There is nothing wrong with being single. That needs to be stated again: there is nothing wrong with being single. However, as Valentine's Day approaches, it becomes more difficult for the single person to remember that. Happy couples are seemingly everywhere, from high schoolers with their first crush to nonagenarians celebrating their 75th Valentine's Day together. The urge is strong to dive under the covers and hide there until the holiday has passed.
Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a grim ritual that must be endured. Instead, it can be a time of reflection and celebration even for those without a partner. Below are five ways to spend Valentine's Day alone but not lonely.
A Day of Pampering
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to be spoiled and it doesn't require another person to do the spoiling. Book a spa day and get the works -- haircut and style, manicure, pedicure, facial, and massage. Be sure to make your appointment as soon as possible since many others will be beautifying themselves for their V-Day celebrations. After being pampered, hit the shops and splurge on some retail therapy. Buy a new outfit, a new pair of shoes, or a nice piece of jewelry.
On the way home, purchase a bottle of good wine and stop by a favorite restaurant for a delicious takeout meal. Once home, change into a pretty and comfortable pair of pajamas and curl up on the couch with your meal and wine. Pop a good movie into the DVD player to complete the evening. If romance is too depressing, watch a comedy or an action movie. Before going to bed, put on fresh sheets. After a satisfying day of pampering, there's no better way to end it than going to sleep in a freshly made bed.
Take a Singles Cruise
Although it doesn't seem like it sometimes, not everyone else is part of a couple. There are plenty of single people in the world looking to find fun times, friendship and maybe more with other singletons. A singles cruise is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people. The weather is beautiful, the food and drinks are plentiful, and there are many fun activities both on board and on shore excursions. A Google search for "singles cruise" will bring up a variety of options. Happy sailing!
Remember Why Past Relationships Didn't Last
There are often good reasons for being single. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to remember those reasons when Valentine's Day approaches. Grab a notebook and spend some time writing about past relationships, including the reasons why those relationships ended. This doesn't have to be an exercise in bitterness. Reflecting on why old relationships failed can help reinforce a commitment to approaching new relationships differently. Learning from the past will help you avoid making the same mistakes in the future. One caveat: do not drink while doing this task. It can lead to dangers such as rose-glasses nostalgia and drunk dialing. Calling an ex on Valentine's Day is never a good idea.
Look Forward to Spring
Valentine's Day is the halfway point in February and from there it's a little over a month to the spring equinox. In many parts of the northern hemisphere, temperatures are already starting to warm a bit by mid to late February. It's too cold in most places to begin any spring planting outdoors but it's the right time to begin planting seeds indoors. A good way to spend Valentine's Day is to get your spring garden started by planting a variety of vegetable and flower seeds in small pots. The act of starting new life and looking forward to spring is a good way to focus on the bigger picture. One doesn't need to be part of a couple to be part of the world.
Valentine's Day is also a good time to get started on another rite of the new season to come: spring cleaning. Spend the day going through closets and set aside some old clothes for charity. Break out the cleaning supplies and give your home a top-to-bottom sprucing up. When the first warm days of spring arrive, the cleaning will be all done and the weather can be fully enjoyed. Everyone else will be stuck inside battling the winter's accumulated months of dirt and dust.
Love Doesn't Only Mean Romantic Love
Despite what all the commercials imply, Valentine's Day is not just about romantic love. It's a celebration of love in all its many forms. Spend the day letting your family, friends and even pets know how much you love and cherish them. To go the extra mile, offer a few kind words or a small gift to those whose service makes the day easier and brighter, such as the mail carrier, grocery store bagger, gas station attendant, and others. Your generous heart will brighten someone else's Valentine's Day.
Annie Taylor - Annie Taylor has been working as a freelance writer since 2004. For the last two years she wrote TV episode recaps for Recapist, a ...
