Although some may delight at the sight of stores full to the brim with heart-shaped candies and cuddly teddy bears… for many, Valentine’s Day is a holiday which fills them with dread, especially if they’re single.
So as restaurants relentlessly advertise candlelight suppers for two, and Social Media becomes a wash of digital love letters, don’t beat yourself up if you’re single and feeling a little emotionally bankrupt come Feb 14th.
It’s not all doom and gloom – or rather, it needn’t be.
There is unspoken richness in being single, especially around Valentine’s Day. If you’re savvy, your relationship status today will provide you with a wealth of fulfillment tomorrow… and for many Valentine’s Days to come.
SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY
All your best pals busy this Valentine’s Day with wives, or significant others? Don’t sweat it. You don’t need to panic, mope, or head to the bar to chug 10 tequilas. It’s impossible that everyone in your life is coupled up – odds are there’s someone you know in the exact same position, twiddling their thumbs and wishing they had a little company… reach out to them.
Or if you prefer your own company, make sure to treat yourself to some self-love. Book that expensive massage you were eyeing up, or schedule that relaxing getaway you’ve been coveting. Spoil yourself. Spend time making yourself happy, and it’ll be time soon enough to share your generosity with someone else.
COUNT YOUR RICHES
Instead of stockpiling your miseries this romantic season, step back and count your riches. Love is love – and it comes in all shapes and sizes. Surrounded by incredible friends, family, and co-workers?
Well you sound pretty lucky to me. Celebrate a different kind of love this Valentine’s Day, even if it’s not the romantic kind… and while you’re banking your own riches, remember to share a little wealth (or love) with ones less fortunate than you.
Keep in mind too, next time you enviously scroll through Social Media at loving couples, all that glitters is not gold. It’s very easy to appear perfect online; it’s a little harder to embody perfection offline…
INVEST IN YOUR FRIENDSHIPS
Remember when we all started celebrating with our buddies over Thanksgiving, and even rebranded it Friendsgiving? Well, as another winter holiday approaches, why does that need to stop?
Lovebomb your college roomie, highschool buddy, or even a sibling. Check in on them, their well-being, and their state of mind. Valentine’s Day can be a rough time for people who’ve experienced loss or heartbreak. Put your energy into other people, and you’ll feel energized yourself.
What goes around comes around too. A solid support group is priceless during a rough patch in anyone’s life. And hey, spending quality time with single, platonic friends might guarantee you a better Valentine’s Day than most couples you know anyway…
TRADE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS FOR A POSITIVE OUTLOOK
This Valentine’s Day (this year in fact), be the guy that people gravitate towards for a good time, some solid advice, and a reality check. Be the positive change you want to see in 2021 and firmly fill your glass half full.
Positivity is infectious and attractive. Got some free time this Feb 14th? Write a list of intentions for the year ahead, or journal once a month – with a view to reflect on your progress come Valentine’s Day 2022. Live every day, no matter the date, with optimism, and you’ll reap the romantic rewards…
SAVE YOURSELF FOR THE RIGHT PERSON
When love, and lust, is in the air this Feb 14th – don’t be led into foolish temptation. Don’t do your future-self, and soulmate, a disservice and rush into something with the wrong person, just because you’re feeling a little lonely and sorry for yourself.
Feelings of loneliness are temporary, but the damage you could do to yourself or others, by getting tangled up in a toxic relationship, could last a lifetime. The smartest way to add value to this Valentine’s Day, and future Valentine’s, is to hold still until you meet the right person. She may be hiding just around the corner…
～ Love you more ❤️
Kolline