Ah, Valentine’s Day – the time of year when couples celebrate love with a special dinner, roses, chocolate candies….oh wait, you are now single! Unfortunately, single parents are overlooked on Valentine’s Day, which made me thing that there had to be something done. I have been single for more than eight years and I celebrate this “lover’s holiday” every year. I wanted to share some of my tips with you so that you too can once again enjoy Valentine’s Day even when you have no one special in your life.
Since I did not have any special man in my life, the first year I was divorced, I gathered about eight of my closest single female friends and made a night of it. We went to a fabulous restaurant and then to the improv. To make the occasion extraordinary, we decided to purchase small friendship gifts for each other, not spending more than $20. We simply drew names and it was a lovely night.
Then, another year, my children, and I spent Valentine’s Day together. We started by going on a picnic to the local park and then that evening, we hit the local amusement park. I had so much fun with the kids that I honestly forgot I was supposed to be feeling sorry for myself about not having a man in my life. To be honest, it was one of the best Valentine’s Days I can remember.
Last year, I decided to do something even different. I phoned a local nursing home and received permission to visit the elderly. The week before, I created goodie baskets for each person, consisting of a homemade cookie, a card, and a flower. For just a few dollars a person, I was able to walk around and meet some of the most wonderful people. In addition to leaving a special memory for them, I now hold a special memory in my heart of them.
Instead of feeling bad that you do not have a special person in your life on Valentine’s Day, turn it into a day of giving to someone else. You have so many great opportunities and the feeling of self-gratification is overwhelming. In fact, I doubt that I will ever look at this particular holiday the same again. Next year – three close friends and I are planning a single’s cruise!