Valentine’s day has become something of a duel between singles and couples. Couples generally take the opportunity to show their loved “one” how much they mean to them by way of a gift. The gift can range from chocolates, to flowers, to a date or a holiday, depending on how much emphasis you both place on Valentine ’s Day and of course how far your budget can stretch. Singles on the other hand, receive very little except the reminder that they are single. Depending on the resolve of the single, the reminder could mean nothing or it could mean absolutely everything. If you fall into the former category then this article might not be for you (but it might help someone you know so do spread the word) but if you fall in the latter category do read on. So what is a single to do on this glorious day of love other than wallow in a state of self-pity?
1. Get over it – As harsh as it sounds, you have got to get over it. Crying over spilt milk is unnecessary as is moping over being single. The key to getting over it is to transfer those emotions, ideas and wishes into something else. The perfect coping mechanism is to do something you love. Shop if you have to, read a book, write a blog, go to church (remember Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday) or do some work. If you have to pack that day with activities in order to avoid feelings of lowliness then do that. Have fun and watch the way time will fly.
2. Acknowledge it – I know I just told you to get over it but acknowledge it. Unless by some weird circumstance that Valentine’s Day and the memory of it is wiped out from our existence, it is here to stay. Like Christmas and every other holiday, it will come every year and will involve an unusual amount of PDA outside of the “norm”. It will also mean roses, hearts and teddy bears in every shop window from the January 31st but that’s ok.
3. Remember that you won’t be single forever – I had a conversation with a friend of mine after I wrote my “Can I Rent A Valentine?” post and I wanted to get his feedback. He made this rather poignant statement,
“I don’t know why Valentine’s day has to be a topic of thought or discussion for those that aren’t in a relationship or pursuing someone. I liken it to someone obsessing over someone else’s birthday. It’s not your birthday so why are you worried about someone else celebrating it? Imagine being depressed because it’s not your birthday. Your own birthday will come.”
4. Get your friends – We’ve often heard it said that misery needs company. In other words, if you happen to feel miserable on Valentine’s Day, call on your entourage. By entourage, I mean the people who make you laugh even when there is nothing to laugh about, the people who ride for you even when the wheels fall off, the people who support you, the people who love you regardless, the ones who make you feel special. For example, I’m spending Valentine’s Day with a bunch of my girlfriends because I love them that much.
5. Meet other singles – Valentine’s Day is possibly the greatest time to expand your single network. Single people have the added advantage of time and freedom. They can decide to throw themselves into work without being accused of neglect. They can decide to meet up with another single without thinking about another person’s feelings. Single folk might be the best kind of people to bounce ideas with at 11 pm when your creative juices are flowing and you need some direction. If you’ve never thought of Valentine’s Day as a time to reach out to another single who might be able to take your business or idea to another level because they have the expertise that you require, think again. Outside of business purposes, mingling is fun.
In summary, your time will come so stop drowning in self – pity. Let self – worth be your life guard.
Love Cris x
P.S Happy Valentine’s day to you all.
P.S.S Thank God that Valentine isn’t like its cousin Easter, unless we’d be celebrating it for days.