Wait, What is Single Awareness Day?

Single Awareness Day is “traditionally” a day to go out with your single friends and exchange gifts with each other. How this holiday started is still not very clear, but it is still taking place and thousands of people continue to celebrate it on February 15th. Other countries celebrate this holiday as well, but with different names and dates. In South Korea, it is on April 14th and called “Black Day” and in the United Kingdom, it is on March 11th and called National Single’s Day.

There is some existing apprehension to Single Awareness Day such as: a “jab” to Valentine’s Day and putting down couples or the idea of “I already do this. Why does it need to be a holiday?” No matter whoever has this perspective, there is a more positive way to look at it because, in reality, it is just an extra day or a reminder to show yourself a little more love. Being single can be a wonderful time in one’s life—although at times it may feel uncomfortable—and it can be a time of unforgettable growth and a perfect time to fall in love with yourself.  

7 Ways to Celebrate Single Awareness Day

Organize a Zoom Date with Your Single Friends

Being in this pandemic, we are asked to be more creative on how to spend quality time with our friends and loved ones. One of the safest ways to celebrate Single Awareness Day with your fellow single friends is to create a Zoom meeting, send them the link, and spend some time with them on February 15th. You can make it more fun by choosing a theme for the call or order food from the same restaurant. It will be like you're all sharing a meal. Other options are to play a game or even a virtual happy hour with all of your favorite cocktails (or mocktails!). Also, to make it more simple, this Zoom date can be a time to just chat and check-in with your friends especially if you have not talked to each other in quite some time. 

Treat Yo’Self - Take Yourself Out on a Perfect Date

Have you ever thought “what is my perfect date?” Have you gone on it yet? Why not create it for yourself and go on that dream date for Single Awareness Day. This is most likely different from person to person, but make it your own and treat yourself. Go and order from that Michelin Star restaurant, plan that perfect picnic, cook your favorite meal, browse & get lost in a bookstore, or even plan a staycation. However you define your perfect date, Single Awareness Day can be the day you finally get to experience it.

Schedule a Spa Day (or Do One at Home)

This is along the same lines of “treat yo’ self,” but scheduling a spa day or recreating one at home can lead to a very relaxing Single Awareness Day. You can reserve a massage appointment at your local spa, go to your local nail shop for a manicure & pedicure, or book a facial appointment. Choose whatever your heart & body desires! Again, we are still living in a pandemic, so if your nearby spa is not open, your next best option is to recreate a relaxing spa experience at home. For example, you can take an extra warm bubble bath and light some aromatherapy candles. Afterward, paint your nails with a brand new bottle of nail polish, and then finish off with a rejuvenating face mask you’ve been wanting to try. Whatever you decide, be sure to relax and enjoy!

Go On A Hike

If being outdoors makes you feel good, going on a hike can be a great way to celebrate Single Awareness Day. Going on a hike can be relaxing, meditative, and a way to connect with nature. You can choose the destination, the trail, and how long it has to be. If you do not hike often, this can be a new form of exercise and an ideal day to use that new set of workout clothes. There are ways to make it special and to make the hike more enjoyable, such as including a healthy picnic once you reach the top. Also, who knows, maybe you’ll meet some people along the way! 

Journal & Acknowledge Your Progress

Writing in your journal can be done on any day, but Single Awareness Day can prompt a theme for your next journal entry. Depending on how long you’ve been single, the weight of your past relationships might be lighter than before. These emotions or feelings can be negative or positive. Whatever they may be, it is good to let them out. You can write about the progress you’ve made from your last relationship or a journal entry in the form of a letter to yourself sharing why you're proud of yourself. Write it like you’re talking to your best friend. As many people say, “The most important relationship you have is the one with yourself.” So, write and speak to yourself kindly.

Schedule a Phone Date with Your Best Friends

Reach out to your best friends and schedule a time to speak to each other on the phone, via FaceTime, or even Zoom. No matter where your best friends live, Single Awareness Day could be a good day to check in with each other, even if you’re the only single person. This option can be easy to plan and will not take too much time out of your day. Your best friends are your best friends for a reason and hopefully, they make you feel good about yourself. Self-care includes knowing when you need some support and it is only one call away!

Take The Day Off (And Do Whatever You Want!) 

If you’re able to take the day off from work, why not choose Single Awareness Day? This can be the day to do whatever you want. Yes, this can be slightly limited due to the pandemic, however, this past year has shown us that we need to be creative. So, you can be adventurous, you can be studious, you can be extra fun, or even chill out like a sloth. You can also do something you’ve always wanted to do - be brave. The choice is yours and make this year’s Single Awareness Day memorable. 

Just like any other holiday, it is your choice whether or not you want to celebrate it. However, being single isn’t easy for some people, so Single Awareness Day can be a great reminder to meet yourself where you are and be proud of the person you are becoming. So, if observing the holiday helps your mental health and prompts you to practice some extra self-love - do it! Enjoy this holiday, no matter what anyone says. If you can’t do it on February 15th, remember to do something that makes you happy, every single day.