Valentine’s Day is dreaded by many singles, which is somewhat perverse. After all, Valentine’s Day is as much about putting couples together as celebrating ‘togetherness’. Nevertheless, faced with restaurants and bars brimming with besotted couples, many a single can barely stomach to venture out on Valentine’s Day. But, sulking like the World’s last single person in front of the television is no recipe for fun, romance and excitement on Valentine’s. No, it’s rather depressing, actually. So, don’t do it. Do some of these instead….

1) See Valentine’s Day for what it is: an opportunity for romance.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t belong to couples. They’ve just hijacked it of late. And, besides, it’s much more exciting as a single. After all, what’s more interesting:

1. Sitting across the table from the same bloke/ girl that was sitting there five years ago?
2. Sitting across the table from some stud/ honey you never imagined would agree to a date with you?

That’s right. Valentine’s Day is the day above all days for the bold move. The “why the hell not?!” For your heart to be firmly on your sleeve. To quit stalling and make a move. It’s the one day you’ve a perfect excuse, because It’s Valentine’s Day, stupid!

2 Pamper The Most Important Person In Your Life — You!
You just can’t stomach the big ask out. Or, there’s no one worth bothering over on the horizon. So what — treat yourself to some love from that big ol’ heart of yours!

Don’t waste the day feeling sorry for yourself. Spend the day feeling great, great, great instead. Book yourself into a really swanky spa. Treat yourself to a special night in with a favourite DVD, chocolate, wine, takeaway, etc. Splurge on yourself, you shopaholic you. Do whatever floats your boat and without guilt or shame. This day is just for you!

3) Do some emotional ’spring cleaning’
If this Valentine’s Day is a repeat of the last and the one before that and before that then maybe it’s time for change. Instead of sulking aimlessly and dreaming wistfully about what might/ should be, make a plan to make it happen. Take stock. Take aim. Prepare for action. Turn this great big negative (another Valentine’s Day on my own) into a positive (the last Valentine’s Day on my own because….). It’s time to make a change. The new you starts today, Valentine’s Day!

4) Be ready to mingle
You’re never going to meet people if you don’t get out of your rut. Going to the same places with the same (no doubt already hitched) people, is not helping you meet people. Your friends are like an impenetrable barrier to any would be bloke or woman. It’s bad enough approaching someone out of the blue, without having to fight your way through his/ her mates first. So, do yourself a favour. Go out in a smaller group. Don’t get blind drunk. Spend some time away from them (the dancefloor?) , so you’re approachable.

Is your social life a bit one dimensional? Besides going out partying, you can also meet people at clubs, night school, etc. Not everyone meets their better half while two sheets to the breeze! Try doing things that involve meeting people away from bars and nightclubs.

5) Lie on the sofa sobbing into kleenex
This option is to be avoided at all cost. In fact, please do not consider it an option at all!