The Single Girl’s Guide to Valentine’s Day
It doesn’t take having a guy around to make Valentine’s Day special. Use February 14 as a day to pamper yourself, whether you have a boyfriend or not. Even better – make the day all about your friends, and make it an annual tradition to celebrate all of your relationships – not just the romantic ones.
Relationship expert Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D., psychotherapist and author of The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again, said if you are single, “Find a way to make it a fun day. Don’t allow yourself to spend the day focusing on what you don’t have, instead maximize what you do have. Keep in mind that most people, even couples, aren’t doing much that’s special for Valentine’s Day. Having a plan that makes you happy is the best way to fend off the blues. If you are clear about what will make the day special for you, and focus on that instead of what's not happening, you'll feel better about yourself and you won't have any reason to pity yourself.”
Lori Bizzoco, relationship expert and founder of Cupidspulse.com, offers the following tips and suggestions for making the most of Valentine’s Day as a single girl:
Pamper yourself: Pick up some roses for yourself while you're out and about or get a box of your favorite chocolates. Maybe you've had your eyes on a pair of sapphire earrings—it's the perfect occasion to splurge. While you're at it, why not treat yourself to a mani/pedi at that fancy salon in your neighborhood? This is a day to remind yourself just how special you are, no matter how you do it.
Stay busy: It may be hard to see couples getting all lovey-dovey on Valentine's Day. If you dwell on what you don't have instead of what you do, it will definitely impact how your day goes. So keep yourself busy and make what others are doing the least of your worries. Take a walk, do some shopping, go ice skating, head to the movies, etc. Do whatever you want to do and don't let the couples get in your way. This is a day for everyone, whether you're dating someone or not.
Have a movie marathon: If going out on Valentine's Day isn't your style, no worries. If you've always had a crush on Brad Pitt, gather up a stack of his movies and spend the day with your celebrity crush.
Invite your friends over: Not everyone is going to have plans on Valentine's Day, so go ahead and give your single friends something to celebrate: being single. Get together with some of your closet pals for a night of wine, dinner, games, and maybe even a little gossip. It'll be your way of showing them just much you value their friendship and that you are thinking of them too.
Stef Safran, founder of Chicago matchmaking firm Stef and the City, gives her suggestions as well:
Attend an anti-Valentine's Day party: There are many people who hate Valentine's Day as much as you and you're bound to meet other singles at one of these parties.
Go to communal tables at restaurants: Today, many restaurants offer communal tables where singles can go to and meet new people and also eat great food.
Purchase a Groupon for a fitness studio for a month: This is a great way to sweat off the Valentine's day blues and also gets you ready for that summer beach body.
Give an online dating site a chance: Did you know that there is a 23 percent increase in registration on online dating sites right before Valentine's Day? Maybe this boost in numbers will give you a better chance at finding
your match.
It’s important to focus on the good things in your life every day, and not just on Feburary 14. David Coleman, aka “the Dating Doctor,” said, “Single women should get up a bit earlier that day, exercise, eat well and then dress in a way that makes them look and feel at their best. The confidence, self-esteem and self-pride they exude will make others wonder the secret to life that they know that others are missing. Listen to upbeat music, get fresh air, sunshine and treat themselves to food they love and at least one small gift they know they deserve but have been putting off buying for themselves. Finally, before leaving their home to start their day, they need to look in the mirror and say, “I would so date me!” Why, because if they wouldn't date themselves, who would or should and where is it said they will not meet their next significant other on V-Day?!”
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