A Single Girl’s Guide to Valentine’s Day

By Jennifer DeChristoforo

You’re single. It’s almost Valentine’s Day and you know what? That’s a fantastic thing!

You know why? Because you are your best date ever. So, quit your whining and clear the day. It’s going to be busy and it’s going to be fabulous.

At the center of what every single girl hates about Valentine’s Day is clearly just the flowers, gifts, and jewelry that everyone else seems to be getting. And if you’re saying, “Oh sure, Jennifer. You’re probably getting breakfast in bed accompanied by a little blue box,” let me assure you, this is not the case. In fact, my Valentine’s Day will consist of exactly the opposite.

Start your day off with a killer workout. Trust me, this is good. You’ll feel fantastic and this will set the tone for the “You-Focused” day ahead. Take the time beforehand to compile a playlist that makes you want to dance like nobody is looking and will make you sweat your butt off! There’s nothing like sweat flying off your ponytail during a workout. And if you’re not sweating, you’re not working. (Sidebar: I totally don’t trust women who don’t sweat when they work out.)

I personally have a shameless pop music addiction–the sweeter the better–so load up a little Metro Station to Shake It, Justin to bring your Sexxy Back, and Miley will help you kick-off your own Party in the U.S.A. And it goes without saying that a bit of Beyoncé is also required.

Post workout, schedule a spa day, massage, or shopping trip. Hey, why not a combination of all of the above? Whatever it is, go for the splurge! If you don’t think you’re worth it, well, that’s another article. It’s Valentine’s Day, and yes, you will be your own Valentine!

Keep in mind that you’re buying for you and here’s the upside: you’re sure to get exactly what you want, love, and are most comfortable in. I am a huge advocate for very expensive lingerie. It’s a weakness I have. The best stuff I own I purchased myself and I absolutely adore. Give yourself a pass to spend a silly amount on a new bra and panties set. It doesn’t need to be, nor should it be, practical. For this, I highly recommend Agent Provocateur or Kiki De Montparnasse.

Also, don’t underestimate what you can find while combing the racks at T.J. Maxx or Target! The focus should be spoiling you, not the price-tag. And if you don’t have the cash, a little window shopping and do-it-yourself spa time is just as pampering.

Then, do something only you want to do. Is there an independent bookstore you simply get lost in, a movie only you want to see? Fly solo. That really expensive bottle of wine you’re waiting to uncork? Waiting is for suckers. Do it. Today’s the day. Open and enjoy.

Me, I’ve already bought myself a gift from Kiki and I’m compiling a long playlist for my Sunday morning workout. I’ve pre-planned a trip to Saks and there’s a little black dress with my name on it… and possibly a new pair of heels. Sunday afternoon I’ll be playing Scrabble with the Boston Scrabble Enthusiasts. Seriously, this is what I’ll be doing. Possibly to some, this isn’t too “sexy,” but I love it. And the day is really about what I love. The wine… already have that, too. The wine I’ll share with another single friend, but that’s it.

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, your birthday, or any of the many couple-related gift-giving holidays on the calendar, here’s my biggest rule for all women, single or taken: Don’t wait for a man to buy you flowers, lingerie, or diamonds. Get them for yourself if you really want them. You know you’re worth it and don’t need a box and a bow from anyone else to tell you so.

Let this be the first Valentine’s Day that you fully embrace as a Single Lady. You know the date will be perfectly planned and there won’t be any awkwardness when the bill comes. Best part (other than the obvious) is you don’t have to shave your legs! You need only to impress yourself. Now that’s not so hard, is it?

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Jennifer DeChristoforo

By Jennifer DeChirstoforo
Boston, MA
Jennifer is really just a cookie baking, rock-n-roll girl-next-door with an extreme love of words, heels, lip-gloss and mascara. A self-described dating/wedding expert, Jennifer has worked for BRIDES magazine as an Editorial Special Projects Manager, and later as a contributing writer for Brides.com. She was the first “starting over” blogger for Tango magazine’s Love Blogs penning the original column “Breaking Up is Hot for You,” and has written for Alloy.com. She currently resides outside of Boston with her Yorkshire terrier, Bear.