14 Ways to Show Yourself Some Love This Valentine's Day

There's something so satisfying about about a fresh, colorful bouquet of flowers sitting in a vase on your kitchen table. And the best part? You don't have to wait for anyone else to buy flowers for you.

Use Valentine's Day as an opportunity to practice self-care all night long. Light your favorite candles, pour yourself a glass of your favorite drink, and run a hot bath you can relax in for as long as you want.

So often, we save our favorite restaurants, shops, or bars for elusive "special occasions." Regardless of your relationship status, Valentine's Day is a special occasion for which you should treat yourself to a night at your favorite spot. Splurge on an overpriced cocktail and devour your favorite dish.

Spend your night looking at all the things you love and the possibilities that excite you. Buy your favorite magazines, print your favorite pictures, and collage them all together into a vision board as you think about all the big goals and plans you hope to achieve. Trust us, you'll feel invigorated.

Truthfully, any day is a good day to buy yourself some lingerie that makes you feel sexier than ever, but if it's been a minute since you've done so, Valentine's Day is your time. While you're at it, slip on any sexy lingerie or outfits you already have to really set the mood.

Sure, you could wait until it hits a streaming service, but if you're able to, just take yourself to see the movie you've been itching to see. Get the biggest bucket of popcorn and the biggest Icee you can hold and give yourself a night to bask in the nostalgic feeling of a night at the movies.

If a trip to the movie theater isn't an option, you know what to do instead: turn your living room or bedroom into the ultimate personal theater. Dim the lights, gather all your favorite snacks, and nestle yourself in piles of pillows as you queue up the best movie lineup you can think of.

That bakery on your street that practically hypnotizes you with its smell? Yeah, take your butt right through the door and order whatever makes your mouth water. Tonight, it's not love at first sight, it's love at first bite.

Think about your perfect spa scenario and set that scene in your own home. Get your essential-oil diffuser going. Pull on your plushest robe. Slather on your most expensive face mask. It's time to make yourself feel as pampered and relaxed as possible.

It's always a good time for a mani/pedi session, but even more so on Valentine's Day. Just close your eyes and let the pros take the reins in giving you the manicure you've been wanting.

Regardless of cooking abilities, having a little baking session at home is sure to be a good time. Turn up your favorite playlist and FaceTime a friend while you do it. At the end of the night, you'll feel full with laughs, love, and all the treats you just made.

If you can safely attend a public event, use it as an opportunity to take yourself on a date. Perhaps that's a trip to see your favorite local band or a night at a nearby comedy show. Either way, a night doing something you're excited about is a night well spent.

There's something sacred about a pizza-and wine-night — as if the combination of cheese-covered bread and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon can make you feel unstoppable. Don't question it; just partake in it.

Overall, taking a minute to make yourself feel special with a little retail therapy goes a long way. If you've had something in your cart or on your mind, waiting for the right time to splurge, that time is now.

Nicole Yi is the former associate editor at PS.

Theresa Massony is the former senior living editor at PS, overseeing home, food, love, sex, tech, astrology, and more content.

Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at PS, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.