Valentine`s Day has evolved beyond lavish romantic gestures and candlelit meals. Increasingly, people over 40 who are widowed, divorced, or trapped in miserable marriages are rewriting history and enjoying the day anyway they see fit.

50 per cent of adults over 40 in big cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai are choosing solo festivities, self-dates, or unusual encounters over customary pair outings, as per new data from Gleeden, Indian extramarital dating site.

"Valentine’s Day is about love in all its forms, and self-love is at the core of it. More and more people above 40 are realising that they don’t need a partner to make this day special. Whether they take themselves out, try something new, or just enjoy their own company, they’re reclaiming Valentine`s Day as a celebration of independence. Gone are the days when Valentine’s Day was a dreaded event for singles. Now, it’s about self-celebration, breaking free from societal expectations, and embracing your own happiness. Whether you’re toasting to yourself at a five-star dinner, dancing the night away at a singles event, or exploring a new destination, this Valentine’s Day is all about you." says Sybil Shiddell, country manager, Gleeden India.