Valentine's Day and Being Single



Posted: Saturday, February 14, 2009

by Kyle Rosemore

As should already be obvious, this little article will likely mean little to those fortunate enough to be in a relationship on Valentine's Day. This article is instead directed at the many people who needlessly dread the holiday. Everyone is welcome to read it, of course, but it will likely have more meaning to those coping with this holiday on their own.

Sadly, Valentine's Day upsets many people for the simple reason that they feel somehow inadequate for being single on a day dedicated to romantic relationships. At some point or another, I'm sure practically everyone has faced this issue on Valentine's Day and I am certainly not an exception. Fortunately for me, I realized some years ago that simply being in a relationship has nothing to do with making someone any more or less than who they are already. On a virtually constant basis, we are constantly hammered with news, movies, television shows, stories, music, and even commercials which try their best to convince us that being single somehow devalues our existence. Advertising aside, there is absolutely no reason for anyone to feel rejected on Valentine's Day.

Most people will agree that life is complicated. As such, some things happen at the right times and some things happen at the wrong times. Being single for Valentine's Day does not mean a person is a failure at life; it simply means they are living . Sometimes living means you have someone in particular who cares for you and other times living means having to cope with things as a solo act. Despite what expensive advertising may throw in your face, being in a relationship is a choice, not a requirement for success.

One of the best ways I've found to deal with Valentine's Day while single is to do something with another single friend. One year, a friend of mine was clearly unhappy with the idea of spending another Valentine's Day on her own. This particular year, I was in something of a rut myself. Rather than stay miserable, we decided to just hang out and make dinner together. No pretexts or ulterior motives; just two people enjoying the company of a friend. As a result, I ended up with a rather pleasant memory of having a good time with a friend instead of having another less-than-memorable Valentine's Day alone.

If the situation should arise where simply no other single person is available with which to fight the Valentine's Day blues, there are still options. Go see a movie you've been waiting to see. Crack open that book you've been wanting to read. Buy yourself some candy or nice flowers. Just because there's no one in particular around to get you something in no way means you can't get something nice for yourself. Not because of Valentine's Day, but just because . Find a nice little something and reward yourself for simply being around to enjoy another day.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Nancy Daniels
 3 years 102 days ago.
68 fans.
Klye,
 
Do not fret! The day is a day like any other. When you are older, you will discover this. My parents had, without a doubt, the most loving relationship I have ever witnessed, yet they did not celebrate Valentine's Day. Love should be celebrated every day; and, if one has no one with which to share that love, reading or watching a movie is a good alternative, although, how about a Singles Group?
 
Incidentally, I just discovered that the Orthodox Jews do not celebrate St. Valentines's Day because of the word Saint in the title. You are definitely not alone.
 
I wish you a wonderful day in spite of its name,
 
Nancy
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