Valentine’s Day: the event that divides the nation.
Some people live for the romance, the flowers, the chocolate, and the public displays of a-little-too-much affection.
Others scoff at the idea of putting money or effort into endorsing a fake celebration – how many times has someone told you Valentine’s Day was invented by Hallmark this week?
Wherever you stand in the great Valentine’s Day debate, there is no denying that being newly single on Valentine’s Day is fraught with potential difficulties.
Jealousy, sadness and regret can all get the better of even the hardest of hearts.
How can you make your newly single Valentines Day the best yet? Read on!
Get together with cool people
You’re a cool person. You have cool friends. Make your Valentine’s Day the coolest by planning a friend date – or as some call it, Galentine’s Day!
Go out for dinner, see the latest Jason Statham action flick or rock the house at karaoke.
Invite other mothers over and let the kids entertain each other while you eat nachos and play charades.
Still unconvinced? Let Leslie Knope explain…
What many of us miss being single on Valentine’s Day isn’t the presents or the affection. It is that feeling of human connection. Spending the day having fun with people you value will make you feel happier than any romantic night out and half-melted box of chocolates could.
Devote time to your kids
If your newly single status also means that you are a newly single parent, chances are that you haven’t had time to sneeze lately – let alone spend some quality time with your kids.
Put aside the time that you would have usually devoted to your partner for a date-night of sorts with your children. Head to the skate park, take them to Timezone, start a crafts project or put on a living room puppet show.
Your kids are the loves of your life, albeit in a slightly different way. Show it to them this Valentine’s Day – they are sure to send some hugs your way!
Show love for your friends
Being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean that you have no love in your life.
Your friends have been there for you through your relationship breakdown. They have given you a shoulder to cry on and a reason to smile. Valentine’s Day is as good a moment as any to show them how much you appreciate them – you are platonic soul mates, after all!
Go Valentine’s themed by buying a huge bunch of their favourite flowers, or give them a laugh by making a mother-in-law themed piñata. Showing generosity toward your friends will give you both a smile.
Love yourself
Being single on Valentine’s Day means that you don’t need to worry about pleasing anyone else. In other words, you have extra time, money and effort that you can focus on you. Get out there and treat yo’self!
Book a massage, see 3 movies back-to-back, make your favourite meal or go for a night swim. Indulge in what you don’t always make the time for and hone your energy into making yourself feel good.
When you get yourself a present, you know you will love it!
Put yourself out there
Some newly single folk need to take some time out from the world of love and relationships. Others want to jump right back in the saddle. If what you really desire on your newly single Valentine’s Day is a companion, bite the bullet and put yourself out there. Grab a close friend and head to a bar, ask the cute barista to dinner or go on a speed dating adventure.
Valentine’s Day always means there are people out there who are single and ready to mingle – why not join them?
