Gals, Pals, Pets & You: A Single’s Valentine’s Guide
- Rachael Lo Fei Ting
- Feb 14
- 3 min read
This article is co-authored by Siti Zahirah
“Maybe romantic love is not at the forefront of your life right now, but love exists in so many forms. It’s in your friendships, it’s in strangers, it’s in your parents.” - Olivia Dean
Ah, Valentine’s Day. The day some adore and others… dread. But this year, we’re flipping the script. Instead of focusing on romance, we’re celebrating singlehood, independence, and all the love that surrounds you.
Here’s your ultimate survival guide for getting through the day without rolling your eyes at every love song on the radio:
1. Galentine’s Day
What better way to celebrate love than with your girlies? This is the perfect time to embrace womanhood and appreciate the women in your life who have shown up for you — through heartbreaks, glow-ups, breakdowns, and random life spirals.
Celebrate with your girls by:
Baking together: Desserts galore — cinnamon rolls, cream puffs, strawberry fondue… you name it!
Having a picnic together: Soak up the sun, enjoy nature, and munch on your favourite snacks together
DIY flower bouquet arrangement: Hand-wrap your own bouquets and exchange them as a symbol of appreciation.
Dating wrap presentations: What’s a sleepover without tea? Sometimes you need your friends to lovingly tell you when you’re being a little delulu.
Because sometimes, the people who hype you up the loudest aren’t romantic partner — they’re your best friends!
2. Palentine’s Day
Who says guys and girls can’t just be friends? Platonic friendships are often overlooked, yet they’re usually the ones carrying us through everyday life — from random 2 am conversations to being the first person you call when something goes wrong.
Celebrate with your pals by:
Love Notes in a Jar: Write sweet notes, compliments, or inside jokes and save them for days when you need a confidence boost.
Rom-Com & Snack Marathon: Queue comfort films, rom-coms, or anti-Valentine’s picks! Then, grab your snacks, and settle in for a cosy night of laughs and commentary.
Sip, Paint & Picasso Mode: Drinks in hand, paint freely, laugh harder. Artistic talent optional.
Game Night: Red Flag or Green Flag?: Turn into love detectives and debate which scenarios are ❌ or ✅ — chaos and laughter guaranteed.
Because love isn’t just romantic — it’s in the friends who stick around, make you laugh, and always have your back.
3. Solo Date 💝
Who says Valentine’s Day is only for couples? Take yourself out and make it a date to remember! The best Valentine this year is YOU!!
A movie date with yourself: binge your favourite movie or series (top pick: How to Be Single😉). No awkward small talk, just vibes
Treat yourself to something delicious: whether it’s a fancy dessert or finally trying that recipe that you’ve been saving forever. This is the time to unleash your inner chef!
Explore the city or nature: Visit a park, museum, café, or hiking trail. Bring your playlist and romanticise your existence.
Pamper yourself: Bath, skincare, mani-pedi, or spa day. Light a candle, throw on your fluffiest robe, and embrace main-character energy.
All in all — do something just for you. Move at your own pace. Today is all about celebrating what you love!
4.Paw-lentine’s Day 🐾💕
Go on an adventure together: Long walks, park zoomies, fresh air, and goofy photos.
Cuddle & binge-watch: Couch, snacks, pet, zero responsibilities.
DIY treats or toys: Make something simple and pet-friendly — bonding + chaos = core memory.
"Maybe God made animals unable to talk, to show that love is proven through actions, not words."
Your pet may only be one chapter in your story, but to them, you are their whole book. So spend the day showing love the way they understand best—presence, playtime, and a lot of belly rubs.
Extra: Valentine’s Day Playlist Picks:
I’ve Seen It — Olivia Dean
Dive — Olivia Dean
The Hardest Part — Olivia Dean
Flower — Miley Cyrus
Baby Steps — Olivia Dean
Good To Be Alone — Stacey Ryan & Cory Henry
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” — Audrey Hepburn
All in all, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples — it’s a celebration of every kind of love, from friends who lift you up to pets who adore you unconditionally, to the relationship you’re building with yourself.
So, whether you’re spending it with your gals, your pals, your furry friend, or enjoying your own company — cherish these connections and the little moments that make life sweet.
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