You might think "everyone else" is just having a big-old chocolate-covered ball with the pending romantic holiday, but I beg to differ. A very SMALL slice of the population is having any fun. Here's why.
If you're single, chances are you roll your eyes, flip couples the bird.
If you're in a long-term relationship, maybe very long, this holiday makes you nostalgic for the days when romance was new, before either of you peed with the door open, and when you had time or interest in having sex more than once a month.
If you've just started dating someone, Valentine's Day is too much pressure. What if he thinks it means more than it does? What if it doesn't mean enough?
And if you're one half of an unhappy couple, this Hallmark holiday hits a nerve: Another year of not being in the relationship you always thought you'd be in. You may suffer a bout of brief, intense existentialist grief.
Basically, the only ones doing what you think the holiday is about (roses, chocolate, sex) are, if we want to get technical, people in the first 12 to 18 months of their relationship, who are still trying to impress each other, and guaranteed to get laid. Or, those blessed to be in one of those wonderful relationships where the magic burns for years. They're rare, but they do exist.
Anyway, look, that's not a LOT of people having sexy time right now.
Valentine's Day is not an exclusive club; it's a holiday to celebrate love in all its forms, from the short, sexy bursts to the long, mellow partnerships, to the kinds of love we share with people we're not dating.
But of course my heart is with the single people who see red at Valentine's Day, and not in a good way. Here are the things I recommend you do and NOT do today:
1. Don't hate. It's not only pointless to hate on a holiday; it's disingenuous; like saying you hate money just because you don't happen to have any. Don't pretend that of all days, today you "hate" love because Valentine's Day ruined it for you. C'mon. (That's like "hating" gifts because you've had a few lousy Christmases.)
DO: Take a risk. You want something exciting? Try doing something exciting. One Feb 14th, I wrote a note on a cocktail napkin on slid it across a cafe table to a handsome thing. I never heard from him. Doesn't matter. It was thrilling and empowering and kind (because though he never called, don't tell me I didn't make his day). I felt...romantic, without anything else having to happen. (Also: Read why you should be getting rejected more.)
2. Don't go out with your girlfriends and dance in a circle. Sure, it's fun. But the dopiest thing ever is when a bunch of single ladies who would like to meet potential mates do the one thing that will ensure they don't: Turn in the lady wagons. Who-hoo! Girl power! No. This is dumb. Don't form a big resentful clot in the middle of the room, telling dudes to talk to the hand. Why act like men suck, when, if we're being honest, you'd like a nice one?
DO: Go out to meet people. If you're smart, you'll go out with just a few friends or, if you travel in a gaggle, split off and mingle. Or, forget the girlfriend outing altogether, and do something really bold: Go sit at the bar by yourself just long enough to enjoy a glass of wine. Remind yourself that you're open to what may or may not happen.
3. Don't text your recent ex. I shouldn't have to explain this. But, no matter how it ended, if you broke up within the past six months, steer clear. Of course, unless he has come back with a dozen roses and wants you back, and you're happy about it. But if you both ended it for all the right reasons, going back now for a moment of comfort could cost you more later. (Read why you should unfriend your ex.)
DO: Go on a date with a stranger. Yup. I promise you, there's someone online who's free tonight. And don't give me this crap about how it seems desperate. You can drop a line in the water and see if you get a bite. You don't have to meet The One. But you can go out on one date with one new person, and say that on Valentine's Day, you made an effort, and you had a reason to put lipstick on.
The moment when you're headed out the door and the night is nothing but potential--that's fun. And romantic. And brave. And way better than a margarita-sodden rendition of "I Will Survive." Again.
Could you use a little help in the love department? Start here, with my 7-day "Stop Hating, Start Dating" workshop at popexpert.
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