Valentine’s Day is often painted as a holiday for couples, filled with candlelit dinners, grand gestures, and an overwhelming sea of heart-shaped everything. But what if you’re single? Should you retreat under a blanket and pretend the day doesn’t exist? Absolutely not! In reality, Valentine’s Day hasn’t always been about romantic love. In fact, some of its origins are far from romantic – legend has it that Emperor Claudius II banned marriages for young men, believing single soldiers made better warriors. St. Valentine defied this decree and married couples in secret, ultimately leading to his execution. And let’s not forget the mediaeval tradition where single people would draw names from a bowl to find their Valentine – a bit like historical speed dating! If history tells us anything, it’s that Valentine’s Day is what you make of it. Whether you’re single on Valentine’s Day by choice or circumstance, here’s how to make the day about self-love, empowerment, and fun.