Single on Valentine’s Day: Switch off and find inspiration

On Valentine’s Day, many single people feel left out and isolated. Not to mention the added pressure that comes with the hallmarks of 14 February. As romantic couples prepare to share an extravagant evening of celebrations, singles in the dating scene are left feeling a deep knot of discomfort and social anxiety. And as matchmakers, we know that it’s easy for many singles to feel lonely on Valentine’s Day. The Matchmaker UK team is all too familiar with the highs and lows that the day brings. If you’ve recently started dating, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with the pressure of buying into the celebration. When it comes to gifts and managing expectations: How much is enough? And is it too much, too soon?

Valentine’s Day pressure manifests itself in many forms, including spending money on cards, gifts, flowers and lavish dinners. In 2020, retail spending on Valentine’s day was £855 million, an increase of 25% from £687 in 2017. Women expect to be surprised with gifts of jewelry, spa treatments, a vacation or even that dream car. Research shows that men spend more than women. Clearly, Valentine’s Day is more than just a day to celebrate love, it’s also a day to splurge!

If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, take heart in knowing that you can choose whether you want to participate or not. Understandably, social media and advertisements will continue to bombard you with messages to make elaborate purchases ahead of the day, causing some to experience social anxiety at the prospect of spending the day alone. To cope, it’s important to take time to focus on yourself.

Whether you choose to spend the day with a friend, or treat yourself, Valentine’s Day is no reason to feel down and depressed. If you focus on yourself, you’re less likely to make rash decisions like calling an ex or saying yes to a date that you’re not very interested in. Instead, practice self-care and get your single friends together for a celebration!

With love-themed ads swarming around just before the lead up to Valentine’s Day, it’s easy for singles to feel overwhelmed. Instead of feeling down and depressed, take time to focus on yourself. The singles who choose to work with our amazing team of matchmakers at The Matchmaker UK know that there are opportunities to date all year round, no matter the day or month. Everyday is an opportunity to meet the love of your life!