meal for one too! As she says, “Make the day about indulging in things that make you feel good. You deserve it.”

Brunches and films

Call your friends over, whether they’re single or in a relationship. Throw a party, says Ellisa Davis, an event planner, based in Dubai. “I’ve loved planning brunches and parties with people, who just want to have fun with their close ones on this day. It doesn’t matter whether they were in a relationship or not, they came for good food and company. It’s a day of celebrating with people you treasure.”

She suggests, you can rent a projector and watch a film out in the yard too, with friends and make it a fun picnic.

Get creative with self-care

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to engage in some good self-care. Run yourself a bubble bath, put on a face mask, or spend the day at your favourite local coffee shop. “You can just sit outside on the balcony, too, with a steaming cup of coffee and treat yourself to cake,” says Davis.

Romantic movies on your own terms

Who says rom-coms are only for couples? If you're feeling in the mood for love but don’t want to watch everyone else’s happy ending, pop on your favourite romantic movie, or maybe one of those tearjerkers that make you ugly-cry. Whether you’re laughing, crying, or swooning, enjoy the day with some feel-good cinema.

Or, like Becky Luis, a Dubai-based designer, watching some tough action films is just as good. Die Hard, anyone?

Plan a solo adventure

Take the opportunity to explore somewhere new, whether it’s a nearby park or a city you’ve always wanted to visit. There’s something incredibly empowering about discovering a place by yourself, and it’s the perfect way to make the day feel like an adventure rather than a reminder of your relationship status.

Or, a new hobby

Last year, Abu Dhabi-based Meha Singh, took up learning the guitar. “It started off as a rebellion, mostly, as my earlier partner had told me that ‘it was too tough’ to learn and I couldn’t pull it off. But I did, and I love it. It’s my catharsis,” she says proudly.

As her experience shows, Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be about looking for love; it can be about exploring new passions. Sign up for a class, take up painting, learn how to cook a new dish, or start a DIY project. Getting lost in something creative is a powerful way to shift focus to your personal growth.