As Valentine’s Day approaches, most of us have been inundated with the red and pink frenzy of the holiday. Trips to the pharmacy, grocery store, and department store are now punctuated with aisles laden in enough chocolate, candy, and hearts to make anyone sick. And for my single readers, this can be the straw that breaks the single camel’s back. Bubbling up from what was once a calm exterior of security is the irresistible urge to curse everything romantic with a resounding “Screw this holiday!!” I get it. This can be a tough time to be single. So I’ve decided to give a few tips on how to make the day a little more bearable and a lot less bitter.
1. Go on a friend date.
Okay. This is not a push to get into a tangled “Friends with Benefits” web. That was Soooo last year. This can be a daytime brunch, a trip to the mall, a visit to the museum, etc. You can even institute a no-flowers policy to remove the pressure and emphasize the fun. Remember that platonic friend you don’t really get to hang out with since (s)he got that new job across town? Call them up and make plans. Don’t even mention that it’s Valentine’s Day. Again, this is not a ploy to get into their pants. That’s not self-love. That’s desperation.
2. Tackle a project you’ve been putting off.
The bookcase you’ve been meaning to set up isn’t going to build itself. Make V-day the day to do it. By the time you’ve run those errands and handled some business, you’ll end the day feeling accomplished.
3. Visit family.
Your cousin had a baby how many months ago? Go see her and the new bundle of joy. Bring pampers (you can never go wrong with pampers) and wine. V-day is about love. Don’t limit it to romantic love.
4. Pamper yourself.
I’m a big proponent of this one. I get that not everyone is comfortable going on solo dates but they are a great chance to reconnect with yourself. Ladies, make an appointment at the spa you got a Groupon for 3 months ago, buy a bottle of wine that costs more than $8.00, and rent a movie. If you’re feeling brave, have lunch or dinner with yourself and bring along a good book. I try to do this once a month (single or not) and I love it.
5. Weekend getaway.
Leave work early Friday, hop in a bus or train, and stay in a hotel. Stay-cations can be awesome. You don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning and you’ll make friends with folks who are away on business. If your sense of adventure is higher than average, go somewhere further than the next town over. For those of us in the Northeast, that can mean taking a trip to DC or even Vermont.
I had to learn a few years ago that Valentine’s Day can be as enjoyable as you want it to be. Make it about loving yourself, first. The significant other will only serve as icing on the cake.
Peace & Love,
Adri
adrispeaks.com 