If life is like a box of chocolates and we never know what we’re going to get as the wise Forrest Gump once mused – some days like Valentines Day might feel like a pretty wrapped treat with a sour taste or even no taste at all.
It’s the one day where companies assume that everyone is in a star-crossed relationship, and being single (by choice or otherwise) feels like a crime. With all the hearts and teddy bears shoved in our faces, the day can feel tremendously noisy and almost invasive, like a seagull screeching a ballad in Sea Point.
If you’re single or recently broken up, you might feel like society has pressured you to go into hiding. Or spend time with people (AKA all your other single friends, or worse, a couple who has adopted you) when you’d rather be alone.
Guess what? Being on your own is the perfect chapter to embrace main character energy. (For those out of the loop, main character energy refers to romanticising your life and embracing being the focal character in it).
Here are some main character ways to spend Valentine’s day in Cape Town
Whether you’d actually like to hide away from society today or feel like challenging yourself to venture out in the world like the protagonist you are:
1. Head to Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, take a journal and embrace your inner Bridget Jones
Few people question a thoughtful looking person armed with a journal – especially in a setting that flourishes with tranquillity like the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Are you writing a novel? Maybe some hard-hitting poetry? Or simply navigating through those tangled thoughts? No one will ever know and pondering in nature as the poets do has a funny way of igniting those lights of love we still have for life too.
2. Do a solo photoshoot at one of Cape Town’s most iconic spots, or at home
Solo photoshoots aren’t for everyone, but they do guarantee some laughs, an excuse to dress up (or down, depending on how foxy you’re feeling ) and a reason to take yourself exploring. They’re also the epitome of main character activities. Cue a movie montage from the early 2000s. And, if you’re more comfortable at home, go forth and conquer. Solo shoots are whatever you want them to be. Now of course if you want to have some friends join in on the action, it can be arranged for added laughter. Did someone say Cape Town’s next top model? Why not make it a skit on the show and rate each other’s photos while you’re at it? (hint, only 10/10s are allowed). Here are some of the most Instagrammable spot suggestions.
3. Have a movie night where all your favourite snacks and the putting on the Tinder Swindler are compulsory
The Tinder Swindler (with no offence intended toward the victims) is a real guilty pick me up because as you watch the story unfold you’ll likely have a huge sigh and think ‘while I might be single, but at least I’m not dating a fake billionaire with enemies’. Pro-tip: if you’re not feeling up to going out to buy snacks, Uber Eats has the convenience store option where you can dive into the snack universe. If you want to add the treat of a laugh, definitely go read Cape Town’s reactions to the documentary here.
4. Volunteer at an animal shelter and be the main character in something meaningful
What better way to spend your love than on animals in need? Take a cue from some of the real-life main characters, the animal shelter heroes who don’t wear capes, for this one. The Animal Welfare Society has locations all over Cape Town. You can contact the AWS on 0216922626.
5. Go have a ‘sunset and think moment’ like the introduction to an Indie film
Pack a picnic or your brooding thoughts, and head off to do the one thing that never feels too awkward lone-ranger. Sunset watching is one of the best solo activities, and in Cape Town, we have a boatload of places for you to calm your thoughts and take a true moment for yourself. Here are some of our favourite sunset spot suggestions.
6. Explore somewhere a little more hidden like an explorer
Solo-explorers are the ultimate main characters as they stumble upon hidden gems and mysteries. While we’re not advising that you go full on Indiana Jones into the wilderness (unless of course, that’s the kind of thing you’d tip your hat toward) there are dime a dozen hidden gems in Cape Town that you can check out here.
7. Go to the movies and watch the main character
Whoever decided that we needed to go to the movies with other people obviously never took all the perks of going solo into consideration. You don’t have to share any snacks, there’s no one interrupting the film, and you can be fully immersed in another world without the pressure of wondering if your date knows you have a popcorn kernel in your teeth. The Labia is a fabulous spot to check out in town, where the added treat of alcoholic slushies can be found. You’re welcome.
8. Cook yourself a delicious dinner like you are the cooking world’s main character – Gordon Ramsay
If ever there was a time to get experimental in the kitchen, it’s on a solo-date night. No one can judge the food, you can make as many mistakes as you like and you can be as flamboyant as you please without looking like you’re putting on a show. Here are some amazing ‘romantic’ recipes to tackle for the guest of honour – yourself.
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Picture: @sarahlanga