Valentine's Day Advice for Singles

Although it's very easy to blithely say that "Valentine's Day is just another day in the calendar", being a singleton on the most romantic day of the year can, quite frankly, suck. For weeks, we're bombarded with sickly pink hearts, chubby cupids and flowers in the shops, and people seem to have no other topic of conversation, other than cards, gifts, and expensive meals out.

On the day itself, it's even worse, with sickeningly happy couples gazing lovingly into each other's eyes and huge bunches of flowers being delivered to (what seems like) every other person at work. This, topped off by the pitying enquiries by co-workers as to how many Valentines your received that morning, especially when your vague hope that a secret admirer might send you a card was cruelly dashed when you were greeted by a solitary piece of junk mail on your door mat.

There's no doubt about it, Valentine's Day can be difficult time for the single woman or man - unless they have the right attitude that is...

Remember What Romance Is Really About

It's important to remember in this saccharine-sweet time that romance shouldn't be defined by what is in fact a commercial exercise. Romance is imaginative, impulsive and mysterious - all the things that this day, run by huge marketing machines, is not. Romance can be found in the smallest of ways, often surprising, and putting pressure on a couple to be the very epitome of romance on one particular day, is one very good reason for those who are single to celebrate their status.

Consider the Cost of Valentine's Day

Being in a couple on Valentine's Day demands that you spend a certain amount of money - a card at the very least, but usually added to flowers, perfume or aftershave, expensive chocolates, Champagne, some flimsy lingerie and an excessively overpriced meal out at a restaurant.

Just spend a minute tallying up just how much you would have spent if you were in a couple, and then go out and treat yourself with the money you've saved. Buy that gorgeous coat, fabulous shoes or high-tech gadget you've had your eye on. If you're feeling really evil, send a text to your friends during their expensive romantic meals and tell them in detail about your new purchase.

Feel a Bit Smug

Whilst you might be feeling overwhelmed with the proliferation of cutesy teddy bears, heart-shaped balloons and boxes of chocolates, spare a thought for those poor couples who must spend the weeks before Valentine's Day rushing around trying to choose the perfect card and the best possible gift. Will they like this? Why are there no decent cards left in the shops? What if they've bought me more that I've bought them? Whilst they drive themselves frantic, you can relax, safe in the knowledge that the only person you have to impress is yourself.

Send a Anti-Valentine's Card

You may find that some of your well-meaning friends send you a Valentine's card, thinking it's cute or fun to make you feel included on this couple-ridden day. However, these cards stink of pity and merely emphasise the fact that no-one actually has any romantic thoughts about you. However, you'll find that funny, satirical Anti-Valentine's cards are becoming more and more popular, which either celebrate being single or lament the holiday with witty bitterness. Send them to your single friends to celebrate the fact that you won't be part of the Valentine's day scam.

Go Out With Your Single Mates

Make the most of the occasion, and meet up with all your single friends to enjoy yourselves. You'll probably find that there's a fair few bars and clubs offering 'Anti-Valentine' nights (not a red balloon or fat cupid to be seen), or why not simply head out to the theatre, the bowling alley, the skating rink, Quasar laser or a comedy night, where the numbers of snogging couples will be minimal. One small proviso though - anyone caught moaning about being single must be shown the door.

Pamper Yourself

Close the door, light some candles, pour yourself a drink and put on your favourite film or a selection of great music, and relax. Cook yourself a great meal (or order a huge takeaway), and enjoy it, safe in the knowledge that you're not going to have to squeeze your over-stuffed stomach into a sexy basque afterwards ...