How to be single on Valentine’s Day

By Zaara Shafi     1/31/23 10:48pm

Being able to genuinely enjoy time by yourself is a rare feat. Everyone is swept up in the whirlwind of constantly socializing. Being alone and having fun with yourself is something many values. Yet, having fun alone is the ultimate power move. This Valentine’s Day, take pride in being able to celebrate self-love even if you aren’t celebrating a romantic relationship. After all, you can’t exactly break up with yourself, so show yourself some love and foster this important relationship. Take a break from social media and doom-scrolling, and recharge by taking some time off studying. Here are some exciting solo dates perfect for a session of self-love wooing.

An evening in nature

Get a blanket, a good book and your favorite food (I strongly recommend Coppa Osteria’s Moroccan pizza). Walk on over to the picturesque Japanese Garden at Hermann Park. Bonus points if you watch the sunset. 

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Retail therapy

Nothing beats the thrill of scoring exactly what you want while shopping. Luckily, Houston is home to many thrift stores. Take yourself on a date to the plethora of thrift stores in the Montrose area, especially Out of the Closet, Buffalo Exchange and the Cottage Shop. If fashion is not your thing, don’t fret. Perhaps a bookstore such as Brazos Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Murder by the Book will do the trick.

Get crafty

This Valentine’s Day, discover the art of enjoying your solitude with a crafts project to keep you company. It can be as simple as doodling on a piece of paper on your desk. Or, you can plan a spontaneous art date with yourself at Honey Art Cafe — get involved in all sorts of crafts, from watercolor painting to making tassel earrings, while grabbing a snack from their cafe. 

Release your frustrations

There is something cathartic about channeling your inner Hulk by smashing plates into walls. At Break Life, just a 15-minute drive from campus, take advantage of your pent-up stress, frustration, and anger, and emerge as a completely new (calmer) person. Tickets cost $50 for a ten-minute break session. Or if you’re looking for something less violent, The Splatter Room in Houston Heights might be for you. Starting at $30, fling paint around a room and create a colorful masterpiece.

Candle Making

Pop over to Love & Make for nearly a week of candle-making workshops. Make a DIY centerpiece with your candle on Feb. 10 or, if you’re above 21, go solo on Feb. 11 and enjoy some cocktails. Other candle-making workshops include mimosa bars and charcuterie boards, so at least you’ll be tipsy while sitting alone at your dinner table surrounded by an unhealthy amount of candles.

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