You might think that Valentine's Day is a Hallmark holiday to make all the single people feel like shit. And singletons tend to fear Valentine's Day like they would the plague. But why? Just because you haven't found "the one" to share your life with yet, doesn't mean you should spend the evening crying into a tub of ice-cream either. Remember, the world is your oyster and life is what you make it, so when the world gives you lemons, make lemonade...
Here's how to have the best anti-Valentine's Day ever:
1. Movie night at The Natural History Museum
Details: 14 February 2019 (£27.75, book here)
Movie Nights at the Natural History Museum returns once again for the romantic season, for both couples and singletons. They'll be hosting a romantic Valentine's evening as well as an anti-Valentine special for those of us who are not so lucky in love. In collaboration with Luna cinema, your ticket will get you a free bag of popcorn and free entrance to Life in the Dark (a new major exhibition at the museum). There are plenty of movies being shown from romantic favourites like The Notebook to the new Star Is Born.
2. Bag yourself a free kebab
It's not exactly the healthiest way to spend your Valentine's Day, but who really cares? Kebabs were the most ordered takeaway on Valentine's Day last year, so this year UberEats are going to be giving away free kebabs for singletons everywhere. There will be a BOGOF deal which will also include ice-cream and pizza (yay!). The deal will be active between the 14th Feb and the 16th, so if you are to eat in, then eat in with UberEats.
3. Watch a film that empowers you
There's no better way to spend the night than cuddled up on the sofa with a glass of wine and a few of your friends and finding a good movie to lose yourself to. Use this time to grow a bigger bond between you and your friends and watch a movie that empowers you as a woman, rather than a romantic favourite that makes you feel guilty for being single.
If you're looking for movies that have a Surrey twist to them then check out our 10 movies you didn't believe were filmed in Surrey here.
4. Go to a spa
Sometimes, a little self-care can go a long way. So, rather staying home and feeling sorry for yourself, why not get away and feel even better? Spas are amazing for finally kicking back and relaxing, and if you ask me, it's much needed, especially after the Christmas period. Reward yourself with a thank you for being you, and if you want, take a friend along too.
For our favourite spas in the county click here.
5. Shop till you drop
Retail therapy always makes me feel better, no matter what I'm feeling down about. Treating yourself is one of the best ways to feel on top, and there are many ways you can actually do this without spending hundreds of pounds. Surrey is home to some amazing charity/vintage shops that hold some secret gems! You only have to read the reviews of the stores to know it's true.
For the leading vintage shops in the area, click here.
6. Do what your ex hates
Did your ex hate every chic flick or reality TV series you've ever put on? Or maybe they've stopped you eating your favourite Lebanese food? Whatever it was, celebrate it on V-Day. Do all the things you love and be unapologetic for it. You'll end up having a fun night that breaks up the norm as you reconnect to the things that make you, you.
7. Stay in and pamper yourself
Not everyone likes to go out of their way and go out on Valentine's Day and that's ok. Especially as the holiday falls on a Wednesday this year, there's no shame in staying indoors. But that's no excuse not to have any fun. Stay in and pamper yourself instead! Think facemasks, hair masks, beauty treatments and bubble baths. Give yourself a midweek break and bring the spa to your house.
8. The Orchestra
Dates: 29 Jan – 17 Feb, Tue-Sat 7.30pm (From £13, book here)
Why not head down to Omnibus Theatre in Clapham and catch The Orchestra?
A third-rate orchestra in a French spa town plays time-worn musical arrangements to an indifferent audience. In between the musical interludes, idle chit-chat reveals the power struggles that lurk behind the ensemble’s shiny veneer. As the overture descends into an intoxicating symphony of piercing jealousy, bizarre gossip and thwarted emotions, the musicians reach an unexpected climax – but the music goes jauntily on…
9. Escape the room
Personally, I like to do things that are different. I like to break my comfort zones and try new things that I usually wouldn't do. Because, in the end, it's these things that make the best memories. Recently, there's been a huge surge in interest for Escape Rooms, they're great fun and I would definitely recommend going with your friends. For the best Escape Rooms in Surrey & SW London check out our article here.
10. Go to the pub
If all else fails you can always fall back to the pub and with so many amazing ones in the county, you'll be spoilt for choice. Go out for one or two, because you'll never know who you'll meet and chances are you'll have a much better time as you'll automatically be making new memories to cherish. If you're looking for pubs with the cosiest fires click here, or alternatively check out the best pubs in Kingston here.
