Valentine’s Day: A day for love or a day for hate?

As February 14 approaches, singles in increasing numbers search through their phone books for romantic potentials. While shuffling through names they hope to stumble across one that produces the feeling—the feeling of romantic connection forged through trust, mutual like and attraction, and time invested. Is this search in vain? Well, if you have to “search” for a person with whom you feel connected, then you probably do not share such a connection with anyone. This realization can be depressing. Valentine’s Day, though explicitly a day for lovers to express their affection for one another, implicitly serves as a reminder to singles that they are alone.

It comes as no surprise then that many people (mostly singles) openly dread the holiday. Such people spend the holiday torturing themselves over past relationships gone sour, silently envying couples who giddily profess their love, or plunging into a navy blue depression. How startlingly ironic is it that such behaviors find expression on Valentine’s Day?

Given our devotion to our readership, some of whom are single, we would be remiss if we did not share alternative ways to think about and enjoy Valentine’s Day. If you are single, what follows is one of the best ways to think about Valentine’s Day: It is just another day. Indeed, the “importance” of this day comes from its tradition, acceptance in popular culture, and label as a day for lovers. True lovers know that every day is Valentine’s Day. With this said, we encourage singles to fight the urge to “be with someone” on Valentine’s Day just for the sake of the holiday. This approach only addresses the symptoms of loneliness while virtually ignoring its source.

Rather than spending Valentine’s Day like an envious, self-loathing grouch, we suggest that you spend it in one of following ways:

• Host a “Singles Ready to Mingle” Party—there are many singles out there just as eager as you are to stave off boredom and have a good time. One of the best ways to beat loneliness is to surround yourself with people! Buy some drinks, turn on some music, and party!




• Invite your single friends over and commiserate—Misery loves company. Invite some of your equally miserable close friends over so you can bemoan your single status before a welcoming crowd.




• Call up an “old faithful”—Lol. That’s right. Call up a “friend with benefits” and get it in for the night. Worry about your single status tomorrow.
  
  

In close, spending Valentine’s Day single does not have to be dreadful. Indeed, you can have a great time during Valentine’s Day by seeking alternative sources of enjoyment (like the alternatives we suggest). Above all, remember to view Valentine’s Day as “just another day” because at the end of the day that is exactly what it is.