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The 12 non-dating apps single people need this Valentine's Day

It's that time of year again. Valentine's Day, the occasion that seems designed to send anyone not in a romantic relationship into some sort of existential crisis. But this need not be the case. With technology on your side, there are plenty of ways you can celebrate this consumerist day from the comfort of your home, or out with friends. 

Here are some of the top apps that can make the experience less painful, and more pleasurable - all year round. 

1. If you need to halve the bill: Splitwise 

via GIPHY

Date not quite going the way you planned? Avoid further awkwardness about who should be paying what (and who had the large glass of Malbec) with Splitwise, which allows for fuss-free dividing of the bill. It also calculates how much tip you each need to leave. Just tap away, leave some cash and get out. 

Free to download

2. If you're in need of physical attention: OMGyes 

At home alone, and feeling hot under the collar? No matter. OMGyes is a unique concept designed around female sexual pleasure. In a series of frank and, yes, rather explicit interviews, the site (it's not an app yet) discusses the different ways that women can achieve an orgasm, alone or in company. Describing itself as a learning tool, there are also touch-screen videos so that you can practice the techniques yourself. Emma Watson famously promoted its benefits. o 

£25 for 12 videos

3. If you want a slap up meal: Yummly  

Who says you need a date to eat good food on Valentine's Day? Whisk up a gourmet meal for one with Yummly, an encyclopedic collection of recipes gathered from across the web. You can tailor it to your preferences, and find a recipe to suit your dietary requirements, as well as whatever you've got left in the fridge. Yummly collates recipes from top sites and chefs (look out for Jamie Oliver and BBC Good Food) as well as bloggers such as Deliciously Ella. Delicious food with no fuss, and you get to scoff the lot.

Free to download

4. If you want to get as far away as possible: Tourlina  

Newsflash: being single does not mean you're not allowed to see the world, so embrace your freedom and plan a trip abroad. Tourlina is exclusively for female solo travellers, allowing you to connect with other women planning holidays in the same area. Get advice on destinations and itineraries, compare travel plans and, if you want, arrange to meet up when you're there.

Free to download

5. If you really need ice-cream: Deliveroo 

Despite all your best efforts, singletons may feel obliged to indulge in a Bridget Jones-esque session of sugar-laden solitude. It might be a cliche, but it's also delicious. Deliveroo has the answer, allowing you to order from your favourite restaurant and have the food delivered to your door. What you may not know is that there is a dessert-specific filter, meaning that you can get a sugar fix from a top venue. Londoners take note, this means Crosstown Doughnuts, Hummingbird Bakery and Ben's Cookies are all only a few taps away.  

Free to download

6. If you want to boost your self-confidence: Sweat with Kayla

Exercise is a key way to get an easy boost. Feel like you can conquer anything with Kayla Itsines, the 25 year old fitness guru who has taken the world by storm with her intense 28 minute workouts. Designed specifically for women, the app has brought together an entire community of girls around the world looking to get fit and strong. Banish self-doubt and embrace your hot, sweaty, single self. This girl can.

 £3.45 per week or £14.99 a month

7. If you're in need of TLC: Treatwell 

There is nothing like a well-earned facial or massage to make you feel good about yourself, and we all need a bit more of that. Handy app Treatwell allows you to search and book a whole range of therapies, from haircuts to pedicures or a full-on spa break, with some fantastic discounts. No need to worry about making appointments far in advance, either, as you can look on the day itself.  

Free to download

8. If you want to organise your life: Soon 

Use your freedom as an opportunity for therapeutic list-making with Soon, a digital bucket list. The simple interface allows you to make lists of all the films/TV programmess you've been meaning to watch, the cafes you want to visit, the places you want to travel and more. And when you've completed an activity, you get the satisfaction of ticking it off. Guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired by all the great things there are to do in the world.

Free to download

9. If you want to boost your small talk:  TED 

Want to improve your general knowledge and make sure you have something new to say next time you're invited to a dinner party/date? Learn something new via TED, which offers access to an inspiring range of talks from the world's leading experts. Whether it's JK Rowling discussing the importance of failure. model Cameron Russell on changing our perceptions or Arianna Huffington on the importance of sleep, you're bound to find something fascinating to while away the hours. 

Free to download.

 

10. If you need to chill: Calm 

Take advantage of your single status to focus on your wellbeing. Calm is a beautiful meditation app for anyone feeling burnt out, designed to help you stay calm, relax and sleep. It's great for beginners as well as those more advanced - guided meditations start from just 3 minutes duration. There's a huge range of topics available, from calming anxiety to improving concentration and building self-esteem, plus a range of calming sounds to soothe you at difficult moments. And breathe.

7 day free trial, then  £7.99 per month or £29.99 a year

11. If clothes are the answer: Comb  

Want to soothe your bruised heart with some retail thereapy? Comb offers streamlined online shopping: upload a picture of an outfit or item you like, and Comb will find it for you, as well as hundreds of other similar options. It covers a huge range of brands, from high street to haute couture. You can buy with one tap, or save the item to your wishlist, and you'll receive a notification when it's on sale. Fashion acolytes will love the fact that you follow your favourite bloggers and celebrities too, and see what they've got their eye on. 

Free to download

12. If you just need to get out: Meetup 

The most important thing to remember about being single? You're not alone. Meetup is a social network to help you find friends, not dates, who share your interests. Join a language exchange, a boardgame society or a bunch of arthouse film fanatics. See what events are happening in your area and join in - you can always Deliveroo some ice-cream for two...

Free to download.