Can you enjoy Valentine’s Day as a single person?

There is so much emphasis on love and marriage leading up to Valentine’s Day and on the day itself. There are adverts everywhere and shops are full of gifts, treats and cards all specifically for this occasion.

But not everyone buys into this sentiment. And there is no reason why everyone should. So how can you survive and keep your sanity if you can’t or don’t want to buy into it?

There are so many ways to make sure you enjoy yourself whether on your own, in a group or with a good friend.

You are probably feeling that you have nobody to rely on but yourself, and on this ‘special day’ my suggestion is to turn the focus of your attention to you. Buy yourself something special, something you will love. Maybe treat yourself to a day being pampered at the spa, or treat yourself to a special meal and enjoy it at home. You don’t have to cook it yourself, order it by phone and have it delivered to your door. Use your favourite crockery, buy a bottle of wine and just enjoy being you, the lovely you that you know you are.

Cork Shot Out From a Bottle of Champagne

Maybe you could get a few of the worst romantic comedy films you can find and invite some of your girlfriends over to watch them with you and make fun of all those dreadful films. Have a fun evening with people you love and be yourself. Have fun with people you love to be with.

If you have children, maybe make the day special for them, as well as you. Buy them some little gifts – maybe chocolate, stuffed toys, model cars etc. You could make a present hunt with clues so they have fun trying to find the little gifts. Perhaps a trip to the theatre or the cinema. Whatever it is you choos, make sure it is fun.

Another way to look at Valentine’s Day is to make some new resolutions, as most New Year’s resolutions were made 6 weeks ago. Make a Valentine’s Day resolution to love yourself, resolve to take some evening classes, resolve to go on that trip you have always promised yourself, make a start towards the dreams you know you want to achieve. Resolve to try new restaurants or to try out new recipes.

Resolve to date yourself, plan life around yourself and learn to love yourself again. This will not only be fun and interesting but loving yourself is the basis of being the confident you.

In the short-term be prepared for personal questions from friends and co-workers about your plans for your Valentine’s Day alone. Have an answer even if it is ‘no comment’.

Don’t get dressed up as that invites questions.
Don’t find a stranger to spend the evening with, you will regret it in the morning and make the next Valentine’s Day even harder to get through.
Remember it is just one day. Shut your door, eat what you want, read a good book, watch your favourite film, do what is fun for you. It will all be over in the morning.

If you would like, you could wait until February 15th and buy yourself a heart-shaped box of chocolates at half the price. Buy yourself some flowers at half price too.

chocolates

Whatever you do, don’t sit at home being miserable and sorry for yourself because you don’t have a date for this silly day.

If you do sit at home and feel sorry yourself don’t beat yourself up about it. Remember, it is only one day, and there is nothing to be ashamed of in not participating in Valentine’s Day. It is your prerogative, be true to YOU.