Ten Things to Do If You're Single in February
Valentine's Day. Here it comes again. Last year we ran a
list of things you can do if you're single in February, and got a great
response. So this year, we're updating the list with some new ideas for how to
spend this highly commercialized 'holiday'.
Because even though you may not want to celebrate the idea
of 'romantic love,' your life is filled with all kinds of love, if only you take
the time to notice: unconditional love
for your children, the soul-sister (or brother) affection for your best friend,
the gratitude for all the people who make your life easier, etc. So here are
some things you can do on Valentine's Day (and all of February) to honor the
loves of your life:
1.
If you love sugar or glitter, treat yourself to a heart
shaped box of chocolate (dark chocolate even has health benefits!) or pamper
yourself with some new jewelry. You'll most likely save money with the sales
this month! (We know this one made the list last year, but how can we not
mention chocolate and jewelry?)
2.
Assemble all the special women in your life and have a
Girl's Night Out! Or even better, a Girl's Night In- complete with home
makeovers, cheesy movies and lots of high caloric foods (cheesecake and
chocolate is a must!). Celebrate your strength and energy! (And for men, it's
perfect timing with the Superbowl, or plan ahead for March Madness!)
3.
Take some time to give back. Start training for the
Breast Cancer 3-Day, raise money for Haiti or do something closer to home
with a visit to a nursing home or animal shelter. Let compassion rule your
heart.
4.
Tell your best friends and family what you need. They
may think you're 'over the breakup", and may not understand how certain
triggers can buy you a ticket for the emotional roller coaster. Ask them for
help.
5.
Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up. Cry. Pout.
Bemoan your lack of candlelit dinner or couples' massage. But only for a short
time. Let yourself wallow for an hour and then let it go. Life can be painful
and difficult, but it also has joy and light. Don't let this momentary
situation define who you are.
6.
Express your gratitude. Make a list every day of the
things you are grateful for and type each list into Wordle.net. At the end of
the month, you'll have created a beautiful illustration of the most important
things in your life. Print it out and frame it as a reminder.
7.
Maybe this is the year you join an online dating
service. Take the plunge and sign up. If you don't think you're ready, make a
list of what's in your way. Then start tackling some of those obstacles (and
plan to join us for our next Dare to Date...Again on June 5) so you will be ready
and dating by next Valentine's Day.
8.
Flirt. This is as simple as smiling and looking
directly into someone's eyes. Experiment on the baronista who makes your
morning latte (the guys at my local Starbucks are incredible flirts!). Brush
off those skills that may be long forgotten and practice for when you do meet
someone you like and want to attract.
9.
Manifest your mate. Create a vision board of what
you're looking for in a lover, partner or 'someone you could spend time with'
(whatever term you are comfortable with). Then create a visual of who that
person will be, and more importantly, how you will feel with that person. Use
it as a guide to attract that person into your life.
10. Shake
off the temptation to self-pity, and be your own valentine! Go see a movie, sing
cheesy love songs to yourself and buy yourself a gift. Lavish yourself in all
your desires- you deserve it!
