Valentine’s Day for Singles: What Does It Mean To You?
By Nina Atwood
What does Valentine’s Day mean to you? “Commercialism at its worst!” you may feel. “An opportunity to show someone special how much I cherish our relationship,” could be your mantra. Or you may simply feel depressed that you don’t have someone special to acknowledge you. Depending on your point of view, you may choose to skip over this “holiday” or you may take action and enjoy it. If you’re “single and searching,” it’s definitely more challenging to make something good out of Valentine’s Day, but it’s possible.
I’m old enough to remember exchanging valentines with every class mate – I think it was first or second grade. It was an opportunity to reach out to others, to show a little care. It was thrilling to open every one of those little cards, to read the other person’s handwritten name. Some of them included friendly little notes. What a lift!
As long as we have this day on the calendar, why not turn potentially negative feelings into positive ones? Instead of skipping over it, or being cynical about it, let Valentine’s Day give you an excuse to reach out to others. Research in the field of Positive Psychology indicates that part of the formula for happiness is engagement [positive connection to people and to work or initiatives] as well as meaning [doing things that “make a difference”].
This Valentine’s Day, if you’re single and not dating anyone special, reach out and make a difference. Give cards to friends and family; throw a party for your single friends [a “theme” party is fun: red food and hearts]; spend the day at work going out of your way to acknowledge others. If your focus is on spreading a little sunshine on Valentine’s day, I promise you will have a positive day.
Entry Filed under: Dating,Personal Growth
