Couples in Columbia have Feb. 14 marked on their calendars to celebrate Cupid's favorite holiday. For many single people though, Valentine's Day can feel quite pointless and lonely without a significant other.
However, Valentine's Day can be celebrated by anyone, even if you are without a date this year. Here is a list of fun things for single people to do in Columbia during Valentine’s Day.
Create your own Valentine's playlist
Music goes with any activity you decide to do on Valentine's Day, so why not curate your own playlist for the special day? If you are feeling optimistic and happy, you could include songs such as "Die With A Smile" by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, or "Snooze" by SZA.
Conversely, if you are feeling downhearted, a playlist for the day can be fun to create and will aid whatever mood you are wanting to create for the special day.
Volunteering as an advocate
Another way to spread the love this Valentine’s Day could be through volunteering your time to a noble cause in the Columbia area as an advocate. There are many non-profits to choose from and invest in. Located on 1301 Gervais St., the South Carolina Vulnerable Adult Guardian Ad Litem is an advocacy group for adults who have been neglected or abused in the South Carolina area.
Other programs include the Early Education Career Institute, which focuses on empowering and offering training for aspiring early childhood educators, and United Way of the Midlands, which centers on improving the quality of life for people in the Midlands.
Self-care
On a day that revolves around the expression of love, what better way for single people to participate than by spreading the love to themselves?
Whether it be a personal spa day, going to get a haircut or working out, treating yourself to a day of self-care can look differently depending on the person. Located on 1218 Pulaski Street, you might check out the OCCO luxury spa, which includes services such as manicures that range from $35-$75, facial treatments that range from $65-$200 and waxing services that include everything from the nose and ear to a men's Brazilian and French bikini.
For working out, you can try gyms such as the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center or the Brickhouse gym. The Brickhouse Gym, located on 1021 George Rogers Blvd., is an individually owned and operated gym with a main gym floor, a posing room, a cardio room and a turf room. The gym offers personal training classes which are free for members and $20 for non members.
Go to the movies with friends
Spending time with friends is another excellent way to celebrate Valentine's Day. While there are many things for single people to do with friends in Columbia, treating yourself to a movie night might be an option that is more cost friendly and entertaining. The Regal Columbiana Grande, Spotlight Cinemas or the AMC are popular choices.
The Nickelodeon Theater, located on Main Street, is a smaller non-profit cinema which regularly hosts independent and foreign films, which could be of interest for movie buff friends.
Another cinema you could check out is the Babylon Kino. Meaning theatre in German, it is a movie theater that has just recently opened its doors. The Babylon Kino screens underground movies of different genres as well as hosting trivia events. Regardless of what cinema or movie you select, a movie night with great friends and delicious snacks is a fantastic way to spend time with those you love on Valentine's Day.
Indulge in some treats
Valentine's Day is all about the chocolate and sugary treats, with the average American consumer spending over $180 on Valentine's Day, according to Capital One Shopping.
In Columbia, there are a plethora of places to try if you are in the mood for desserts. Located at 930 Gervais St., Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe serves pies, such as key lime, coconut cream and tollhouse cakes, as well as cakes and other different pastries.
Located at 1333 Main St., you may also want to visit Nibl Dessert and Cafe. Try their different kinds of coffee, including their Hojicha Latte, which is a kind of latte made from Japanese roasted green tea, milk and water. You can also try their Tiramisu Crepe cake, Ube Crepe cake and chocolate brownies.
Though Valentine's Day may seem like a holiday only couples are able to celebrate, these activities show that love can be felt and shared in a myriad of ways, regardless of what your relationship status looks like. Whether it is going to the gym, eating a delicious pie or seeing a new movie with friends, being single on Valentine's Day isn't an excuse to not celebrate.