Tips for a Stressless Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day tends to be a stressful time for everyone, whether they are in a relationship or not; those who are attached suffer from the pressure of gift-giving and romantic sentiment, while singletons can be made to feel like they’re an object of pity. It doesn’t have to be that way, though — at the end of the day, V-Day is no different from the other 364 days of the year, if you don’t want it to be.
All the single ladies
There are certain traditions for women who are single on Valentine’s Day; you might have seen them on TV shows and in movies. Ex-boyfriend bonfires in the style of Friends can be therapeutic, as can eating lots of chocolate and going out to drink and dance with your lady friends. Unfortunately, it’s near-impossible to forget what’s going on that day without locking yourself in a room all day, which gives you the choice between hating on the day in an anti-Valentine’s sentiment or loving it up instead. Go with the love, ladies; there’s no sense feeling bitter and twisted just because you’re unattached.
… and single men
Meanwhile, if you try to look up tips for single men on Valentine’s Day, all you’ll find are different ways to pick up vulnerable drunk women. Come on, you’re better than that! Do the same things single girls do — head out with your friends, male and female, and have a good time. Treat yourself to a new shirt or pair of trainers with all that money you’ve saved not buying Hallmark cards and jewelry for someone else, or do some childish activity with your friends, like laser tag.
Tips for both
Whether you’re a man or a woman, straight or gay or anything else, there’s a lot of pressure to have a good time on Valentine’s Day, but being single doesn’t have to mean being alone. Don’t be tempted to get really drunk and make a fool of yourself at a pub or club, but a house party for men and women could be fun for all as long as no one expects more than a fun time with friends. Do a Valentine’s Day Secret Santa affair with your friends, or do something altruistic for others — handing out little homemade cards to the people you interact with on a daily basis or volunteering to help victims of abuse or homelessness. Happiness is infectious, and everyone needs love.
For couples
You might think that a couple’s Valentine’s Day is a pretty straightforward affair — a red card, some chocolates and a candlelit dinner. If a lot of the hype is to be believed, it’s just a day to placate the girlfriend while the boyfriend sneaks off and plays www.gamingclub.co.uk/mobile-roulette/ on his phone and holds his breath till morning. To hell with tradition, and do something you’ll both enjoy. A burlesque or cabaret show are fun, sexy, camp evenings that’ll get you laughing, and we all know laughing is an aphrodisiac. To save on money, have an indoor picnic in front of a fireplace screen-saver with a bottle of Prosecco — ultimate romance.
If all the hearts and love aren’t your deal, do something a bit more silly. Go bowling with friends, take a trip to the roller skating rink, have some beers and carryout. Even better, go out together and spread the love with your friends, acquaintances and those less fortunate than yourself. You have all year to love each other; don’t forget how bad it can feel to be alone on a day dedicated to being half of a whole.
Whether you’re single or committed, don’t spend your energy hating on this day or trying to make it more than it is — love yourself, love the one you’re with, your friends and your family. It’s better than white-knuckling it till the morning.
Article by Emily Brooks
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.