‘Tis the season to be barraged with ads for red lingerie and heart-shaped chocolates. Gone are the days when Valentine's Day was only about a partner. It’s 2025, and you are the love of your life. Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show yourself some love.
Whether you're flying solo, happily partnered, or anywhere in between, February 14th is a reminder to prioritize YOU—your happiness, your comfort, and your well-being. In other words, make it about getting a little selfish!
Here are 14 ways to make the most of February 14th and pamper the most important person in your life—you. (No excuses: we are giving you ample time to prepare!)
1. Start the Day with Self-Care
This Valentine’s Day, make the morning about YOU. Give yourself permission to skip your usual “rush mode” routine. Start with slow stretches in bed, followed by a calming skincare ritual or meditative breathing. Brew your favorite coffee or tea and pair it with a breakfast that feels indulgent—croissant? Avocado toast? Pancakes with fresh berries? Yes, please! Celebrate yourself from the moment you wake up.
2. Set Boundaries and Make the Day Yours
Feeling obligated to spend the day doing what others expect? Hard pass. Valentine's Day is for you, and that means gracefully saying “no” to plans or tasks that drain you. Treat yourself to an interruption-free day or—even better—an entire evening that’s all yours. Protecting your time is a radical act of self-love.
3. Wear Something That Makes You Feel Fabulous
Clothing is more than fabric; it’s a mood. Whether it’s a bold red blazer, a flirty pink dress, or those cute heart-printed flannel PJs you’ve been eyeing, dress up (or down) for yourself. Clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable will magnify your joy.
4. Buy the Damn Flowers
No one understands your taste better than you. Skip the guessing game and pick up a bouquet of your favorite blooms. Whether it’s classic roses, cheerful tulips, or Blair Waldorf’s favorite peonies, flowers brighten your space—and your mood.
5. Treat Yourself to Something Sweet
There’s no rule saying chocolates are only for couples. Dark chocolate is a terrific anti-oxidant and a healthy treat as long as you do not go bananas on the quality. We love cacao nibs in our morning yogurt or a couple of dark chocolate covered almonds in the afternoon with our decaf coffee.
6. Journal Your Love Letter to Yourself
When was the last time you wrote down what you actually love about yourself? Pause to reflect on how far you've come, the challenges you’ve faced, and the strengths you bring to the table. Write yourself a love letter filled with kind words. It may feel cringey at first, but it helps reset your neural paths so you believe you are worthy of good things.
7. Plan a Date With… Yourself
Ever tried taking yourself out on a date? Whether it’s catching a chic new movie, indulging in a fancy lunch, or visiting that modern art exhibit you’ve had bookmarked, showing yourself a good time is next-level self-love. Bonus: you don’t have to convince anyone else why they should support your interests, and you might meet some likeminded new friends.
8. Indulge in a Bubble Bath (or Other Luxuries)
Call it cliché, but few things are more luxurious than a long bubble bath with candles and music (we like to watch Gossip Girl reruns in the tub.) No bathtub? No worries. Create your own spa night with rich lotions, scented candles, and a soothing face mask. Bonus glow-up guaranteed.
9. Gift Yourself a Small Splurge
Whether it’s pink heart-print cotton flannel PJs or a special piece of jewelry, buy yourself a little something that you’ve been eyeing. And the best part of shopping for yourself? No guessing games and no returns. Win-win.
10. Cook the Meal You Actually Want
Forget meals that cater to someone else's palate—this Valentine's Day, it's all about eating what makes you happy. Cook (or order) your ultimate comfort food. Whether that’s a hearty pasta, sushi platter, or ridiculously indulgent dessert, make it all about YOU.
11. Create a Vision Board
Think of Valentine’s Day as the perfect moment to focus not only on loving yourself now but on loving the version of yourself you’re becoming. Cut out images, words, and vibes of what you want your year to look like. Pin them on a board where you can see it (we like near our makeup table or behind our desk.) .
12. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude shifts just about anything. Take a minute to reflect on what you’re grateful for—whether it’s your resilience, your family, or how amazing your coffee tastes today. Being your own Valentine means appreciating all the goodness within and around you.
13. Connect with Your Circle
Being your own Valentine doesn’t mean you can’t share the love. Message a friend for a catch-up call, FaceTime your family or have a group date with your favorite people. There’s beauty in celebrating yourself and the uplifting humans in your life.
14. End the Day with Reflection and Joy
How you end Valentine’s Day matters as much as how you start it. Block time for your favorite feel-good activity—reading (we recommend our book, The Selfish Season), an uplifting podcast, or binging your favorite series guilt-free. Before bed, ask yourself this simple question, “What made me smile today?”
Valentine's Day isn’t just a reminder to celebrate love. It’s a chance to practice the most essential love of all—self-love. Making time for yourself and prioritizing what feels good isn’t selfish; it’s vital. You deserve joy, indulgence, and tenderness on Valentine’s Day and every single day after.
