How Singles Can Cope with Valentine's Day

If the thought of red hearts, roses, and cupid make you want to cry or hurl, you may be suffering from the pain and frustration of being alone on Valentine's Day. For singles, the day can be especially difficult. It seems that every year the holiday becomes more commercialized and as such, the glaringly obvious single status can become uncomfortable and depressing.

There are, however, ways to get past the blues and sick stomach, and actually get through Valentine's Day with a smile on your face.

Serve Couples

Know a couple with children who might want a night out? Volunteer to babysit free for them so they can enjoy some much-needed time together. Another idea is to play chef for a couple who can't afford a night out to eat. Prepare them a Valentine's Day dinner in advance you can take to them, or serve them and hide out in the kitchen while they dine.

Serve Other Singles

The best way to forget about one's own misery is to serve someone else in his or hers. Find someone in need and lose yourself in helping him or her. Before you know it, you will forget about your own misery and maybe even realize that things in your life are not as bad as you thought.

Visit an elderly family member, friend, or neighbor. Volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, or senior center. There are singles everywhere who would very much appreciate some time and attention on Valentine's Day . . . and every day.

Serve Yourself

Coping with Valentine's Day isn't just about serving others. One other important aspect of coping with being single on a couple's holiday is to remember to love yourself. Just because there isn't a significant other in the picture to lavish you with special time, attention, and gifts doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't have such pampering.

Pamper yourself with time just for you. Take time to pamper yourself and treat yourself in ways you don't usually take the time to do. Valentine's Day can be a day to look forward to because it is a day you will shower yourself with time and relaxation.

Read that book you've been dying to read; indulge in Godiva chocolates; enjoy a spa day. Do whatever it is that makes you feel special, pampered, and peaceful. Ignore the rest of the world and let this day be all about taking care of you.

Party with Other Singles

Many singles participate in and organize activities just for "Singles Awareness Day". Organize one yourself or scout out a local event to join. It might be a small gathering of friends at someone's house, or it could be a rowdy night out on the town. Whatever it is, there are other singles around to help create a fun night of enjoying being single.

Share the Love

Since Valentine's Day is about love, be sure to let the ones you love know just how much. Additionally, this day is a great day to make amends. Use this day to call, email, fax, IM, visit and send snail mail to the people in your life who matter most.