18 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day When You’re Single

If Single Awareness Day is actually making you sad, think about going to a comedy club or open mic night. Some groups, like Get Mortified in Los Angeles, are getting together to spill V-Day tales that are so embarrassing, awkward and hilarious (well, after the fact) that you can't help but laugh and feel a little less dreadful. Laughter may not be the best medicine, but it's a pretty damn good one.

You don't need a partner to binge-watch on your couch in your comfy jammies. This is time for you to watch shows you want to watch. Sorry kids, but Peppa Pig has got to wait. Mom's gonna spend some quality time with Ryan Reynolds.

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Or if you're more of a book worm, get lost in another world or another person's life with some good reads. Don't know where to start? Here are some hot moms in romance novels and 10 other sexy books you'll love if you're a fan of Mr. Grey.

One of the best things about being single on Valentine's Day is you don't have to worry about getting a gift for someone else. Better yet, spend that money on yourself! Too many times have you pushed aside what you wanted to buy stuff for your kids. This time, treat yo' self to those shoes you've been eyeing for months or a splurge a little on a more expensive bottle of wine.

Drop the kids off with the ex or a sitter, and turn Valentine's into Galentines by getting together with the girlfriends for a drink, karaoke or bowling (or all of the above!). Valentine's Day is about making those you care about feel loved, so share a few hours with friends who have been with you through thick and thin.

If you'd rather stay home but still want to let your girlfriends know how much you appreciate them, organize a secret Valentine's gift exchange. Like Secret Santa, single friends can draw a name and send that person flowers, small gift or even Target gift cards (because the obsession with Target is real). It's way less sad than sending flowers to yourself, and now you'll actually have a (legitimate) secret admirer!

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Spread the love to others, to the environment or to a cause you're most passionate about. Many organizations have 5K runs on Valentine's Day that draw attention and raise money to a community need. Some soup kitchens or shelters even hold special events for those in need. Check your local organizations for opportunities. And hey, if it's a family-friendly volunteer opportunity, bring the kids along! You'll be spending time with them while teaching them the true meaning of giving.

Last year, Hallmark produced a virtual Valentine's Day date through Feeln, and it was such a hit, why not have Fabio be your date again this year? With a click of your remote, Fabio will be there for 18 minutes, showering you with compliments and asking you about your day as he lays on a bearskin rug in front of a roaring fire. We can't make this stuff up.

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You don't need a partner to have a candlelit dinner ready for you at home. Mama's not cooking tonight! Instead order take out or use a food delivery app like Postmates, Munchery or UberEats to bring your fav, hot foods straight to your door. Light a couple of candles and tada!

Why should we celebrate Valentine's Day anyway? After all, its origins are pretty dark and bloody. For example, on February 13 to 15, ancient Roman men hit on women by actually hitting them. Now it's an over-hyped commercial event when lovers have an excuse to show lots of PDA and kids pass out Sweethearts to classmates like it's nobody's business.

If you think V-day should really be vodka day, be a rebel and throw your own anti-Valentine's Day party. Make sassy invitations that say "Meh" and serve french fries labeled "Fries Before Guys." Change up conversation hearts to read "Can U Not" and "Bite Me."

Single people are strong enough to enjoy life, without having their happiness depend on someone else. Embrace your singlehood by taking a day trip to a town you haven't visited yet or plan a week-long trip to a country you've only seen through Instagram filters. Now's the time to escape! … Maybe even without the kids.

There are amazing benefits to cuddling, from boosting your immune system to reducing stress. A good cuddle sesh can make you feel so much better. So snuggle up with your pet, kids or, if you're brave enough, a professional cuddle buddy (yes, it's a thing.)

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Great partners challenge each other, but it doesn't mean you stop growing as a person once you're single. Challenge yourself and do something that pushes you, whether that's learning a new skill or sky diving in New Zealand. There's nothing like falling 120 miles per hour through the sky that makes you remember, yep, you're alive.

It's all too easy to forget your physical heart, especially in cold, winter months like February. There's no better day than Valentine's Day to get motivated and show your body some love. Plus, you'll be releasing some crazy good-feeling endorphins. So give yourself the gift of exercise and get that cardio workout going!

Use this day to take care of yourself mentally as well. When was the last time you had some real me-time? (We're not talking about waking up five minutes earlier to drink a cup of coffee). Book an hour massage, get a mani-pedi or have your own spa day at home. Whatever you decide, give yourself enough time to just be.

Forget the usual cooking and ceramics classes. Those places are usually filled with couples anyway. Take a night to learn some really useful skills at a mixology class. It'll be a fun way to spend the evening while learning some new tricks to wow your guests at your next dinner party. Everyone else will be paying an arm and a leg for dinner (suckers!) while you learn how to make a badass martini.

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The act of creation can be a really powerful and cathartic thing. It feels good to take control of something, even if you don't finish it. Take a few hours to write, doodle or repurpose that old baby crib. Work a little extra into the wee hours to finish that side project you haven't worked on in a while. Or maybe have an art day with the kids.

If Valentine's Day is about celebrating with your loved ones and showing them you care, who better to celebrate with than your kids? Spend quality time by decorating heart-shaped sugar cookies with them or writing and giving each other special notes. Your partner in crime may be a little smaller than what's conventional, but that little kid sure can hold a big heart.