February 14th goes by a lot of different names, such as:

  • Valentine’s Day
  • Anti-Valentine’s Day
  • National Singles’ Awareness Day

While Valentine’s Day may be tough for people regardless of their relationship status, it can be particularly difficult for someone who is experiencing the day for the first time as a divorcee.

The thought of spending Valentine’s Day alone can be depressing, but it certainly doesn’t have to be.  There are millions of people who are in your same position, so don’t feel like you are the only one without a special someone.  Although there are thousands of ways you can spend your Valentine’s Day, we compiled a short list of things you can do to make this lovey-dovey holiday not so dreary.

1)      Treat Yourself

If you’re a fan of the sitcom Parks and Recreation, you might be familiar with Tom and Donna’s annual “Treat. Yo. Self.” day.  Each year, the two characters spend one day getting massages and going shopping for guilty pleasure purchases.  Why not make February 14th your own Treat Yourself Day?  Feel free to get a massage, or if you’re afraid of running into people getting couples massages, consider getting a manicure or pedicure.  Then head to the mall or cuddle up with your computer and do some shopping.  Buy a pair of shoes or that new putter you’ve been tempted to buy.

2)      Dance the night away 

Although some of your friends might have plans with a significant other, you probably know one or two friends who don’t have any big plans for the night.  Ask them if they’re interested in taking a dance class for the evening.  The two of you can try something fun like the Mamba, or learn something sexy like the Salsa.  Who knows!  You might be able to use your newly acquired dance moves to wrangle a partner down the road.

3)      Volunteer 

While your Valentine’s Day may not be special in the way you had hoped, you can always brighten someone else’s day by volunteering.  Soup kitchens and charitable shelters are usually shorthanded after the holiday season, so they’d be overjoyed if you helped them out.  If you don’t want to serve food, simply volunteer to help with dishes.  You can even put your baking skills to the test and create some desserts that aren’t seen very often in the shelters.  Helping fill someone’s stomach is a good way to warm your heart.

4)      Have an Anti-Valentine’s Day

Just because everyone else is getting sappy doesn’t mean you have to.  Change into your most comfortable outfit as soon as you get home from work and put your feet up.  Take a relaxing shower or bath and order some junk food for delivery.  Remember, calories don’t count on Anti-Valentine’s Day.  Also, if you have a bunch of friends who are in the same situation, invite them over to celebrate Anti-Valentine’s Day.  Pop open some bottles of champagne and celebrate the carefree lifestyle.  Watch an action movie or a low-brow comedy, and stay away from the Rom-Coms.

5)      Spend a night with your kids 

If you are lucky enough to have your kids on Valentine’s Day, make it a special night by doing something out of the ordinary.  Do something that’s usually not done on a school night, like playing laser-tag or going to see a movie.  Restaurants will be crowded with couples on dates, so be prepared to make something fun for dinner.  Get ingredients and help them create their favorite pizza, or let them be the “cookie sampler” when you’re making dessert.

Got any ideas of your own?  Share your stories or let us know what your plans are for February 14th.

Related source:  Divorce 360