It is becoming increasingly popular in Germany too. Weeks before 14 February, you can't get past all the potential gifts and advertising posters. But Valentine's Day is for lovers. What do you do if there is no special person in your life at the moment and you don't feel like Valentine's Day at all? What can you do to join in the celebrations and not feel lonely and left out?


For many, it will certainly be totally romantic when their sweetheart showers them with flowers and invites them to expensive restaurants. But there's no sweetheart for you at the moment, so you'll have to sit alone in front of the TV because your friends all have plans for Valentine's Day.

But that's no reason to mope. It's time to do something and get active. However, this does not mean that you should try to rekindle a long-extinct flame; it is not the time to return to the past.

Here are a few ways you can make 14 February your Valentine's Day.

Option a) Be your own Valentine. I know it sounds like a joke, but really treat yourself to something special and look forward to it. Buy yourself something that you wouldn't have bought anyway, but something that you don't need at all, just want. Treat yourself to a luxury that you wouldn't normally indulge in. A cocktail dress that you really like, but you're not invited to a party, or a day at the wellness centre. Whatever, do something good for yourself.

Option b) Option a unfortunately falls flat because you're pretty burnt out right now and another hole in the till would make you even worse off.

How about playing valentine to someone else instead? There are plenty of people who are just as lonely as you, or even lonelier. Of course, you don't have to make a declaration of love or buy roses. A visit means much more to lonely people than any gift. If you don't know anyone who is alone, why not visit someone in a retirement home? The elderly often have lots of interesting stories about their lives and it feels great to do a good deed.

Option c) Option a and b are not your thing? Why don't you throw a party and make it an anti-Valentine's Day party? Invite all the singles you can think of. And remember: don't play any love songs! Swap ex-partner stories, eat, drink, laugh and dance. In short: have as much fun as you can handle. You'll see, it will be a special day when you're together with like-minded people.

What you should never do:

Just no blind date on Valentine's Day. That's too much pressure. You'll either both feel obliged to act like new lovers or you won't like each other at all and will become even more depressed.

Don't sit at home alone listening to love songs or watching tearjerkers. After all, you don't want to punish yourself, do you?

Under no circumstances should you call an ex-partner. It's far too uncertain. Maybe even the new one will answer the phone...

The most important thing is that you make it a very special day. Do something extraordinary so that you can say to yourself,

Happy Valentinesday.