My "Take" on Valentine's Day

Although Valentine's Day caters to lovey-dovey couples, females who hope a Valentine will miraculously show up on their doorstep, and men who feel compelled by societal and relationship pressures to purchase posies, buy candy and jewelry, and arrange reservations for candlelight dinners, Valentine's Day also carries a lot of emotional baggage for many folks who wish this day would skydive over the edge of the Earth and disappear. 

"I hate Valentine's Day" becomes a mantra for many of these individuals.  Their glares and disparaging comments seem to hint at past pain from previous relationships, or loneliness and despondency brought on by the incessant barrage of sappy commercials advertising Valentine specials.  I can certainly understand their pain.  A few ruckus-raising rebels always delight in proclaiming loudly they don't need a significant other in their lives, and that Valentine's Day is of no significance to them, one way or another. Certainly, we've discovered that we don't have to have someone in our lives to complete us.  We are all unique, wonderful individuals, who hopefully, love ourselves.

If Valentine's Day, however, does create an aura of sadness and longing, of pain and weepiness, I have some suggestions to make February 14th better.  I've found a few ways for me to quickly get out of any momentary funk brought on by the holiday.

Rather than go out to couple-infested restaurants that have long wait times and make you feel all the more alone on Valentine's Day, make yourself one of your all-time favorite meals (sea scallops, or porterhouse steak, or spaghetti and meatballs, for me), or kick back, watch a good movie, and call out for pizza delivery.  You're special, so head to the mall and buy yourself something nice (My cats like me to pick out my own gifts from them!).  Treat yourself to a hot fudge/caramel sundae with cashews or a Starbucks' mocha.  Do your nails with a new, Spring color (I'm partial to Razzle-Dazzle myself, right now).

Call a friend and play some old-school video games together.  Take yourself to one of your favorite places (visit Franklin Park Conservatory, go bowling, listen to good music at a piano lounge, paint your heart out at the art class at Hobby Lobby, for example).

I love to send out silly, inexpensive, unexpected Valentine cards to family and friends' pets, or to children, or to other single adults to make people smile.  What about hosting an informal wine-tasting for a few friends, or a fun-filled, entertaining game night with board and card games? I've been known to host a 3-D party, featuring the classic "Creature from the Black Lagoon."  

I also think volunteering gives far more than anyone expects --  not only do you help others, but you're also helping your community as well as yourself.  Food pantries, hospitals, libraries, schools, and community organizations would love having you help with activities.

Whatever you decide to do on this Valentine's Day, smile.  Not only will you feel like the sun is shining wherever you are, but everyone with whom you come into contact will be able to bask in your sunshine, and perhaps make a little sunshine themselves.