Romance Yourself

Creating Your Own Valentine’s Day Traditions

Look, let’s get real for a minute. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about waiting around for some fairy-tale romance. It’s not about flowers from a man or some grand gesture that leaves you wondering if it’s all just for show. I mean those gestures are very nice! But Valentine’s Day is about YOU—and that’s the truth.

As solo moms, we’re always the ones holding it down, juggling a million things, and making sure everyone else is taken care of. But guess what? You deserve to feel loved, appreciated, and adored—by yourself. So why not make Valentine’s Day about celebrating you? Create your own traditions that remind you just how worthy you are of love.

Let’s dive into how we can romance ourselves, mama!

1. Treat Yourself to a Self-Care Day

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in our 30s and 40s, it’s that self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Forget the “I’ll do it later” mindset. Take a day (or a few hours) to focus on yourself. Whether that’s a hot bath, a skincare routine, or just a long nap, do what you need to recharge.

Ideas for self-care:

• Run yourself a bubble bath and light some candles (get fancy with it, sis).

• Do a face mask while you catch up on your favorite shows or podcasts.

• Take a nap because honestly, we all know you need it.

• Treat yourself to a mani-pedi (even if you’re doing it yourself at home).

You’ve been out here handling everything, and it’s time to give yourself the rest you deserve.

2. Indulge in Your Favorite Food or Treat

We’ve reached an age where we know what we like—and food is definitely a love language. Whether it’s that amazing dessert you’ve been craving or a delicious dinner that hits every spot, it’s time to eat what makes you feel good. No guilt, no shame—just enjoyment. Don’t worry, you can walk it off tomorrow.

Ideas to indulge:

• Order delivery from your favorite restaurant (you know the one that always comes through).

• Get that dessert that’s been calling your name all week—chocolate, cake, or whatever makes your heart sing.

• Pair it with a glass of wine or a mocktail and enjoy the quiet (or the kids’ chaos, whatever).

A little indulgence never hurt anybody—especially when it’s for YOU.

3. Write Yourself a Love Letter

Sis, we spend so much time loving on others, sometimes we forget to show ourselves some love. Take a minute to write yourself a love letter—remind yourself of all the things that make you amazing. You’ve been through so much, and you deserve to celebrate everything about you.

How to write your love letter:

• Acknowledge how far you’ve come—whether it’s your growth as a mom, your career, or just the strength you’ve shown.

• Compliment yourself, because let’s be honest, you’ve earned it.

• Remind yourself that you’re worthy of all the love, peace, and joy life has to offer.

You know how to hype up your bestie, so take a moment and do the same for yourself.

4. Create a Heartfelt Playlist

Music is magic, boo. It has the power to elevate your mood and make you feel invincible. Create a playlist that’s all about you—songs that get you in your feels, songs that make you want to dance around your living room, songs that remind you how strong you are.

Suggested tracks:

• “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston (because, sis, you are EVERYTHING).

• “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige (for those days when you need to remind yourself you’re doing great).

• “If I Could” by Regina Belle (a classic for when you want to feel empowered).

• “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” by En Vogue (for that “I’m not settling” energy).

• “Golden” by Jill Scott (because, sis, you are glowing and shining).

• “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé (for that “I got this” mentality).

Play this playlist while you’re doing your thing—getting ready, cooking, cleaning, or just vibing in the house. Let the music fuel your self-love.

5. Buy Yourself a Thoughtful Gift

Forget waiting for someone else to get it right. Spoil yourself! Buy something that brings you joy, whether it’s something you’ve had your eye on for a while or just a little something that makes you smile every time you see it.

Gift ideas for yourself:

• A book you’ve been wanting to read (because you deserve a good story).

• A piece of jewelry that’s totally your vibe.

• New slippers or a cozy robe for those self-care days.

• A cute plant or fresh flowers to bring some beauty into your space.

Treat yourself, boo. You’ve earned it.

6. Take Yourself on a Date

Okay, this one might sound a little wild, but hear me out. Solo dates are the bomb. It’s not about waiting for a man to take you out—it’s about you loving your own company and enjoying your own time. So, go ahead and plan a solo date that’s all about your happiness.

Solo date ideas:

• Go see that movie you’ve been dying to watch (no sharing popcorn, lol).

• Visit a museum or art gallery and get lost in the beauty around you.

• Grab coffee or lunch at your favorite café and enjoy your own peaceful company.

There’s something empowering about taking yourself out on a date. It’s like saying, “I deserve to have fun and enjoy my own company.”

7. Reflect and Set New Intentions

You’ve made it through so much, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to reflect on your journey. Set some intentions for the year ahead, whether it’s for your personal growth, your career, or just the peace and love you want to bring into your life. Let this day be a reminder that you are the architect of your own future. #Bars

Reflection ideas:

• Write down all the things you’ve achieved in the last year (even the small stuff matters).

• Set a personal goal or intention for the year ahead, and commit to it.

• Visualize the woman you’re becoming and the beautiful future ahead.

You’re already a queen, but this is about creating the next chapter of your life—the one filled with self-love, happiness, and success.

Final Thoughts: Love Yourself, Always

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to romance yourself, but really, you should be doing this all year long. Self-love isn’t a one-time thing, it’s a lifestyle. So, make Valentine’s Day the start of a new tradition where you honor yourself, love on yourself, and give yourself the attention you deserve.

You are your own biggest supporter, and you deserve all the love you give to others—and then some.

So, let’s go out and show ourselves the love we deserve. Valentine’s Day is about celebrating you.

Love and light,

Tiera Nicole