Romance! Something we all need…don’t we? They say February is the sweetest month of the year and Valentine’s Day, a day to demonstrate love, a day we wear our hearts on our sleeves and let our actions speak louder than our words. With romantic movies on TV, love songs on radio, flowers and red hearts in every store, it’s really hard to ignore this day. If you’re single, Valentine’s Day can seem dreary and even a bit cruel, but it really doesn’t have to be. Love is love; it’s vast and is not exclusive to those in a romantic relationship. So if you are single, don’t let this day be a depressing occasion. You do not need to be in a romantic relationship to be happy or enjoy Valentine’s Day. We compiled a list of few ideas on things you can do to enjoy this day:
1. Don’t feel sorry for yourself: Don’t go on a pity party. Instead, learn to be happy within yourself regardless of your relationship status. We are often made to believe that we need another person to make us “complete”. Don’t fall for this! Rather celebrate every good thing in your life, as a whole and healthy person who has room for love should it come along.
2. Don’t compare your life to that of others: Don’t spend time measuring yourself against those who are paired up on Valentine’s Day. What we see isn’t always what it is. So, rather focus on your own life.
3. Treat yourself: Make it a “pamper day”. Get yourself a box of chocolate, bake or try out a new recipe, treat yourself to a mani-pedi etc. Whatever you do, just enjoy the day!
4. Spend the day with those you love: spend time with those who are close to your heart: friends and family. Go to a movie with them, eat lunch or dinner at your favorite restaurant.
5. Send love someone else’s way: Instead of thinking about yourself on this day, why not do something good for some else? Buy a gift for someone not so close to you, do someone special for someone who least expects it. Joy given to others always finds a way to return to us.
6. Stay home: If the buzz around Valentine’s Day is more than you can handle, by all means, stay in. enjoy a relaxing day at home.
7. Think beyond Valentine’s Day: Use this day as a reminder to keep the habit of letting people in your life know how much you love them. Whether single or married, may Valentine’s Day not be the only day we go out of our way and make grand gestures of love.
As you celebrate this day, resist the pressure to want to have a partner by your side if time isn’t right for you. Love sparks when you least expect it. In the meantime, enjoy the life you have and have yourself a beautiful Valentine’s Day!