The Single Girl’s Guide to Valentine’s Day and mastering the art of romancing yourself was born from a simple truth I learned during my own single years — Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to feel lonely or lacking. It can actually become one of the sweetest days of the year.

Valentine’s Day can feel magical… or complicated.

Everywhere you look there are roses, candlelit dinners, jewelry ads, heart-shaped everything. It can seem like the whole world is celebrating love and couples. And if you’re single, it can sometimes amplify that quiet, empty feeling like you’re missing out.

I get it.

There was a season of my life when I was single for nearly ten years before I met my husband. Those years were full of growth, freedom, and discovery — but I distinctly remember how Valentine’s Day could sometimes feel lonely and heavy if I let it.

And here’s something we don’t talk about enough.

A lot of this holiday? It’s marketing.

Beautiful, brilliant, emotional marketing.

And even many couples end up feeling disappointed when real life doesn’t live up to the Hallmark movie version of the day. So if you’re single and feeling a little melancholy, please know — you’re not the only one.

But here’s the truth I really want you to hear:

You are not behind.
You are not missing out.
You are not less-than. You are perfect, beautiful, and lovely just the way you are

So if you’re single this Valentine’s Day, this is your love note — and your permission slip — to romance yourself.

Here are a few gentle, joyful ways to celebrate you.

Buy Yourself Flowers

Yes. Really. (Miley knew this all along, ladies).

You don’t have to wait for someone else to surprise you.

Pick up the bouquet. Choose your favorite blooms. Arrange them in your kitchen. Let them remind you that beauty isn’t reserved for special occasions or special people.

Life is the special occasion. You are the occasion. You are special.

And if you’re feeling bold, have flowers delivered to yourself at work with a sweet little note. Most flower shops make it easy to order online, and trust me — florists completely understand the love of flowers. We will never judge you for buying something beautiful for yourself. In fact, we’re probably cheering you on.

Fun fact: some of my favorite arrangements I’ve ever made were the ones I kept for myself — hello English garden roses and peonies.

Take Yourself on a Date You Would Actually Love

What would your dream date look like? (Is it April 25th? Sorry, I couldn’t resist)

A cozy coffee shop with a book?
A massage or facial?
A long walk through the park or botanical gardens?
A museum, movie, or bakery you’ve been wanting to try?

Do that.

Dress up if you want, invite a friend if you’d prefer, or go solo and soak up the quiet.

There’s something incredibly empowering about realizing, “I actually love spending time with me.”

And the best part? No compromises. You get to do exactly what you want.

Cook (or Order) Your Favorite Meal

Take yourself out for a beautiful lunch or dinner — or order your favorite takeout and enjoy it at home.

Use the pretty dishes.
Light a candle.
Put on great music.
And, don’t forget dessert.

Make it feel special, because you are.

Celebrate Friendships (Hello, Galentine’s)

Romantic love isn’t the only love worth celebrating.

Text your best friend, your sister, your grandma, or your mom.
Plan brunch.
Drop off cookies.
Have a movie night.

Some of the deepest, most life-giving relationships we’ll ever have are friendships. Valentine’s Day is a perfect reason to honor those too.

Create a Beautiful Day at Home

Romance doesn’t have to mean roses and violins. Sometimes it looks like softness and rest.

It can look like:

• lighting a candle
• getting lost in a great book
• taking a long bath or at-home facial
• journaling
• sipping tea or bubbly
• watching your favorite movie
• fresh sheets and an early bedtime
• snuggling your pets

Small comforts. Slow moments. A gentle day.

Love can feel quiet and cozy, too.

Write Yourself a Love Letter

This might feel silly… but stay with me.

Write down:

• what you’re proud of
• how far you’ve come
• what you’ve survived
• what makes you uniquely you
• what you’re excited about
• encouragement for the things that are challenging you

Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to your best friend, with gentleness and grace.

I started writing myself little love letters years ago (the first one was on Christmas Eve about ten years ago when I was working the night shift as a nurse in critical care), and reading them now feels like a time capsule — a celebration of the woman I was and the woman I’m becoming. It celebrates your strength and your wins and gives you hope, kindness and encouragement when things are challenging. It is such a simple and beautiful way to love yourself.

Celebrate the Life You’re Building

Being single isn’t “waiting.” It’s building. You’re building:

• your career
• your home
• your friendships
• your goals
• your confidence
• your future

Maybe this is the perfect night for a little “money date” or dream planning session. Make a vision board. Set goals. Map out that trip. Start that savings account.

There’s something deeply romantic about investing in your own life.

Remember This

A relationship can be wonderful, but it doesn’t complete you.

You are not behind.
You are not missing out.
You are not less-than.

You are already enough. Perfectly imperfect, lovely, and beautiful.

So this Valentine’s Day, instead of asking “Who will love me?” Try asking “How can I love myself well today?”

You might be surprised how beautiful the answer is.

With love,
Jenna

PS- The movie I’ll be watching- The Lost Valentine…such a good one!