I’m single on Valentine’s Day and want to celebrate my friends –how can I do that?
Lucy Sarret breaks down how to plan the perfect Galentine’s and celebrate the platonic loves of your life this year.
“I’m single this Valentine’s Day, and honestly, I don’t mind—but I also don’t want to spend the day doom-scrolling through cringey couple posts. I was thinking of throwing a Galentine’s celebration for me and my friends because we’re all in the same boat, and I want to make the day feel fun rather than depressing. The thing is, I have no idea where to start. How do I plan something that feels special and not just like a sad anti-Valentine’s gathering?”
Dear reader,
Valentine’s Day isthe one day a year when being single somehow feels like a personality trait. But honestly? Screw the idea that romance is the only thing worth celebrating on 14 February. If you’re single, this is your moment to lean into Galentine’s: a day dedicated to celebrating your friendships and, most importantly, yourselves.
The key to a great Galentine’s isn’t forcing it to feel like a second-rate Valentine’s, it’s making it something entirely your own. Here’s how Sextras would pull off the ultimate celebration of platonic love.
Decide on the vibe
Do you want a cosy night in, fuelled by wine and nostalgia? Or are you thinking full-blown, sequins-required, night-out energy? Maybe something in between, like a bougie dinner or a spa day? Pick a vibe that suits your friendship group –because whether it’s a wholesome self-care session or an unhinged club night, the best Galentine’s is the one that actually feels fun.
Lock down the guest list
Galentine’s is about celebrating the people who lift you up, so invite the friends who make your life feel richer. Maybe it’s your ride-or-dies, or maybe it’s an open invite to anyone who’s feeling a bit meh about V-Day. Just make sure everyone’s down for the same energy, because nothing kills the vibe like someone sulking about being single while the rest of you are mid-tequila shot.
Set the mood
Lean into the fun of it! If you’re hosting at home, go full Pinterest-board and set the scene with candles, fairy lights, and a playlist of serotonin-boosting bangers (a mix of early 2000s pop, heartbreak anthems, and shameless guilty pleasures, obviously). A dress code never hurts either –pink and red? Pyjamas only? You decide.
Make it about more than just drinks and dinner
Of course, food and cocktails are the backbone of any solid Galentine’s, but why not add something extra? Think love letter writing (but for your mates), a RuPaul’s Drag Race marathon, a ‘most unhinged dating story’ competition, or even booking a tarot reader to tell you that your ex was, in fact, the worst. Bonus points if you create little gift bags –mini face masks, sweets, or inside jokes make for the perfect ‘we don’t need anyone to spoil us’ moment.
Remember the point
At the end of the day, Galentine’s isn’t about proving you’re fine with being single –it’s about genuinely celebrating the people in your life who make love feel easy. Whether you spend it in silk pyjamas with a takeaway or at a bougie bar screaming Dancing On My Own at 2 a.m., the real win is surrounding yourself with the people who make you feel good.
So go forth, plan your night, and remind your friends (and yourself) that love comes in all forms –and some of the best ones don’t require a partner at all.
Love,
Lucy x