My Mom took a relaxed approach to Valentine’s Day. I remember her talking to me and to my siblings and insisting that it was important to give every kid in our classes Valentine cards. She talked about matching the cards to our friends (and even those who we were not really close to) and being kind in our selections. She said that is was a nice to day to make everyone feel good.
Having spent a big chunk of my adult life as a single parent, I generally do not have a special person in my life when Valentine’s Day rolls around. So, I just adopt my Mom’s idea to keep the day relaxed and to think of others.
Celebrating a Happy Valentine’s Day as Single Woman (or Man) I think we define love too specifically on Valentine’s Day. Yes. It’s great to have a loving spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend, but there are many people in all our lives who love us and vice versa. I consider Valentine’s Day an opportunity to bask in all those special relationships. Most years I pick up some Valentine cards and/or gifts for some of my special people. I generally get my sons some chocolate. I’ll buy my Mom flowers or perfume. I might bake cookies and take those in to work. Some years I’ll call a couple of favorite friends or relatives I’ve not been in touch with in a while. I honestly find more joy in making someone smile on Valentine’s Day by doing something unexpected.
Every now and then I will get myself something for Valentine’s Day. That’s one sure way not to be disappointed (-: I do like candy, although I don’t eat that very often. If I take a notion, I may get myself a box of Valentine’s candy. I’ve also picked up bubble bath, flowers, or a pretty pinkie ring to treat myself for Valentine’s Day. If I feel like I need something to boost my spirits, then I do it. We do, after all, really define our own happiness.
I find that reaching out on Valentine’s Day and making it special for someone else means that I enjoy the holiday. I, likewise, cherish the handmade cards my sons have given me over the years or the candy bars or heart boxes they have picked up to surprise me. I’ve treated myself a few times too. I don’t have a set routine or any specific expectations about the day of love. It really is more about being there all through the year, although Valentine’s Day can be a nice time to step back, reflect, and appreciate those who care about and love me ranging from my sister and her little girls to the puppy I adopted from the animal shelter.
