Valentine’s Day is a day for couples. There are so many items to buy in the shops; they are flooded with things related to love: heart-shaped chocolates, flowers, cards and much more.
It is the day when the air is filled with the aroma of love and romance; restaurants reserve tables only for couples, work colleagues are interested to know how many Valentine’s cards you have received, comparisons take place. However, what if you are single?
There are so many items but no one to buy them for. In the build-up to the day everywhere you turn, there is a reminder of Valentine’s Day, cards to buy, gifts on show and alternatives of where to go on the great day.
A single person can feel that they are constantly reminded of their uncommitted status and of not having someone with whom to share the day in a romantic way. Then on the day they just want to become a hermit and stay at home to hide away. After all, how could they possibly go out in the evening?
Despite all this, it is very necessary for single people to understand the true essence of Valentine’s Day. The fact is that the day is not meant only for couples. The ultimate message behind Valentine’s Day is to spread the message of love around the world. Sadly, from a commercial point of view, this has become focused on couples.
In effect, the concept is much broader than that of a day for lovers. Yes, even singles can celebrate the day. Who do you love? There are people in your life that you love: parents, friends, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and those people love you back.
They have been with you through the traumas and happiness of your life, there is possibly a long list of people with whom you could celebrate Valentine’s Day. Love has helped you through the bad and good times, why not celebrate it?
Keep that thought in mind and then consider what you could plan for Valentine’s Day as a single person with a whole group of people you love and who love you too:
Plan an outing with your friends or family. If a meal in a restaurant is what you would like, then book a table for a group. All the ladies will probably receive a rose, but if the number is an odd number around the table, at least it will not seem as bad as a single person eating alone or in a threesome and feeling like a gooseberry.
The outing could be at someone’s home. So try a meal, or buffet, for friends or family. Here you could really be creative with roses, heart-shaped chocolates, candles and lots of things to celebrate love.
It would be cheaper than eating out and all the food could be ‘love-themed’. Ask each guest to bring a dish which is ‘love related’; that would be fun to see how creative they could be. For example, couples tend to eat oysters when love is in the air. You could visit your parents or grandparents and show your love for them. Spend an evening with them and talk over ‘old times’ to remember all the ‘good times’ you spent together.
The aim would be to end the evening with a warm, all-over glow of feeling good, happy and all loved-up with the people who are important in your life. Remember, it is impossible to show them this love when they are no longer with us.
Why not buy gifts for friends or others in your life; have a look at the cards, I am sure there are Valentine’s cards for friends (if you can get a card saying ‘Happy divorce’, I am sure there are optional Valentine’s cards – and if there aren’t, there should be).
If you have a circle of single friends and family then get together, spend quality time together. You love yourself, don’t you? If you don’t, you should. Instead of lamenting the fact that you are single, just pamper yourself on Valentine’s Day. Book into a spa, get a beauty treatment, have your hair done or order your favourite take-away to be delivered and then get a really exciting DVD.
An act of service towards the needy or the poor can give you an ultimate feeling of satisfaction on Valentine’s Day. Go out and make a difference in the life of other people. Imagine how good that will make you feel, especially if you are feeling sorry for yourself; go and visit someone who is far worse off than you are. Yes, this is a cliché, but it works. A visit to a children’s home, the terminal ward in the hospital, the old people’s home or a local charity for the homeless. Take them gifts of Valentine’s Day themes and see their faces light up. You don’t have to be alone on Valentine’s Day if you are single. Plan a special day and enjoy it just as much, if not more, than every other couple.
Valentine’s Day ideas for singles
Lower your expectations about today
Actually, there really is no perfect day, so relax. Be realistic and proactive. You can take the lead and make a plan – organise a potluck dinner, a hike in the hills or a barbecue at the park. The wonderful memories you create will last long after the day is over.
Pamper yourself
Buy yourself Valentine’s Day gifts, which could be flowers, a cute teddy or a dress you have been planning to buy for a long time. Singles may also indulge themselves by going in for spa or head to toe beauty treatment. Indulging in books, CDs, and gourmet meals can be a good way of enjoying the day for some.
Plan a day out with friends
Plan out a dinner or film with best friends. You may also throw a ‘singles party’ or ‘Un-Valentine’s Day Party’ at your home and have a blast. You will know that life is fun in the company of loving friends.
Acts of service
Singles can spend Valentine’s Day in the meaningful way by spending time with the needy and downtrodden. You may visit an orphanage or home for the elderly and spend time with the inmates there who are always in need of love and affection. Visiting hospitals and giving roses to sick can also be a touching way of experiencing bliss on Valentine’s Day.
Express gratitude for friends and dear ones
Instead of feeling depressed and ashamed for not having a significant other to spend the day, singles can spend Valentine’s Day in a constructive manner by expressing love and affection for people around them. One can thank and greet Valentine’s Day to one’s parents, friends, colleagues, neighbours or anyone dear.
Think positive
Singles can make the most of Valentine’s Day by thinking positive and fighting away Valentine’s Day blues. One should not spend the day sulking for not having a spouse or beloved to spend the day in a happy manner.
Focus on relationship plan
Singles can focus on their relationship plan on Valentine’s Day and prepare themselves for healthy and lasting relationships. One can make more of an effort to find a partner. Also make a list of what you can do to improve your personality. It could be developing a more healthy and positive approach towards life or working towards one’s diet, health and physical appearance. Take steps you think are vital to improve your chances for a relationship. Make some resolutions for yourself and stick to them.
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