8 Don’ts for St Valentine's Day Whether You Are Single or in a Relationship

Valentine's Day is as much a beloved holiday for some as it is hated by others. Overall, it's rare to find a person who is indifferent on the subject. Some feel miserable because they have no one to share it with, and others raid gift shops for balloons and chocolate because they can't wait to show their love.

Regardless of whether you identify with any of the above types, today we offer you eight Valentine's Day don’ts. These are some of the most inappropriate things you can do on this day if you're in a relationship and therefore if you're not.

If you're not in a relationship (and you want to be)

These prohibitions apply to people who are single and would very much like to have a partner. If you're the kind of person who doesn't mind your freedom, and on the contrary, cherishes and enjoys it, then you probably don't mind Valentine's Day either and can reward yourself with a glass of wine. But if you're suffering because you're not in a relationship, there are a few things to avoid on February 14:

❌Don't feel sorry for yourself

It won't help if you spend the day in a bad mood, reminding yourself of all the reasons you don't have a life partner. Feeling sorry for yourself won't help you find the person for you; it will only deepen your sadness.

✅Instead, try to live the day like any other day, and as much as possible, pass by all the couples in love who seem to be intentionally flaunting their relationship to you today. Choose a pleasant activity and indulge in it. Remember - February 14 is just a day and nothing more, just like February 13 or 15.  

❌Don't go to the mall, to the movies, to a restaurant

It's a slightly exaggerated prohibition, but you get the point. If you're intolerant of the festive mood and all the love around that seems to have passed you by, it's best to avoid certain places on this day. The cinema, the mall and restaurants are likely to give you an extra dose of irritation, so try to avoid them.

✅This doesn't mean locking yourself in. You can go to your favorite workout, take a walk, go shopping, or visit friends or family. Choose the activity you most want to give yourself.

❌Don't call your ex

Many singles, unhappy to be alone on Valentine's Day, resort to the phone to play it safe by asking to meet their ex. However, this rarely ends well, except in romantic movies. In reality, there are several negative scenarios that can happen - the ex refusing the date or worse, having plans for the holiday with someone else. Or they might agree to a date and resume a relationship you ended for a reason. Of course, there is also the theoretical possibility that you'll have a good time and it won't affect you, but it's unlikely.

✅If you don't think it's very likely for you either, try to keep your phone further away that day.

❌Don't put on romantic movies

It's tempting on Valentine's Day, when you're not in a relationship, to at least put on a romantic movie. However, this may be a mistake. For one thing, love stories in movies are too perfect to exist in reality. Second, you'll probably be sad because you're not in the main character's shoes.

✅If you want to watch a movie, you'd better go for a beloved action, thriller or other genre that will thrill you and won't make you think about your love life.

If you're in a relationship

Yes, Valentine's Day can be a cruel holiday for more than just the single ones. Couples often feel obligated to mark it in some way, even if they don't want to, just because... everyone else does. If you too are one of those people who can't ignore February 14, then try to avoid a few things:

❌Don't set high expectations

If you want to make a gesture to your other half for Valentine's Day, great. If they make you a gesture too, even better. But don't necessarily expect them to give you the stars, propose marriage, take you on a round-the-world trip, or anything else that's too big and meaningful.

✅Try to enjoy what you actually get for the holiday. Remember that even if it's not much, they had put time, thought and feelings into making you happy.

❌Don't do things you don't like

You don't necessarily have to go out somewhere to celebrate if you don't feel like going out. It doesn't have to be all roses (literally and figuratively) on this day. Even sex is optional. Don't plan a celebration you don't want just because it's expected.

✅Organize the day with your better half in a way that suits you both. You'd be better off curling up on the couch in front of the TV, if that's what you like to do, instead of necessarily booking a table at a restaurant you don't even like.

❌Stay away from social media

It's tempting to brag about the gift from your loved one on Facebook or Instagram. If you really need to do it, you can. But try to avoid heartfelt posts cluttered with blinking hearts to let everyone know you're celebrating.

✅Try to enjoy the celebration in a more intimate setting - just you and your loved one. You don't need all your online friends to be part of your day either.

❌Don't get thrown off

We all love gift giving, but some love it too much. If you're one of those people, try to set yourself a gift limit for February 14. You can even discuss guidelines with your better half. Remember that the gift, however nice and desirable, may bring bitterness to your loved one if they fail to catch up with you with the gift.

✅Go for something really personal, even if it's not expensive. You could get them a favorite book, some fun lingerie, an adventure or whatever you think they’ll enjoy.