20 Sweet & Fun Valentine's Day Ideas (Regardless Of Your Relational Status)

I’ve shared before, throughout the years that, although holidays aren’t exactly my thing, as a marriage life coach of over 20 years at this point, there is a theory about the origin of Valentine’s Day that I can low-key get down with. Legend has it that a priest from way back in the day ultimately became a martyr for marrying couples during a season of war (while Emperor Claudius II was ruling). Since it was believed that husbands didn’t make good soldiers, men weren’t allowed to marry during that time. St. Valentine didn’t care, though and he ultimately lost his life because of it.
Whether folks consciously realize it or not, that’s probably why, whenever the topic of Valentine’s Day comes up, couples immediately come to mind. That’s fair. However — and no, this is not to gaslight you — it can’t be said enough that Valentine’s Day really is (supposed to be) a holiday that celebrates love, in general…not just romantic love. And that’s why I thought that it would be a good idea to provide a quick list of 20 ways that EVERYONE, no matter what their current relational status may be, can embrace and enjoy February 14.
Because love is something that should be acknowledged and amplified whether you’re in a romantic relationship or not. Right? But of course.

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1. Book a spa day.
This year, since Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, why not work half a day and then spend the other half at a local spa? A facial and massage are two great ways to decompress and pamper yourself as you prepare for whatever weekend plans that you may have — date or not.
2. Or cultivate a spa day at home.
Wanna hold on to those coins? Have a spa day at home. If a part of you is thinking, “That just sounds like a lot of work,” if you’re in a relationship, you and your bae can do it together or, if you’re single, invite a girlfriend over. From prepping to “doing” to clean-up, it’ll be a lot more fun if you’ve got some company around.
3. Get some new lingerie.
Personally, I think that Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to get some new lingerie (check out “Lingerie Hacks: How To Choose The Best Kind For Your Body Type”). Whether you plan on being in bed all weekend for the purpose of sex, rest, or both (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”), you will feel so much more sensual and attractive in a new babydoll, romper or pair of sexy ass panties.
4. Invest in a new sexy scent.
Last week, while in a home improvement store, two women tried to guess what I was wearing. When one flat-out asked and I said, “I never tell,” she said to her associate, “Girl, she just doesn’t want us smelling like her.” EXACTLY. It’s an essential oil blend that I made up and yes, signature scents have a way of making you feel…beautifully distinctive. So, whether you want to seduce your bae or simply boost your own self-confidence, cop a new sexy scent. Since science says that fragrances also calm, soothe, and cultivate fond memories — you’ve got three more reasons why doing so is an absolute must.

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5. Book a photoshoot.
It’s kind of a shame that, unless I truly have to, I rarely get pictures (professionally) taken. It’s a wise thing to do, though: to see yourself all dolled up, with good lighting and in poses that commemorate where you are in different stages and seasons of your life. That said, in honor of love (including self-love), book a professional photoshoot for yourself, for you and your partner, or with some of your favorite people. Even if it happens later in the year, at least use Valentine’s Day weekend to get the ball to rolling.
6. Have a meal and/or flowers delivered to work.
If you are going to work on Friday, wouldn’t it be nice if someone else had your favorite meal or flowers delivered to your job? 1000 percent. You shouldn’t let that keep you from doing it, though. Or, if you are single, you and one of your friends can make the mutual decision to send each other a meal and/or a bouquet to each other. The “itch gets scratched” either way.
7. Purchase a stone/crystal that symbolizes (self) love.
I’m a fan of certain stones and crystals, mostly because of what they represent and symbolize. And so, whether you’ve got a man or not, treat yourself to some jewelry that represents self-love; ones like rose quartz, moonstone, rhodonite, amethyst, or citrine (for starters). After all, you can’t love others good, until/unless you love yourself…well. Etsy has some awesome customized pieces, by the way.
8. Recreate a favorite date.
If you do happen to be in a relationship, something that I think is very romantic is to recreate your first or favorite date with your partner. It has a way of bringing back butterflies and also creating really special new memories like nothing else will or can. On the flip side, if you’re someone who dates yourself, recreate a great moment from that. Or, if you’re like me and you and your friends go on dates, recreate a top five of one of those. Research says that nostalgia has a way of making our lives feel more meaningful. What better time to emphasize this fact than on a love celebration day?

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9. Or go on a date with friends.
Something that’s pretty awesome about Valentine’s Day is there are restaurant discounts all over the place! And even though a lot of the deals are for two people, if you’re not in a relationship, my advice would be to take some friends and y’all get the “two for” deal(s) that way. A list of some of 2025’s Valentine’s Day restaurant specials is located here.
10. Plan a trip.
Another (potentially) unfortunate thing about Valentine’s Day is far too many people think that they should be “love on steroids” on that day and then it’s okay to half-step on expressing love the rest of the year. NOPE. If anything, Valentine’s Day should remind people to “amplify love” as much as possible. One way of doing that? If you’re in a relationship, plan a romantic vacation together. If you’re single, plan a trip or a girls’ trip. Make a promise that it will happen before the next Valentine’s Day rolls around; then plan (and save) accordingly.
11. Get creative with red wine.
Red is the signature color for Valentine’s Day, mostly because it symbolizes things like love and passion. Since red wine is considered to be an aphrodisiac and it’s great for your health due to all of the antioxidants that are in it, everyone should indulge in a glass while toasting to five things that they love about their partner and/or themselves. After you do that, check out “Why Wine Deserves A Spot In Your Natural Beauty Arsenal” for some other creative ways to implement this popular drink.
12. Have a ball with some dark chocolate.
Speaking of signature stuff, the signature candy for Valentine’s Day? Chocolate. Hands down. That’s why you should get some Hershey’s kisses for yourself, if you do have a bae, get some (eh hem) chocolate paint and, whatever your relational status is, also read, “12 Ways Dark Chocolate Can Benefit Your Body From Head To Toe,” so that you don’t have to feel the least bit guilty for indulging.

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13. Design a love-themed vision board.
Vision boards may not be discussed as much as they used to be, oh, say, 10 years ago; however, they still deserve properly placed shout-outs. Because there is data to support that visualization can help people reach their goals, going through the creative process of putting together a vision board can help motivate you, bring forth a sense of clarity, and help to remain focused until your goals are achieved. Does this include when it comes to your love life (or the love life that you wish to have)? Absolutely. Check out “Before You Quit Dating Altogether: Have You Ever Tried 'Vision Board Dating' Before?” for more on that.
14. Make a love-themed playlist.
Something that YouTube does for me that I actually appreciate, is it automatically populates music playlists (based on songs that I select) that I can save and listen to whenever I want. One list, in particular, that I go to often, includes Troop’s “Still in Love;” Cherelle’s “Everything I Miss at Home;” Christopher Williams’s “All I See;” Brandy’s “When You Touch Me;” Force M.D.’s “Tender Love;” Lisa Fischer’s “How Can I Ease the Pain;” and Faith Evans’s “Soon As I Get Home” — and that’s just for starters!
Ain’t nothin’ like listening to an hour’s worth of some of your favorite love jams — either to copulate with (check out “Before You Pull Out Your Playlist, This Is How Music Affects Your Sex Life”) or to fall asleep to on Valentine’s Day. A listening experience that is truly unmatched.
15. Binge-watch romantic movies.
I’m telling y’all — knock Tubi if you want to, but it does have some gems on there from time to time. This past weekend, I checked out The Number (Issa Rae and some of the Black & Sexy gang…if ya know, ya know) and I cracked up a few times. Anyway, whether you’re cozied up with your man on the couch, you and your long-distance boo or friends decide to throw something like a Hulu or Amazon Watch party (read more about how to here), or you and your cable-knit blanket want to snuggle alone, you can almost never go wrong with watching some rom-coms on Valentine’s Day.
16. Enjoy a (romantic dinner) (possibly at home).
If you’re single, you probably won’t care (at least too much) about waiting 30-60 minutes for a table on Valentine’s Day. If you are in a relationship, though, to avoid all of that nonsense, you might want to either have a romantic dinner delivered to you or make something together at home. When it comes to the second option, don’t knock it. Put on something sexy, listen to some seductive music, and then at least skim through “Here’s How To Make Cooking A Meal Together Sexy (When You Hate To Cook)”. There is something very sensual about preparing aphrodisiac-centered foods, scantily-clad, with your man. Always.

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17. Indulge in something sweet.
If you don’t partake in any of these other suggestions, at least get yourself a pint of your favorite ice cream, a slice of your favorite cake, a couple of donuts, some strawberries, and whipped topping — hell, SOMETHING that is sweet because it is almost criminal to go through an entire Valentine’s Day and your tastebuds didn’t get a little bit of sugar on them. C’mon now.
18. Soak in a rose petal-filled bathtub.
Most grocery stores have rose petals in their floral section, so get some to put into your bathtub. The scent reduces anxiety, the feel helps to soften your skin and if intimacy is on the agenda for the evening, it is a great way to “pregame” your erogenous zones. Just sayin’.
19. Spend the night at a hotel.
A change of scenery. If you’re in a relationship, it can make sex hotter. If you’re not, it’s a cool way to enjoy some time away from your home without spending the kind of cash that you would if you took an actual vacation. Either way, a (nice) hotel room is gonna be a wise Valentine’s Day investment and a major win.
20. Relax. Relate. Release.
Back when I wrote “What To Do When You Don't Know How To Chill Out” and “How To Stop Having A 'Knee-Jerk Reaction' To Everything,” something that I mentioned was the importance of learning how to relax, relate, and release. That said, as I close this out since Valentine’s Day is all about all things love, please make sure to get into that head and heart space by doing ONLY what will relax you, by entertaining ONLY what your mind, body, and spirit can relate to and by releasing whatever isn’t serving you, well, in the love department — choose to ONLY hold onto what is holding onto you.
Whether you’re in a (romantic) relationship or not, it’s the recipe for having a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Trust me, sis. You’ll adore everything about the day if you do.
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PSA: The "Great Lock-In" Is The End-Of-Year Reset You Didn’t Know You Needed
What is it about the month of September that makes you want to lock in and go after everything you desire because it's already yours?
Maybe it's the promise of a new season, fall pulling up with its crisp leaves, warm tones, and softer winds. Maybe it's the shift into the busy season as Q3 and Q4 enter the chat. Maybe it's the discipline and determination we've come to associate with Virgo energy doing its thing.
Whatever the case, TikTok is making sure we have everything we need to "lock in" for the rest of the year. Heralded as "The Great Lock In," TikTok's latest wellness trend is the collective reset designed to transform your life by December.
If you've been seeing the phrase pop up on your FYP, here's a quick breakdown of The Great Lock-In and how you can make the rising wellness trend work for you.
What Is The Great Lock In?
The Great Lock In Wellness Trend, Explained.
TikTok creators define "The Great Lock In" as a 17-week journey, taking place from September 1 to December 31. Think of it as a not-so-distant relative to the wellness trend concepts of 75 Hard/75 Soft or last year's viral Winter Arc. The Great Lock In is all about re-programming your mind to reprogram your life.
As one TikTok creator, @_tatianaforbes explained in her TikTok, "It's all programming your mind to go hard for a sprint of time. It's not meant to be forever. But it's meant to be this time where you put forth immense effort in some area of your life."
That area could be your finances, fitness, sleep habits, or even your personal style. And while The Great Lock In is framed as a "sprint," the true W is establishing the powerful habits you build along the way, the ones that shift your mindset, setting the tone for your physical or mental transformation. The name of the game is focus. And what you focus on, you magnify, creating space for radical change that feels bigger than your average glow-up.

@_tatianaforbes/TikTok
The Great Lock In Rules
The Rules of Engagement
So how does one lock in to The Great Lock In? The concept itself might sound intense, but the rules of engagement are more straightforward than you'd think. If you're ready to commit, here are some of the most common "rules" TikTok creators like @silkx.co are swearing by during this end of the year sprint:
- 90 days of pure discipline
- Wake up by 5 a.m.
- Go to bed by 9 p.m.
- Work out 5-6 times a week
- Take 10,000 steps daily
- Read 10 pages of a book daily
- Drink 3 liters of water daily
- Max protein intake goals daily
- Write 3 things you're grateful for
- No fast food
- No sugar
- No alcohol
- No excuses
- Eliminate distractions
- Focus on yourself

@silkx.co/TikTok
How To Make The Great Lock In Work For You
You don't have to do all of the rules of The Great Lock In to see results by December 31. We want to level up and thrive, not burnout in survival mode. Yes, this is a 17-week sprint to transformation, but it doesn't mean you have to box yourself in self-improvement hell. Like author James Clear reminds us in the ultimate self-development book, Atomic Habits, "All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger."
TikTok creator @cloudsjoo echoes this approach to transformation, encouraging small, sustainable shifts versus a complete life overhaul from day one. Maybe you build toward 10,000 steps a day by starting off with a 30-minute walk per day. Or if you're rule is no fast food (physical) or no eating out (financial), a small step could look like cooking more meals at home each week and leaning more on meal prep.
The beauty of The Great Lock In lies in its flexibility. It's a framework for building systems that actually fit into your life long-term. Locking in doesn't mean perfection, it means commitment. It's choosing yourself through consistency and trusting that those small steps will lead to the glow-up you've been envisioning for your life.
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This Virgo Solar Eclipse Horoscope Reveals The Shift You’ve Been Waiting For
The final eclipse of 2025 is here, and it’s time to claim your harvest and own your healing. On September 21, we have a New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo, and we are being called towards change. This eclipse is the beginning of a new chapter, facilitating a coming together of love, stability, and intention. Solar Eclipses are different from your typical New Moon, as it’s not necessarily about manifesting right now, as it is about preparing, honoring gratitude, and recognizing what is already here for you today.
When the Moon is in Virgo, we heal, we empower ourselves, and we allow a new beginning to change our lives for the better.
What Makes the September 2025 Virgo Solar Eclipse Special
This Solar Eclipse is interesting because it forms an opposition to Saturn and Neptune, but it also forms harmonious aspects to both Uranus and Pluto. Foundations are shifting, facades fall, and clarity beams, yet there is also a more pressing need to rebuild with the tools, inspirations, and resources you have now. This is the only Solar Eclipse from the Virgo/Pisces axis that began in September 2024 and ends in February 2027, so this is the most potent time for claiming a new chapter in your life.
The more you can focus on moving forward right now, the less you will feel restricted from the past or the what-ifs.
It’s also important to note that this eclipse will be happening at 29 degrees Virgo, and the last time we had a Virgo Eclipse at this degree was September of 2006. Think back to what you were creating in your world around this time, or what changes were happening for you. Now is the time to redirect your focus, get clearer on the details, and find new ways to manage your health and day-to-day life. This eclipse is going to be especially prominent for mutable signs: Virgo, Pisces, Gemini, and Sagittarius, and overall is a breakthrough in a new, more positive direction.
The Solar Eclipse in Virgo is here to help the world evolve, grow, and love more intentionally.
Your Solar Eclipse in Virgo Horoscopes for Every Zodiac Sign
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what is in store for you for the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo.
ARIES
The New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo is a time of trusting your instincts, Aries. You know what is best for you, your health, and your daily life, and this eclipse will be helping you acknowledge that and find new solutions as well. Some changes have been made in your world recently, and this eclipse is showing you what gifts have come from these changes and where to go from here.
It’s about protecting your energy and your time, and knowing that what is ahead of you is far better than what has been. You are almost there, Aries. This is not the time to give up, but to prepare for your manifestations to appear.
TAURUS
The New Moon Solar Eclipse is happening in a fellow earth sign, and you are feeling inspired by the changes taking place in your life right now, Taurus. This eclipse is opening the door to romance, passion, self-expression, and creativity, and it’s time to shine, beautiful. It’s about having fun right now, not taking things too seriously, and trusting that the progress you have made is worthy of your acknowledgement and gratitude.
This Solar Eclipse is all about doing the things that make you happy and bring you joy, and being around the people that bring out this energy within you as well. You deserve to feel good about your life, and this New Moon is creating breakthroughs for you to do so.
GEMINI
This Solar Eclipse brings your interests and intentions regarding your home life and foundations to the forefront, Gemini. This eclipse facilitates changes within the home or with family, and you are experiencing a greater balance and harmony within these new beginnings. You have been looking for the middle ground between your work-life successes and your needs and intentions for your personal life and the home, and it’s coming to fruition for you now.
This eclipse overall is here to help you gain some new ground and claim the peace that you deserve in your life for all your hard work and efforts.
CANCER
The New Moon Solar Eclipse is a new beginning for you and your relationships, Cancer. Love comes together for you, and you are in a place of feeling understood and seen. You have been setting your intentions for communication matters and for more community and support in your world, and that is what is developing for you now. You are ready for an energy shift, and your heart is pleased with what is presenting itself to you.
This eclipse is a step in a new direction for your emotional world, and you are mentally feeling a lot clearer-headed in the process. It’s time to show up, take up space, and make your voice heard, Cancer.
LEO
This Solar Eclipse is a closure and a new beginning in one, Leo. You are shifting your focus and paying more attention to the investments and actions that serve your long-term goals and purpose, and where you may need to redirect your energy. It’s time to create space for new abundance to grow and to let go of settling for anything less than what you deserve. You are overall planning for the future right now, and it’s about remaining open to what is possible for you.
Financial progress is being made, and it’s coming from the new perspective you have gained in these matters this year.
VIRGO
The New Moon Solar Eclipse is here and in your sign, Virgo. Manifestations are appearing, and you are recognizing just how powerful you are. This eclipse highlights what your heart needs to feel fulfilled and aligned with your purpose, and it’s about following through on your plans and intentions right now. With this eclipse moving through your 1st house of Self, you are rewriting your story and turning a new page.
You are the creator of your destiny, of the path you lead, and the legacy you leave behind, and this Solar Eclipse is all about honoring the personal plans and goals for yourself that you feel inspired to get behind right now.
LIBRA
This Solar Eclipse brings clarity into your world and helps you see your life, both past and present, more clearly, Libra. You are in a space of healing, reflection, and letting go, and a lot is shifting for you now. This is the time to pay attention to your dreams and to honor the guidance you are receiving, knowing that you are divinely connected. When you put your healing and your peace first, you allow yourself to fully show up for others and for life itself wholeheartedly and unconditionally. This eclipse is all about knowing yourself, loving yourself, and trusting your instincts more.
SCORPIO
A New Moon Solar Eclipse occurs in your 11th house, and a new beginning is here for you, Scorpio. This eclipse brings an inner awakening into your world, and helps you see who is there for you and the love that heals. You are awakening to the dreams and intentions you want to see come to fruition, and everything feels a little more magical for you right now. This is a time for opening up to support, connection, and friendship, and meeting the right people at the right time.
You are seeing more of the gifts of connection and the need for relationship development in your world, and you are making progress here overall.
SAGITTARIUS
This New Moon Solar Eclipse highlights your career, reputation, and professional world, Sagittarius. A New Moon here signifies new beginnings, breakthroughs, and opportunities within your career, but also a need to really focus on how you want things to play out for you here. A few different options and opportunities are presenting themselves to you now, and it’s about choosing what is going to be the best for you in the long run.
Think big-picture and know that it’s about progress right now, not perfection. You have the tools you need to succeed if you can recognize what gifts are already in your world.
CAPRICORN
This Solar Eclipse is happening in a fellow earth sign, and is inspiring you to new heights, Capricorn. This New Moon will be flowing through your 9th house, and the 9th house rules your sense of adventure, spirituality, divine guidance, travel, and freedom. You are aligning with your higher self, taking note of the signs and guidance you are receiving right now, and experiencing a personal breakthrough in your life.
This is the time in your life to think big picture and to look ahead with complete self-belief. It’s about expecting the best for yourself and creating space for new opportunities to enter. You are stepping out into the unknown, and your faith in it all is what is going to get you through this time.
AQUARIUS
Transformations are inevitable, and this eclipse changes everything for you, Aquarius. During this eclipse, you are ready to move forward and honor the new perspectives you have gained in life and in love, and the Universe is helping you do so. There is an awakening happening in your world now, and you are finding new ways to build stronger foundations and set new intentions for yourself.
You have been working on saving, gathering your resources, and thinking more logically about what you dedicate yourself to physically and emotionally, and right now, it’s time to see the manifestations of your efforts.
PISCES
The New Moon Solar Eclipse is an opportunity to gain your balance, Pisces. This eclipse happens in your opposite sign, Virgo, creating a need to find your harmony within the changes you are moving through. There is a lot on your plate and a lot on your mind, but it’s important not to let this energy overwhelm you. Your relationships need more of your time and energy right now, and it’s about filling up your cup so you have that energy to do so for others.
This eclipse brings significant changes in love, and is about building more stability here so that you feel good about where you are headed in life and who is coming with you.
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