ALT-1 How to Survive Valentines Day alone
Valentine’s Day is not exclusively a day for lovers. Over the years, with some help from Hallmark, Valentine’s Day has become the official “love” day. Cupid is still alive and thriving, but Valentine’s day has evolved into so much more than a day for a privileged few to demonstrate their undying love for each other. Everyone needs to feel cared about, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spread the love
If you are alone for any reason this Valentine’s Day, don’t wallow in self-pity because no one is lavishing you with attention and gifts. Turn the tables, and lavish attention and gifts on others. By doing so you will maximize the feelings of “love is in the air,” and discover that nothing lifts your spirits higher than when you are making others happy.
From the moment you decide that this Valentine’s Day you are going to reach out and touch the lives of others, you entire mindset about Valentine’s Day will be changed.
Thinking about all the people around you who might also be alone, and what you can do to bring them cheer, will immediately boost your own spirit.
Things you can do to spread the love:
- Nursing homes
Residents in nursing homes would delight in receiving a valentine greeting, whether it is in the form of a colorful, humorous card, or a tiny heart-shaped box of chocolates. You might even contact the activity director of your local nursing home and volunteer to spend the day reading to residents, or helping them with Valentine’s Day crafts.
- Elementary schools
If you are a single parent, baking up a batch of heart-shaped cookies, or some cupcakes decorated with red and white frosting, and delivering them to your child’s class is will surely bring smiles.
- Valentine’s Day dinner
Invite your parents over for a special Valentine’s day dinner. Do it up right with candles, wine and soft music. What a special way to reciprocate for all the love they lavish on you throughout the year.
If you have unattached friends, invite them to join you for dinner and an evening of board games. Laughter trumps loneliness.
- Volunteer
Spend the day or evening volunteering at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter or some other charitable venue. Bring along some heart-shaped lollypops to distribute. Helping others is the best way to focus on being thankful for your own good fortune and potentially will assuage any feelings of self-pity for your aloneness.
Even if you have to work all day and there is no avoiding the flowers and candy being delivered to everyone but you, put a smile on your face, fill your pocket with foil-wrapped candy hearts and present one to each person you encounter with a “Happy Valentine’s Day,” wish.
Your positive attitude will soon translate that forced smile on your lips into a genuine smile in your heart.
