Date with Myself: How to Have Fun Solo on Feb. 14 and Avoid Valentine's Day

Ugh it’s that time of the year where the date which shall not be named is cropping up again soon, and if you haven’t tired of the constant tirade of pricey ritualistic celebrations and peacocking of expensive gifts being shoved in your face yet, you deserve a medal.

Whether it’s the over-commercialism of the holiday or cheesy couples everywherethat’s giving you the ick, make your Valentine’s Day worthwhile with these fun activities to enjoy with the best company of all – your own!

See a film

Watching a movie in your own company is one of the most underrated activities there is! Aside from getting to hog all the popcorn to yourself and skipping that awkward silent “whose cupholder is this?” tango, the experience lets the world around you quietly melt away once you let the onscreen story take over.

HKMovie6 is a handy go-to for the latest showings in Hong Kong that aggregates from cinemas around the city and allows you to buy tickets as well as browse most of the screenings’ seating plans and availabilities.

Eat ramen at Ichiran

Dining solo can be a nerve-racking experience, so let’s approach it with baby steps. Famously designed to give individual diners to become fully immersed in enjoying a bowl of piping hot ramen alone, ramen chain Ichiran has popularized their famed one-person booths since 1993.

A little reminiscent of a study carrel in the most silent corner of your school library, these divided blocks are comfy little cubby holes that give to your senses a space to pay full attention to the restaurant’s rich savoury broth and springy noodles.

Location: Ichiran, click here to see all branches

Go on a mindful hike

Hiking is a wonderful way to take a breather from the pressure cooker that is inner city Hong Kong and makes for a fantastic brief getaway from all the overbearing explosions of bright pinks and PDA that’s been scheduled for the day.

Make the journey an extra special one and bring along a handful of journalling stationery and your notebook with you or even a film camera, then give yourself time along each pit stop in the outdoors to soak in the atmosphere all around. Let your mind wander without judgement or outside nuisances, before solidifying your memories on paper and film for more lasting impressions.

Please be sure that you are familiar enough with the trail you are taking, and that you have taken the right precautions, and brought enough water and supplies to take the trip safely!

Join a baking class

Okay, we admit that despite the annoying inescapability of everything from shoes to cookies that are brimming in love hearts and cupids and all the other fluffy symbols of the season, having a sweet tooth makes it hard to resist the special edition treats being cooked up and crafted. This is exactly the call for you to roll up your sleeves and make your own delectable desserts. Have your cake and eat it all too!

Not only is it super gratifying to pour your heart into something that’ll fill you up with sweetness, but it’s also a wonderful way to gain a new hobby, or finetune your baking skills if you’re already a dabbler in the cobbler and tarts. Providing courses in handmake cakes, as well as for making delectable Japanese wagashi, unleash the baking whizz in you at ABC studio.

Location: ABC cooking studio, click here to see all branches

Restore your own balance

Eventually, the day’s bouquets will wilt and the chocolates will be eaten, though the one thing that’ll remain strong is the love that’s in the air. It may seem like a foreign feeling at first, but turning your attention to cultivating self-love and self-compassion can really help to re-fuel your mental state and body.

Offering a tailored restorative class incorporating mindfulness and breathwork exercises, XYZ studio has scheduled a month full of 60-minute retreat sessions focused on deepening your sense of feeling grounded in your own self.

Location: XYZ Studio, 12/F, China Building, 29 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong