With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, many people are showing off their significant others and showering them with gifts and affection. This often leaves those who are single feeling isolated, disappointed, and pessimistic. However, it is time to replace the idea of merely “surviving” with the notion of “thriving” on Valentine’s Day, and here are some ways to do so:

Third wheel with your parents, sibling, or best friend

This is probably one of the most expected options for single people on Valentine’s Day and often comes with negative feelings, from both the couple and the third wheel. However, when done right, this can be fun for all people involved in the night’s adventures. If you feel like the basic third wheeling will not be fun for you, you can try to get a group to go with you. For instance, if one person in your friend group has a Valentine and the rest do not, those who are single can dress up as the Men in Black, or go without costumes, and follow the couple from afar.

Have a self-care night

Treat yourself! Get your nails done, do a face mask, have an everything shower, and eat your favorite food. Buy yourself flowers and chocolate and just enjoy your own company. Focus on bettering yourself, your environment, and the things you can control over those you cannot.

Have a night out with friends

Go out and enjoy time with your friends! You can coordinate a themed night or just go spontaneous. If you are missing a fancier vibe, get dressed up together, get each other flowers, and go to a nice restaurant together. If a fancy dinner is not your thing, you can go out and do an activity such as mini golf, bowling, or going to Build-a-Bear.

Have a night in with friends

If you prefer to spend time with your friends but hate the noise and chaos involved with going somewhere, invite your friends to have a night in. Whether you choose to make heart-shaped pizzas, make chocolate-covered strawberries, have a PowerPoint night, play board games, or just enjoy each others’ company, it is sure to be a fun night.

Go out and act like it’s your (or your friend’s) birthday

If all you are missing from the concept of a Valentine is a gift or a nice meal, you can go out to different restaurants and drive-thrus acting like it is your birthday to see what you can get without paying a penny. If you are with a group of friends at a restaurant, tell your waiter/waitress it is one of your friend’s birthday without them knowing. Then, see if your friend notices something is off before your server has the chance to act on the false knowledge.

Do something with your younger sibling

If you have a younger sibling without a Valentine, help them out! You can either fill that role for them, by buying them flowers and doing their favorite activity with them, or help them with their crush, by helping them pick out a gift or plan their playground.

Have a movie marathon or binge your favorite show

Sometimes the best way to unwind and enjoy yourself is in front of the television. You can have a movie marathon or just binge-watch your favorite T.V. series. If you want to make an event, invite your favorite people, bring snacks, order food, and enjoy the entertainment.

Do something you love

Whether you love to do crafts, bake, read, or game, doing something which brings you joy may be more beneficial than sleeping the night away. This is also a great option if you prefer to feel productive and see progress easily!

Do something outdoors

Depending on the weather, doing something outdoors and getting a good dose of fresh air and sunlight could be just what you need to be feeling better. If it is snowy, make a snowman or host a snowball fight, complete with snow forts. If it is sunny and warmer, go on a hike, walk through a park, or watch the sunset.

Prove a conspiracy theory is true (or false)

If you are feeling like proving some people wrong or if you just think you need to get lost in a mystery, research your favorite conspiracy theories. While this may take longer than one night to finish, Valentine’s Day is as good of a time as any to begin the process. You can even put together a presentation of your findings to show your friends and family once you are finished.

Whether you choose to spend the night by yourself or surrounded by the people you love, hopefully, the day is spent having fun and not just trudging along. Remember, this Valentine’s Day could be the last one you spend without a Valentine, so make it count!