Unattached on Valentine's Day? It's Not the End of the World

There are many people who look forward to Valentine's Day and spending it with their own "special someone." If that someone is a soulmate, the day is even sweeter. It is often a day to exchange chocolates, mushy cards and sentiments, flowers, and secret whispers.

Give the Romance Push a Rest!

Then there's the other side of the coin. There are many single people who dread the upcoming holiday of Valentine's Day as much as the romantic soul with a partner looks forward to it. For them it is a day when everywhere they look, something is going to be reminding them that there is no partner or soulmate, and that they will be spending the night alone. Again.

Reminders are everywhere that someone is going to be receiving candy and flowers that day. Some of the lucky ones will even be getting jewelry and perhaps a diamond ring and marriage proposal on Valentine's Day. Imagine!

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not. . .

When we were kids we exchanged those little paper cut-out valentine cards and blushed when a crush gave us one even though the whole class was required to hand them out to every other class member. Somehow it always seemed to appear that the crush simply MUST feel the same because the valentine was spectacular (even if it wasn't anything special!) If it said "Will you be my valentine" it was even better, wasn't it? And if the envelope included one of those little valentine heart candies that said "Be Mine" it was a sure thing that the crush was head over heels.

Want to Get Proactive?

Okay, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Literal millions of people are unmarried or separated and living alone not only on Valentine's Day, but every day of the year. Why not find some of them in your community and make some plans? Plan a singles mixer or pot luck dinner. If you can find a friend or two to split the costs, it will be even better. Some things you will need to decide include:

(1) What will you be supplying for the party?

(2) What should those attending bring?

(3) How many single guests do you know to invite?

(4) How will the guests be invited?

(5) Will it be a pot luck meal or catered? Home cooked personally?

(6) What type of entertainment will be supplied?

(7) Will it be a mixer for only acquaintances, or open to other singles as well?

(8) Will it be like an open house, or a formal RSVP type of party?

Obviously this idea could run into pretty much cost depending on the answers to those questions, so having a few others to split costs becomes rather important. If you want to plan it alone or don't have anyone to share costs, simply choose the least expensive options.

More Ideas. . .

There are, of course, many ways to spend Valentine's Day that involve a lot less (or no) cash output. Rent a few comedy movies and pop some of your favorite gourmet popcorn. If any friends also don't have plans for the evening, by all means extend an invitation. Ask them to bring dessert and have a great night with a dessert, coffee, and movie gathering.

Buy yourself a great new novel you've been wanting and dig into it right after a dinner of favorite comfort foods. Cook the meal or grab takeout somewhere. Pamper yourself! Would it be a good day for a haircut or massage? Celebrate the fabulous things in life instead of lamenting what's missing on this hyped up holiday.

And If You'd Rather Forget:

It may sound a little silly, but if you're trying to forget about Valentine's Day, why not use the evening to plan a party for St. Patrick's Day that will be coming up in just a little over a month? Plan a weekend getaway for yourself to someplace you've always wanted to see if you don't feel like having a party where you'd have to serve green beer and wear green clothing.

Don't let the pressure of not having a date for Valentine's Day get you down. Remember that a lot of the pressure is actually just hype coming from the card and candy companies as well as the florists and jewelers anyhow.

Last Thoughts on the Matter:

The biggest thing to remember is that there isn't a thing wrong with being alone for Valentine's Day. You're single and you have a lot on your plate every day. You are probably dealing with studies or work, or possible both. Perhaps Valentine's Day is a perfect time to reflect on all the wonderful and positive things in your life. Remind yourself that not having a "valentine" on February 14 really isn't such a big issue!