11 Women Share How They Make Valentine’s Day Suck Less

2. “My partner and my philosophy is: stay in, no presents. We have theme nights with dinner and a movie. The Godfather with spaghetti and meatballs; The Great Gatsby with champagne and lots of appetizers as a main course. This year, we’re doing Roman Holiday with an antipasti plate and chianti. I like the message behind the holiday, but chasing reservations, chocolates, cards and candy—while sweet—is a rookie move.” —Erica Gerald Mason

“I like the message behind the holiday, but chasing reservations, chocolates, cards and candy—while sweet—is a rookie move.”

3. “I’m perpetually single, so for the past six years, I’ve considered Valentine’s Day as a chance to express love to my support system. Starting in college, I would wake up early to decorate the house, make breakfast, and set out desserts and candy for my five roommates. Since graduation, I still mail gifts and cards to my friends who live over 2,000 miles away. A good ol’ fashioned piece of snail mail is the perfect reminder that I am thankful for their continued support, love, and compassion.” —Heidi Hagberg

4. “My friends and I always got together for a Screw Cupid party that evolved into ‘Galentine’s Day’ as we, um, matured. If a spa day isn’t planned, as well, I tend to pamper myself at home!” —Tracy Wedge

5. “My boyfriend of five years and I make the holiday work without worrying about expectations. We’ve made it a tradition to go to a different burger spot in NYC every year. We both love burgers and it tends to be a good spot for V-Day because most people are doing something a little fancier.” —Anna Osgoodby

“We’ve made it a tradition to go to a different burger spot in NYC every year.” 

6. “I try and show love in another way. For instance, this year I am hosting a brunch at my house for some girls I mentor. We will have pancakes and coffee and discuss their lives. I plan to take a minute for each of them, where we show appreciation for each other by affirming everyone in the group!” —Michelle Plett

7. “I salvaged a crappy V-Day a few years ago by pampering myself from home. I booked back-to-back workouts (one was a spin class and then yoga to relax), had someone come clean my apartment while I was out, got a massage, and ordered an incredible dinner. I was pretty proud of myself for coming up with this full-day game plan, and I finished the day feeling more relaxed than ever. I’m in San Francisco for Valentine’s Day this year, and am totally doing this again…despite the boyfriend.” —Allie Mack

8. “Some of my closest friends and I are going to dress up and go to brunch at a rooftop in the city this year. We are going to appreciate each other and ourselves. Afterwards, some of us will go out with our beaus, some will get ready for work. Me, I’ll be watching the NBA All-Star game, with a glass of wine.” —Amanda Hynes

“I salvaged a crappy V-Day a few years ago by pampering myself from home.” 

9. “One thing I’ve done in years past is to ask friends if they know anyone who is alone or grieving on Valentine’s Day. Then I’ll send an audio message to that person about why they are loved. Depending how much time I have, I will usually do anywhere between three and ten of these. There is nothing that fills me with love more than sending out love on behalf of others.” —Sherry Belul 

10. “I think my all-time favorite Valentine’s Day was last year, when my single friends and I made tons of food, including chocolate-covered strawberries, caprese bread, and more. We ate a ton and drank lots of wine. Then we went dancing. I firmly believe you don’t have to be in a relationship to celebrate all the love you have in your life.” —Sara Larson

“We ate a ton and drank lots of wine. Then we went dancing.”

11. “My motto in years past has been ‘Why not embrace it?’ What’s wrong with having a designated day to sprinkle just a little extra love on the people around you? It doesn’t have to be a significant other. This year I’m spending V-Day with my girlfriends. Don’t take Valentine’s Day too seriously, whether you’re single or taken. It’s supposed to be a fun holiday!” —Kimberly Petrosino