Every February, stores across the country stock their shelves with heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, fresh roses, stuffed animals, and greeting cards filled with only the sweetest of sentiments. And each year, couples around the world indulge in their love for one another. Dates are made, gifts are given, and love is shared.
But for those who haven’t been struck by Cupid’s arrow, February is just another reminder of the downfalls of single life in a world full of loved-up couples.
Valentine’s Day: You either love it or you hate it. And if you’re single, it is likely the latter. But it doesn’t have to be a day of pity if you haven’t a Valentine. Here are some ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day if you’re in the single crowd.
Spend a night on the town with your friends.
If you’re single, it is important to appreciate the relationships that you do have in your life, and what better way to show your appreciation than to share Valentine’s Day with your best friends. While it may not be the romantic night you were dreaming of, you’re guaranteed to have a blast doing the things you love around people that you love. It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you’re having fun. The point is not to dwell on the fact that you’re single; but that you are surrounded by people who reciprocate a different type of love for you.
Have an anti-Valentine’s Day Party.
If you’re alone for Valentine’s Day, why not hold a party that celebrates single life? Invite your single friends and spend the night doing anything that goes against traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations. Give out satirical Valentine’s Day cards. Look up your exes on Facebook and have a laugh. Make voodoo dolls of your past lovers and toss them out the window. Share stories about your worst dates. Enjoy the perks of being single.
Pamper yourself.
Being alone on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be depressing. In fact, it can be quite beneficial. There are plenty of deals to take advantage of at the mall, and tons of specials at restaurants for Valentine’s Day. Simply treat yourself to the finer things in life. This helps remind us that while we may not have a significant other, we must still value and respect ourselves. (And it doesn’t hurt to spoil yourself every once in a while!)
Reconnect with a family member.
Valentine’s Day is about relationships. Outside of our love life, we are born into relationships in our families. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the people in our family we much too often neglect. See the latest Valentine’s chick-flick with your mom, have a quiet dinner with your father, or ask your grandparents to share old-fashioned love stories with you. You may get more out of a quiet night with your family on Valentine’s Day than you expected.
So, while Valentine’s Day is primarily a holiday for lovers, it can be just as fun for the single soul. Just remember that being single doesn’t mean that you have to be alone this Valentine’s Day.
