10 Ways To Cope With Valentine’s Day As A Single Person

Valentine’s Day is either one of dread, or extreme anticipation. The usual ranges from having a fancy dinner at a restaurant, chocolates, roses, teddy bears, and lots of love making. Red, pink, and hearts decorate all stores, restaurants, hotels, and even your workplace. Love is in the air, literally. People are proposing to their significant other, professing their love for one another, or simply doing romantic gestures that they would otherwise never do on a regular day. For single people, Valentine’s Day means dealing with this and trying to remain happy, calm, and not letting the pressure of this sudden atmosphere get to your head.

There are many theories regarding the origin of Valentine’s Day, but there’s one that’s primarily considered to be the most believed one. It was based off of the person Saint Valentine, who would perform marriage ceremonies in secret knowing it was forbidden by King Claudius II. It was believed to be a distraction for young Roman men who were enlisted in the army. Saint Valentine was caught and was later sentenced to death. While in prison, he helped heal Jailor’s daughter who was sick. Before his execution he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell. After Saint Valentine’s execution, Pope Gelasius declared February 14^th during the end of 5^th century as Valentine’s Day, in honor of Saint Valentine.

In modern times, the rules and social concept of relationships has changed significantly. Being single is certainly more socially acceptable, but it is still a struggle when dealing with the pressures of Valentine’s Day.

If you really want to help make yourself feel better and find a way to spend Valentine’s Day just as much as any other couple here are some tips:

1. Money: Imagine all the money that couples will spend on each other on Valentine’s Day. On average, a person spends $130.00 on their significant other on Valentine’s Day. This excludes money spent on jewelry. So you can automatically see how much money you are saving and how much richer you are alone.

2. Spoil yourself: Make Valentine’s Day a day to spoil yourself. Buy yourself chocolate, order pizza, eat ice cream, and rent your favorite movie. Just relax and be happy.

3. Celebrate Yourself: Go to the clubs, a concert, do something spontaneous with your single friends. Have a Singles Party where everyone can cheer and enjoy their singlehood.

4. Buy yourself a gift. That purse you’ve been wanting, or those shoes you’ve had your eyes on, go and buy it. The book you saved in your Amazon account, or that video game that you dream of playing, now is the time to buy it. You will be so busy being excited for your new purchase that you won’t even notice all the insanity about Valentine’s Day. You have something to celebrate for and look forward to as well.

5. Get a new make-over. Change your hair color, get a new haircut. Do your nails. Go to the spa. Pamper yourself. Make yourself better with yourself. Go to the gym, run an extra mile. Read your favorite books, or start on that home project that you’ve been putting aside. Whatever makes you feel rejuvenated go for it.

6. Re-evaluate your goals: Remind yourself why you are still single. Don’t fall under the pressure or let someone tell you how to live your life. If you’re not ready for a relationship, that’s your choice. Whether you had a bad break up recently or two years ago or whether dating isn’t really your thing, you shouldn’t have to explain yourself. Nowadays, arguably, being in a relationship is more important than actually wanting to be in one. As soon as one relationship ends, the impetus is oftentimes to start another. It seems that people cannot stand one minute just being single or alone. It is not healthy to live in fear of loneliness, and using relationships to get rid of loneliness will only leave a person even more alone than they were before. There is so much exploration that a person should do before settling down. Why tie yourself down just for the norms of society? Think of your accomplishments and where you still need to go. Being in a relationship is time and commitment, and you should be able to enjoy it when you are ready for it, not when someone tells you.

7. The weather: For those that live in the northern states or even western states, any state that has snow pouring every minute, most likely people will be staying home. I can see from my window it looks like I am in a snow globe because, this winter has been unreal. There is already 3 ft to 4ft snow on the ground from previous snowfalls from the past weeks. At the moment, we’re bracing for another big one. Any plans anyone had are most likely cancelled.

8. It is a day of love: Valentine’s Day is not just for couples to share their love; it’s for everyone to share love. You can spend time with your best friend, and show how much you love him or her. You can have Valentine’s Day with your mother or father or even your grandparents. Have Valentine’s Day with your pets.  It is a day to express love after all. Love is beautiful and it will make your day and life so much more to show your love for someone.

9. Help those in need: Another way to show your love is helping those in need. Maybe you can donate your old clothes to a homeless shelter. Volunteer at a hospital. Send valentines cards to a local children’s hospital or decorate cards with the children there. Volunteer at a senior home and create a change in someone’s life just by being a friend a companion. Adopt a cat or a dog. It just might change your life and you will find more meaning and value of yourself. Life is more worthwhile when you are able to make a difference in someone else’s life just by simply being in their life.    

10. Try something new: Do something that you have never done before. Of course, hopefully this is legal and not dangerous. But try something new. Maybe go for Indian food for a change, or that Korean takeout place you’ve been meaning to try. You could take a cooking class. Try ice skating especially in this weather is a perfect time to learn. You can learn to sew or try a new sport. Try a new color of lipstick for a change. Do something that is out of your comfort zone. Maybe try to eat a healthy meal. If you have not exercised in awhile maybe today you can change that. If you’ve always wanted to channel your inner artiste, now could be the time to set up that easel. The options are endless.