be your own valentine, celebrate your single self

Valentine's Day is the one socially acceptable time for singletons to openly bemoan their relationship status. I myself have cried the solo blues on this dreaded day, cursing the cruel creator of "Single Awareness Day" (or SAD, as many years of familiarity have led me to abbreviate it). This February 14th, instead of lamenting over your relationshiply challenged circumstance; why not embrace your independent, spectacular self and be your own Valentine? Wear that red "S" on your sleeve with pride and be thankful you're escaping the tension and inevitable disappointment that can come along with most Valentine’s Days. Here are five ways to celebrate your single self and be your own Valentine.

Be Your own Valentine

1. DO buy yourself a gift.
Last year you spent how much on a guy who didn’t last through spring? This year as a single gal, be one of the 15% of US women who send themselves flowers on February 14th. Or get yourself a gift using the money that you would have wasted on a Valentine—because isn’t sporting a shiny pair of patent leather pumps so much more gratifying than watching him open something he doesn’t want? Spend your hard-earned money on someone who will appreciate a thoughtful gesture: you!

DON’T empty your bank account on self-improvement items.
You don’t have a Valentine. So what? This is not the time to make yourself over like an OC housewife so that you can snag a date next year. Don’t race to Barnes & Nobel and pick up the entire collection of dating how-to books and absolutely do NOT schedule an implant, nose job, or lypo appointment.

2. DO host a cocktail party for your single friends.
According to the US Census Bureau, 34% of people ages 25-34 are single. That means that at least three out of ten of your friends will be looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day other than watch Sleepless in Seattle alone. Round up these singletons and host a “Single Celebratory” cocktail party. To spice it up, ask each friend to invite a steamy single guest. Just because you’re celebrating yourself doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to get a little extra something while you’re at it.