For Singles: How to Amuse Yourself on Valentine's Day and Beyond

So you're not in a relationship. No big deal, but the forces that be (greeting card manufacturers, candy stores, florists) will make you feel as if you are the scum of the Earth if you do not have a girlfriend or boyfriend on February 14th.

It is well-known that depression rates increase on and around Valentine's Day. Don't get bummed out: use this as an opportunity to meet new people. Many bars and night clubs have "singles nights" on Valentine's Day to accommodate the massive-yes, massive-number of people who aren't in relationships.

You will feel like a freak on Valentine's Day for being single, but in actuality there are millions of us, and many of us are attractive and sexy-we just haven't found the right person yet. Or we are trying to get over a brutal breakup or divorce. Being single is not a bad thing: you have the freedom to date casually and enjoy life on your own terms.

If seeking out a singles party on Valentine's Day is not for you, you could take a slightly more misanthropic or demented route and see My Bloody Valentine 3D at the movie theatre with some buddies. I am always amazed by how violent the horror movies are that come out the week of Valentine's Day-clearly, there is a lot of repressed rage out there. You and I aren't the only ones who think that Valentine's Day is a bogus holiday designed to sell candy and flowers!

Also, remember not to "settle" just because it is Valentine's Day. You don't need to hook up with someone who is below your standards or go on a boring date simply to be "out on the town" on that day-just get a couple drinks by yourself and then watch some TV. Or go to the gym-other single people will be there.

To get depressed over Valentine's Day is patently absurd-it would be okay to be bummed if you are fifteen years old, but no adult should worry about it. It is an artificial holiday. There is no "deadline" for when you need to find someone you love: it will happen when it is meant to... I truly do believe that.

So many things in my life have happened in perfect sequence that I no longer worry about when I will meet someone new or get something I want in my life-I just act with confidence and know that it will come eventually (it usually does).

So enjoy Valentine's Day, see it as a benefit (seek out those singles parties-at least you will know everyone there is SINGLE and interested in meeting others), or just chill out and do your own thing. The only wrong thing to do is to get down or depressed over something so goofy!