If you're single on Valentine's Day, don't despair! Here are seven ways to enjoy this holiday for lovers when you're unattached (and whether you're open to dating or not)
If you’re single on Valentine's Day, you might get caught up in the hype and feel depressed on this lover's holiday because you're unattached. Or, you may actually enjoy being single on Valentine’s Day because you’re free from an unhealthy relationship, or because you've simply choose to be single. Either way, here’s how to get beyond “surviving Valentine’s Day” to actually enjoying this lover's holiday!
Single on Valentine’s Day: 7 Ways to Enjoy This Lover's Holiday When You’re Unattached
- Accept your feelings. If you feel depressed because you're single on Valentine’s Day (or in the weeks before), accept your feelings. It’s natural to feel sad when the world seems to be coupled up. Accept your feelings, but don’t let them overwhelm you.
- Get to the roots of Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day isn’t just a holiday for lovers or married couples or lovers. It’s a festival to celebrate love for the people you’re close to: friends, children, parents, siblings, mentors, even colleagues and neighbors. Don’t let it be just about a romantic occasion. It’s about appreciating those closest to you, whether you’re married or single on Valentine’s Day.
- Plan an adventure. Give yourself something to look forward to, whether it’s an exotic vacation in Belize, a singles cruise, or a weekend retreat in your province or state. Instead of focusing on being single on Valentine’s Day, be kind and generous to yourself by planning something exciting.
- Realize the truth behind the hype. Remeber that thousands of couples are unhappily spending Valentine’s Day together! Many husbands are stressed at the thought of buying romantic gifts, and many more wives are worried that they won’t feel the love this Valentine’s Day. Gourmet chocolate bonbons, candlelit dinners and lingerie seem romantic and thoughtful, but on Valentine’s Day, relationships aren’t always what they seem – or what couples wish they were. Being single on Valentine's Day is better than being unhappily attached.
- Challenge yourself. Join a group and do something different this spring. Meet Market Adventures, for instance, organizes events for singles that are exciting and educational. They offer everything from lessons in investing your money to scuba diving. Meet Market Adventures also hosts “Anti-Valentine’s Day Parties” in various cities. To avoid being sad because you're single on Valentine's Day, challenge yourself to try new things.
- Clarify your relationship goals. Do you want to be in a relationship? If so, make it a priority to meet someone this year. Take classes, accept invitations, go on blind dates, and spread the word to your family and friends that you’re open to an intimate relationship. If you want this to be the last time you're single on Valentine's Day, then set your goals and forge ahead!
- Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to a spa day, bubble bath, gourmet meal, or nice bottle of wine. Pamper yourself in new, fresh ways – because being single on Valentine’s Day is about showing love and kindness to someone you love and appreciate: yourself.
If you found Single on Valentine’s Day helpful, try Why We Fall in Love. Plus:
The copyright of the article Single on Valentine's Day in Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish Single on Valentine's Day in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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