As the New Year progresses, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

This holiday is usually recognized as a heartfelt day or one of self-love.

Valentine’s Day is dedicated to celebrating romance and love with your significant other, but what about those who aren’t in love? 

For those not coupled up, the holiday can feel like it’s only for those in relationships to celebrate.

But for others, they see it as a day to celebrate love on their own. Many use the day to focus on self-care and to pamper themselves with gifts or food.

As student Keren Benitez mentions, “If you aren’t in a relationship, you can still take yourself on a date. One should know oneself. So give yourself what you deserve on a holiday like Valentine’s Day. Love is in the air after all.”

Valentine’s Day, on Feb. 14, is followed by Single Awareness Day the lover’s holiday, on Feb. 15, this year and is celebrated worldwide. It was created to acknowledge the single people of the world.

Paola Lopez stresses the importance of this holiday stating, “We should learn how to appreciate ourselves before we can appreciate and love others the right way.”

Although the day can be seen as a reminder of a person’s single status, it can also be a reminder to appreciate oneself.

For those in relationships, Valentine’s Day is a day to build a closer bond with their partner and shower them with displays of love.

However, this day is not an escape route for real problems.

Lopez views Valentine’s Day in a realistic perspective saying that “Although we dream about our partners showering us with presents, we have to see the reality of our expectations. Most of us aren’t as fortunate as others and others don’t even have jobs.”

According to the National Retail Federation, Valentine shoppers have set new spending records of $20.7 billion dollars in 2019.

With increasing prices as Valentine’s Day nears, price tags can nearly triple making it difficult for those financially struggling.

“Materialistic possessions can overshadow what Valentine’s Day is really about,
so when it comes to your partner, always remember why you’re with them,” says Angie Hernandez. “Even though we’d like to receive big gifts such as jewelry, clothes, shoes,etc., some people just can’t, so we have to remain vigilant for our sake.” 

This situation doesn’t speak for everyone, some couples prefer just each others company or small presents like flowers.

The day can be spent cost-free with a picnic at a park watching the sunset or at a museum. Cheap gifts can include home-made gifts, chocolates, flowers, or jewelry.

Here’s some other cheap date ideas:

1. A Picnic in the park with chocolate-covered strawberries, flowers, drinks, and
2. Watching the sunset together is a romantic night out. 
3. Mini Golf and ice cream: Castle Park Sherman Oaks is a common spot for teenagers to have fun. 
4. Adventure Date: Take a trip to a different city or part of town, like Downtown L.A.
5. Visit a museum: LACMA can be a photo opportunity or just a day activity. 
6. Botanical Garden: These places are great for pictures and enjoying nice scenery; Japanese Garden, Huntington Library, Descanso garden.
7. Amusement Park: Visiting parks such as Disneyland or six flags can add adrenaline to your relationship. 
8. Dinner: Enjoy a night of revolving sushi at Gatten Sushi restaurant in Granada Hills.