Like clockwork, Valentine’s Day arrives to seemingly pressure all of us for no reason. Everybody in a relationship feels pressured to do something because of an arbitrary date. Meanwhile, the rest of us get stuck watching them, wishing we were the ones pressured into doing something special. Despite this, Valentine’s Day can make for a time to feel lucky for those in your life and poke fun at your single status. With that said, enjoy some Valentine’s Day memes to prep you for the sappiest holiday and send to your other single friends!
1. When Isolation Goes A Bit Too Far
In the midst of a global pandemic, our anti-social habits became a boon. As we near normalcy, however, our greatest assets turn into our greatest flaws. Now comes the time for stepping outside and actually meeting people, unfortunately. My heart goes out to all who face social anxiety after hiding inside for two years. Send this one to your friends still struggling to get out there and socialize.
2. Let’s Get This Out of the Way
Of course, with a list of memes dunking on Valentine’s Day, we must acknowledge the elephant in the room. Indeed, to slam V-Day involves giving it the very attention we seek to deprive it of. That said, let us continue to hate it! Don’t worry, an arbitrary date won’t feel bullied by your social media posts. Perhaps send this meme to the friend of yours posting too many anti-Valentine’s Day memes (like me).
3. No Comment
This meme goes out to all my readers with complicated reasons for their single status. Life gets complex, as do people. You might find yourself wading out of a situationship or just not looking for anything right now. Either way, equip this meme for any folks looking to nose their way into your affairs. You deserve the privacy.
4. For Nirvana Fans
A little bit of observational humor for you all. I really fancy myself a modern-day Seinfeld with this one. I mean, “What’s the deal with heart-shaped boxes? You only see them once a year! Where do they keep them for the other 364 days?” We may never find an answer to this question, but perhaps this meme can help you find some humor this season. Send this meme to your aunt who you know will chortle and proceed to reference it for the next two years.
5. One Year Later
Unfortunately for some in the single crowd, some of us remain our own worst enemy in the dating game, me included. “How did I not find love in the last year?” I ask the mirror. I look into my eyes and come to the realization that I still need to love myself and fix my own flaws. Anyway, send this one to your friend who flounders in their sorrow on Valentine’s Day, but also made no effort to change in recent years.
6. Nostalgia
Okay, so hear me out on this one: Sometimes we just need to step back on Valentine’s Day. Get your head out of college and the world of dating as a young adult. Go back to those fun times as a little kid. What got you more hyped than love? Just as I thought, FUN DIP. Send this to your friend who also remembers the hype of sharing Valentine’s Day cards and candy with the whole class.
7. The Truth
While I partially feel as though I am preaching to the choir with this one, I think it needed saying anyway. I simply cannot see how candy hearts remain the unofficial symbol for Valentine’s Day while Fun Dip exists. I mean seriously, who ever got candy hearts in elementary school and felt excitement? “Oh boy, I can’t wait to eat the candy equivalent of Tums while reading half-printed love notes,” said nobody. Put this one on your story to show people your status as a candy afficionado.
8. Returning With My Tail Between My Legs
I’ll admit, the season of love can lead a person to feeling a tad…left out. Some of us may feel inclined to redownload certain apps in the hopes of filling the void. As to whether these apps will make us feel better or worse? I wouldn’t put my money on the former. Either way, here’s a meme for everybody getting back to rolling their boulder up the hill of online dating a la Sisyphus.
9. Miss Me With that B.S.
At the same time, I do hope we can all see through the business model of these apps. Most of them sell an idea of happiness and use little tricks and tools to get you hooked regardless of whether or not you get matches. Just when you thought your love life might improve, you fork over five bucks a month for a better chance at meeting the right person. Don’t let me dictate your life, but don’t get suckered by big companies looking to make a profit. Put this meme on your story the next time Tinder tries to take advantage of your single status on Valentine’s Day.
10. Alone, Together
I don’t think anyone can argue against hanging with friends on Valentine’s Day. It helps to tamper down feelings of loneliness and make the day into something special! At the same time, sometimes friends just might not fill the void perfectly. Either way, put this meme in the group chat to show some self-awareness while keeping it light. Your single friends might get a laugh.
11. Comfort in Singledom
Now we get into self-love. Remember: without a Valentine on February 14th, you can treat it like every other day! Take some time to revel in your lack of commitment and the lack of societal pressure to make a random day mean some something. Sleep in. Eat a normal dinner. Don’t spend more money than usual. Enjoy the freedom!
12. The Inescapable Love
Of course, my Halloween-obsessed self couldn’t avoid making a meme out of skeletons. How many days until October? Regardless, here we can observe an accurate artist’s rendering of your average bachelor/bachelorette on Instagram come Valentine’s Day. Prepare thyself for all the couple posts and stories coming soon. “Why yes, Jessica, I really did want to see every detail of your candle-lit dinner with Brad.” Put this pic on your story to let the world know all about your elation for the holiday.
13. The Sad Fact of the Matter
At the end of the day, however, I feel we must wrap back around to self-awareness. With even the most biting of memes, we give Valentine’s Day more attention. Perhaps the real way of winning Valentine’s Day while single simply involves not posting anything at all. Either way, such a moral conundrum concerns greater minds than mine. As I said before, send this one to the meme master in your group trying to make light of the holiday. They just might crack up.
14. The Aftermath
Now we look to the future. What comes after Valentine’s Day? The same thing as every other holiday: Discounted merchandise! Send this one to your shopping buddy, the one who will push your shopping cart full of Dove and Godiva chocolates listed at seventy five percent off. Who needs love when you’ve got friends, money, and food?
Valentine’s Day arrives soon and obviously those who are in a relationship feel ecstatic. Who doesn’t love to be showered with gifts and words of love at a romantic date? But let’s be honest—some of us don’t count on that romantic dinner in the moonlight. What does our February 14 look like? Binge-watching Netflix and scrolling through Pinterest post that makes us want to get our life together, that’s what. CM’s got another activity for you to feel a little bit better when coping with a case of single-fever.
Check out these must-see 14 Valentine’s Day memes for a perfect combo of laughing, crying and forgetting about your love life.
15. Baby Don’t Hurt Me, No More
Valentine’s Day reminds many that they don’t have a bae. A day celebrating couples and them shoving their hugs, kisses and hand-holding in our faces? No thanks. However, this e-card remind us of something very important; no one loves you on any other day either. Though harsh, this meme reminds us that Valentine’s Day shouldn’t make us feel anymore down in the dumps than a regular day. But remember: dogs literally love everyone. Get yourself a dog.
16. I love you. I know.
Flying your single-flag on Valentine’s Day can definitely be a force to be reckoned with. Just keep it in mind that like Han, you should be proud of going Solo. Taking on the world by yourself can be awesome. Loyola Maryland freshman Rachael Loretan said, “I am totally okay with being single over Valentine’s Day because I can eat all my favorite candy by myself and I can do whatever I want with my friends. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be for the boys.” Even Han counts on Chewbacca, so make sure you hug your friends extra tight this February 14 and try to fit in a Galentine’s Day this year.
17. Forward this to 15 friends or…
Remember those chain messages that threatened your future love life and future success over email or text? The moment you got one of those terrible text chains, you forwarded it faster than your lap-time for gym class. Most people passed on the tales of scary stories and we bet those people currently have someone to share Valentine’s Day with. If you need a valid excuse for being a single-Pringle, take a trip down memory lane. Those chain messages officially came back to haunt you. “I always forwarded those chain messages when I was younger. I was always afraid they would come true,” said James Madison freshman Olivia McCoy.
18. Mo’ money? No problems.
Somewhat bitter about spending V-Day alone? Try to reframe the situation. Pros and cons of both sides of the relationship spectrum come to mind when debating how luck you are this Valentine’s Day. On one side of the spectrum, cuddling and sharing your feelings with someone sounds awesome. Many can agree that the best thing about being single’s gotta be the fact you save a lot of money. Relationships rack up the cash.
19. Love is in the air, get the gas mask
Follow Ned Flanders and protect yourself from this contagious thing called love. Grab your gas mask and bare through Valentine’s Day without being exposed. You never know though, maybe catching love sickness might help cure your bad attitude. Not everyone should bitterly pout on February 14.
20. Couple pics? No thanks!
Ever been the third wheel both in person and on camera? Or maybe they plague every social media feed. Whatever it is, couple photos can be hell on Earth. “Couple pictures don’t bother me unless there’s an unnecessarily cheesy caption that goes along with the picture. Then it’s annoying,” said Penn State University freshman Sydney Ernst. A nice day chilling or hanging out with friends turns into a photoshoot; what a bummer. At least you didn’t get stuck taking the pictures.
21. Jim couldn’t land me in a million years
Office lovers definitely understand Dwight Schrute’s crude humor. Sadly, life isn’t just about beets, bears and Battle Star Galactica. For some, Feb 14 acts as just another date on a calendar. A regular ole day that will pass and you can go back to hating on couples and PDA without looking like an Anti-Valentine’s Day activist. Until then, sit tight and pretend that Valentine’s Day doesn’t even exist.
22.. Love is in the Air
Can you feel the love tonight? With love in the air, it seems to act pretty contagious. Yet, who needs love when you have science on your side? Nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon dioxide gets you through the day. Sheldon gets it. Grab your fave air freshener and starting spraying; nothing can get in between you and your bitterness towards love.
23. What are you doing for Valentine’s Day, Harry?
Ready for a magical night alone? Harry Potter defines how many people spend their weekends: upstairs and pretending they don’t exist. Take the magical boy’s advice and just lay low for one day. You won’t watch couples kiss and share dinner together. Being secluded in your bedroom, cuddled with your cat and watching Harry Potter could not get any better for a single lady or lad.
24. Everyone has a hand to hold
You reach out to grab the hand of your S.O. and wonder why they feel so cold. Oh wait—you’re dating your fridge. Yup, the hand you are holding may be the refrigerator door handle but just remember, it’s always been there for you when you need it most. Even through the ugly and terrible breakups of your past lovers, you can always rely on some yummy leftovers in the wee hours of the night. Cheer up and know that the fridge will never, ever leave you. Until it breaks… but a least no hard feelings exist and you get a much-needed upgrade.
25. How we plan on spending Valentine’s Day
Unlike Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen, many of us aren’t number one this Valentine’s Day. Most single ladies and lads out there can relate with our childhood friend SpongeBob. Forever alone but forever happy. Getting food alone never seems fun, even if you are just getting a bite to eat at the dining hall. On Valentine’s Day, all those couples on romantic dinner dates with fancy steaks and drinks put you on edge. And what do you happen to be you doing? Probably sitting alone grabbing a greasy bite to eat. “Do I like sitting alone? dO i Like sItTinG ALoNe?” said University of San Diego freshman Jamie Schneider when asked about eating alone. But hey, maybe the Patrick and Sandy of your life will save the day.
26. February 14th? How about February 15th!
Valentine’s Day is everyone’s favorite holiday… LOL sike. Don’t get me wrong: We all want to enjoy a loving and caring relationship. Let’s think about it, though… what can be better than that? Chocolate, of course. And what brings it to a whole new level? When chocolate hearts, roses and popular brands become 50 percent off. “I cannot wait to get those chocolate truffles,” said Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute freshman Katie Hyrb. If you’re single and feeling a little bit blue this Valentine’s Day, cheer up, buttercup. February 15th brings a wonderful day of chocolates on clearance. Save money and eat your feelings a little bit later.
27. You’ll find someone eventually, but until then you’re chillin’
Just chill, honestly. Even on a holiday that reminds you of how sad the single life makes you, this meme reminds you your Netflix account will never leave you (unless the family member you’re stealing it from changes the password). “I can’t wait to watch The Purge this Valentine’s Day,” said Dickinson College freshman Emma Wolf. Until then, just chill, find some quality memes and try not to mess up you sleep schedule binge-watching Netflix.
28. The Never-Ending Posts that make you a Scrooge
You scroll through your feed and you can’t seem to escape the never-ending loop of couple’s pics. This doesn’t mean you should show your feelings on social media. Whatever you do, don’t post about how much you hate Valentine’s Day. Of course, you acquire every right to be bitter about the single life but no one wants to be that person. “If they want to feel bitter, they can feel bitter. It’s just annoying,” said USD freshman Alicia Talancon. Tweeting too many sassy remarks about couples and sharing Anti-Valentine’s Day sentiments on Facebook should hit the banned list. Be considerate—you’re your friends who did find Mr. or Mrs. Right could get annoyed. Your time will come. Until then, you can find love with memes.
Need a little “me” time this Valentine’s Day? Here’s a V-day guide for singles.
Written by Alissa Medina, freshman, media and cultural studies, University of California, Riverside
The pressure to be in a relationship plagues us as Valentine’s Day approaches. Singles turn into couples as the day creeps closer, while those who are single are left alone to watch cheesy romantic comedies, painfully washing their tears away in a bowl of Häagen-Dazs.
California State University, Northridge freshman Frank Rivero said there really shouldn’t be any pressure to be with someone on Valentine’s Day unless the individual has feelings for a person.
But for some, the pressure could be beyond their control: Co-author of The Shy Single Sandra Gordon said the feeling is biological. You may naturally feel as if you are “missing out” on relationship opportunities, she described, but you should instead approach being single as a time to explore yourself before committing to a relationship later in life.
Here are our tips on making it through Valentine’s Day in solitude.
For the Still-Single and Still-looking
Instead of wallowing in self-pity this year, Susan Page, author of If I’m So Wonderful, Why am I Still Single? encouraged singles to advocate “self-love.” Singles should make a point to buy gifts for themselves on Valentine’s Day that will sustain loneliness or plan an event with other single friends; it is ideal to remain in the presence of others rather than in a lonely setting. “Think of everyone as a potential friend and go out and meet as many interesting people as you can and just have fun,” Page advised.
For the Just-Got-Out-of-a-Relationship Single
“We often let go of important parts of who we are in relationships, and getting those aspects of self back is essential to making better relationship choices in the future,” said Dr. Laura Brown, clinical and forensic psychologist in Seattle, Washington. Brown suggested for students to understand “college is a transformative experience that could leave you very different.” Realizing your own needs will lead you into a positive journey to find out who you are and exactly what you want in a partner, so take time to adjust and learn from the responsibilities and pressures you had in a relationship. Grieving from the remains of a relationship is normal, Page said, and being alone—on Valentine’s Day or any other—gives the heart time to unwind.
For the Ambivalent Single
If you find yourself alone this Valentine’s Day as a result of commitment phobia, Gordon—who admitted to fleeing from relationships in her 20s for fear of settling down—has the answer. “Commitment issues could be about the person you’re with or it could be about you, or it could be a mix of both,” she said. She attended numerous therapy sessions, which she recalled helped her recognize internally-haunting feelings and advises college students to do the same. If you find you’re not yet ready to commit, use the meantime to assess relationship opportunities at hand. “There is no need to rush into a commitment when you are in college,” said Page.
For the Experimental Single
Though she described the college dating pool as “vast,” Gordon said the campus atmosphere is an ideal place to cultivate interests and experiment before finding the “one.” Often, adding another person to the equation of finding oneself can allow distractions and deter from self-development. “Lots of doors are wide open,” she said. “The challenge lies in balancing your own needs as an individual and your personal need to ‘find yourself’ and what the world has to offer with your social life.” This Valentine’s Day, aim to find that balance by remaining social. Attend a singles-only party or ask a special someone out for a romantic fling.
As Brown suggested for February 14, “assert your independence from this corporate message.” Being single is not the end of the world on Valentine’s Day or in college. Allow yourself the opportunity to find what you want from life and the many choices you encounter in a susceptible partner. “You should play up your single years and consider them a gift,” said Gordon.
*Article updated February 14, 2018 by Alissa Medina to include “‘Me’ Time: A Valentine’s Day Guide for Singles.”
