The Cure For The Valentine's Blues

With its emphasis on love and romance, Valentine’s Day can be a painful reminder that you don’t have that “someone special” with whom to celebrate it with. This year do something about it! Instead of feeling depressed, focus on what you have instead of what you don’t have. Being single is a great opportunity. You have love in your future, so look forward to it! Here are my top tips for singles on Valentine's Day:

1. Have Some Me Time - Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to celebrate YOU. Don’t be cynical just because you are not in a romantic relationship right now. Shower yourself with love, or spend time with someone who loves you unconditionally. - Book a day at the spa and pamper yourself - Indulge in some serious retail therapy – you deserve it! - Get a makeover. Maybe you need is a little bit of a revival? Plan for a new look. Get a haircut, style yourself anew, and change things up.
2. Share The Love - Do something special for a family member or a close friend. - Take grandma for lunch or a pedicure! - Bring your mom a beautiful bunch of flowers. - If you’re a single parent, take your child to a movie and end the evening with a surprise gift bag full of treats, balloons and a Valentine’s teddy bear. - Send your friends Valentine’s Day cards and express how much they mean to you. Share your heartfelt feelings about why you value their friendship. - Organize a dinner with other single friends, or plan a singles Valentine’s bash and go dancing.
3. Develop a ‘Relationship Plan’ -- Valentine’s Day can be the start of your New Year of Love! If you dream of being in a happy romantic relationship, realize it takes commitment, effort and planning. - Identify any ‘baggage’ that will hold you back from having the relationship you truly want. - What are the key areas of your life you need to change before you’ll be ready for a relationship? Perhaps it’s your financial situation, your health and fitness, your emotional or mental state or your work/career life. - Assess your relationship skills. Do you know your relationship deal-breakers? Are you clear about your values and life vision? Do you understand the pitfalls and dating traps that could lead you into the wrong relationship? If you need help, get it from a qualified relationship coach! - Have a positive attitude and be happy in your life and with yourself. Live your life as a successful single – don’t put your life on hold while you wait for your partner to show up.
4. Take Some Risks and Have Some Fun-- Extend your comfort zone to experience things you might not usually do. - Become more approachable – smile and engage in conversation with strangers wherever you are. You’ll be surprised at the positive response and at how good you will feel. Be open to recognizing the opportunities – say yes when you might want to say no. Of course use common sense and be safe! - Take the initiative, but keep it light. If you are interested in someone, invite them out. If making a Valentine's date seems awkward, plan it for the 13th or 15th. - Get involved in new activities; pursue your interests. You never know who you will meet on the way.

Celebrate being single -- this is a wonderful time in your life, so enjoy it and appreciate the great opportunity ahead of you to find your love match. It is your choice about how you approach and react to this special day. Make the most of it!!