Valentine’s Day: two words that strike fear into the heart of single ladies everywhere. Somehow, even though we’re perfectly content every other day of the year, the thought of being alone on Valentine’s Day is more than many can bear to think of.
But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Sure, the Facebook updates and tweets from loved up friends about the twelve red roses they’ve received at work, and the weekend away they’ve been surprised with might spike a slight pang of jealousy, but there’s no reason that us single girls can’t have a fabulous day, too.
I suggest we take Valentine’s as a perfect opportunity to enjoy ourselves and share the love, even if it isn’t with a significant other, rather than weeping over your ex’s Facebook and reaching for the Ben and Jerry’s. For anyone that’s feeling low on the run up to Valentine’s, hold your head up high and follow these steps:
1. If you’re feeling low, just remember: You’re only as amazing as how you define yourself, so don’t allow yourself to be defined by a relationship status.
2. Don’t give in to desperation day. Barney Stinson may have named the day, but it is a real thing, under no circumstances get to February 13th and go out with (or go home with) the first man that asks you, buys you a drink or looks at you.
3. Splash out. That dress in Topshop you couldn’t justify? Buy it. When all is said and done, Valentine’s Day is a commercial holiday. If you’re single, you’re saving a shed load on not treating someone else, so treat yourself.
4. Spend a night with the girls or boys. You may feel like the only single girl in the world but I can guarantee you’re not! There’s at least one friend out there on their own too, so get together and do something. Anything from a night out to sitting around in your pyjamas watching a film- just make sure it’s not The Notebook…
5. Do something to help someone else. You’re not the only person on your own, and if you know someone that’s just lost a loved one, or broken up with their partner, the best thing to do might actually be to stop worrying about yourself and concentrate on those around you who really feel alone on Valentine’s.
However you spend the day, and whoever you spend it with, enjoy it. Don’t focus on what you’re missing, but concentrate on what you’ve got. Let’s take the focus of this holiday away from the commercial red rose and chocolate fuelled battlefield it’s become and take it back to basics; love and appreciate those around you and yourself, because some things are more important than who you’re with.