A Single’s Guide for Surviving Valentine’s Day

With all the hoopla and imagery surrounding Valentine’s Day, it can really shine a spotlight on your single status and make you feel down in the dumps. I believe a lot of singles glamorize couples together and how they lead their lives. It’s definitely not all champagne, chocolate and roses. My personal opinion continues to be that Valentine’s Day much like New Year’s Eve is overrated. As a single person, it’s important that you don’t focus on Valentine’s Day as a national holiday, but more like a great time to do something fun with friends and family. Not everyone is into it, not everyone has a date for it, so take advantage and do something special for you. I’m an advocate for making Valentine’s Day not just about romantic love but love in general for those people who impact your life in a positive way: special friends, relatives, kids, coworkers, neighbours. Spread the love and celebrate the special people who are in your life.

Before and leading up to Valentine’s Day plan acts of kindness; it will always make you feel better. Give Valentine’s cards, chocolates, flowers to friends and people who make your life better. Spend the day volunteering at a homeless shelter or old folks home. Tell someone in your life how much you value them and why. Remember when you were a kid at school and Valentines were given out freely? Harness some of that.

After focusing on others, think about indulging yourself. Plan a special evening at home. You do not have a make dinner yourself – grab a special take away meal from a restaurant and indulge in something special that you normally wouldn’t get. Do a girl’s night in and celebrate with drinks, great appetizers, crank up the tunes and toast each other for being fabulous . Or stay in with one good friend and enjoy good food, wine and conversation. Valentine’s Day is also a perfect day to go visit any relatives. Men can plan a boys night! Enjoy a sports night in or out. Go out and talk to women that you see that are out and about. Working out will also alleviate any stress. Make a plan to spoil yourself. And after the day; decide to do something proactive to change your single status.

Some interesting stats about Valentine’s Day from Reuters Wire:

• 53% women who would end their relationship if they didn’t get something for Valentine’s day.
• Worldwide, approximately 110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold within a 3 day period.
• 73% of American men buy flowers on Valentine’s Day.
• Over 90% of Valentine’s Day flowers are purchased by men.
• 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day – to make a statement.
• Every year around 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent.
• Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then, sweethearts.
• Parents receive 1 out of every 5 Valentine’s Day cards.
• About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets.

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