February 14th, more formally known as Valentine’s Day, is highly anticipated as well as highly dreaded for many (depending upon your relationship status). Regardless of being single or taken, it is important that you recognize that it is merely just another day of the week. Take into consideration the following recommendations of what to do and, more importantly, what not to do this Valentine’s Day.
Do…
Throw an anti-Valentine’s Day Party. Invite those of your friends without dates to attend a party that emphasizes how awesome it is to not be in a relationship. Highlight the positives of being single, and enjoy having a fun get-together with great friends!
Raid the stores to get awesome deals on candy and other items. Everyone knows the day after Halloween is one of the greatest for getting the best candy at half the price. The same goes for Valentine’s Day. While everyone else is paying full price for chocolates that they have to give their significant other by the 14th, you can score big on name brand candies that are left over. Are we the only ones who look forward to the bags filled exclusively with cherry blow pops?
Prepare. This is not the day to leave things to the last minute. If you are planning something big for your significant other, then you need to make sure you have taken the appropriate measures to ensure you will be able to carry out your special plans. Everyone will be hitting the town for various activities and space will become very limited. Get tickets or make reservations in advance, that way you’re not sharing your romantic date three seats away from one another in the front row at the movies.
Embrace the day. Even if you’re single you can still spread the love. There are plenty of opportunities to help support some great causes locally as well as nationally, or take it upon yourself to support a cause close to your heart. At the very least call your mom up and tell her you love her.
Be realistic. (Or put this under don’t, as in “Don’t have unrealistic expectations”). Valentine’s Day is not the only day of the year that you can fall in love, or that your prince charming can sweep you off your feet. It’s just another day of the week, and despite society’s efforts to highlight love on this one day, there is no reason to believe you will be alone forever. The lower your expectations, the lower your chances are of being disappointed.
Don’t…
Text an ex. If you have an ex they are so for a reason. Don’t start thinking about what could have been, or what could be. Contacting your ex will not make you feel any better, especially once your Valentine’s Day vulnerability has passed. If the urge to text continues, I suggest playing Taylor Swift’s “Picture To Burn” on repeat.
Sit at home alone. If you’re down about Valentine’s Day you definitely do not need to spend your time alone wallowing. Visit your family or get together with close friends. Share the day with those that mean the most to you, and reinforce how much you care about the relationships you already have!
Overdo it. It’s okay to use Valentine’s Day as a way to demonstrate to someone you are interested in them, or reinforce how much you love them, but don’t get too crazy. If you must, oversized teddy bears and balloons are okay within the confines of your own home, but don’t have them delivered to the classroom. It’s embarrassing for everyone.
Try to avoid the holiday completely. This goes for everyone. If you’re in a relationship, don’t try and tell your significant other that you “don’t buy into the holiday”. Utilize the day to reinforce how much you care for one another. You don’t have to go the whole nine yards, but the day is still a good opportunity to spend quality time together.
Go on a first date. Starting a new relationship is always fun and exciting, but Valentine’s Day is not the day to do this! Choosing to go on a first date on Valentine’s Day places way too much pressure on both parties, and can completely jeopardize a relationship that actually has potential.
If you need some fresh ideas for an inexpensive date check out this post about dating on a budget.
And if none of these tips help, look up the meaning of Valentine’s Day and realize it’s really not about you anyways!