I was in church the other day and they showed some Valentines Day event on the screen. Ugh, a hefty piece of my inners convulsed. Great, the day where all the singles in the world are reminded that they aren’t in a happy, cosy, snuggly, let me give you a back massage place in their life. I lent over to my friend, who I was seated next to, and I said to her “You and me, baby. It’s a date?” She laughed. “It’s on.”
So Valentines day can be depressing and annoying at the same time. Mainly because it’s an over commercialised gimmick which makes those of us in a relationship feel pressure to do something “romantic” to show the person we love that we care about them, and those of us without a relationship feel empty.
This year, I’m reclaiming Valentines day and making it ‘galentines’. Sorry boys, maybe play a soccer game and you’ll feel better. Because I care about you gals… here are some ideas as to how all the single ladies can reclaim the 14th February.
Wine ‘n Dine
Dinners are not only for couples. In fact, the most interesting dinners are those with a beautiful mix of people who are similar and yet different. Surprise your friends with the full deal – candlelight, starters, mains, and chocolate dessert. All the effort and planning will make you forget about your lack of love, plus giving gives you the best feel good chemicals.
Reading Evening
I hate the idea that nobody reads real books anymore, or that people don’t seem to appreciate the beauty and pain riddled through the pages of classic novels. Ahhh, we have much to learn. Take out your favourite romantic novels, the ones which make you cry, make you dream and make you see life differently. Have a reading night where you read them to each other, see how the words come alive and be inspired by the love stories of old.
Take a Walk
Claim back the long walk on the beach as the sunset goes down behind the mountain. These moments, where you step back from life and appreciate the beautiful things around you are special no matter who you share them with. Pack a picnic basket and head down to the beach, avoid the couple’s kissing in the corner, have a laugh and take an evening stroll. Your life will feel full and beautiful.
Yoga Class
I’m convinced that exercise is the best therapist on the planet. Get involved in a tough class, push yourself beyond where you thought you could go and you will feel on top of the world. I mean it – ON TOP OF THE WORLD (Just like the Imagine Dragons song). Take out all the fears, frustrations and feelings on the punching bag with your gal friends. Sweat ’til you can’t sweat no more. Wear your “Shelifts” Tee. Have a protein smoothie afterwards and show them all what you’ve got.
Karaoke
There are few things more fun than karaoke. Gal friend, get out your golden oldies. Get some backing music, or find the sketchy spot in the middle of town and sing to your heart’s content. Belt out Celine, jam to Beyonce and shake your booty to Nelly – there is not a chance that you will feel a sign of Valentines depression.
If you are not in a relationship your life is not over. Single does not mean that you are not in a “good place”. Nor does it mean that you can’t have a good attitude to all the lovey dovey-ness. Remember life is about more than human love, it’s about love from God and that never goes away.
Look St Valentines and all the red hearts in the face this year. Stand up boldly and declare: I will not listen to your subtext, I will not buy into your ideology. I will reclaim Valentines and be grateful for all the love I have in my life, in its many forms.