Yes, we all know it: Valentine's Day has become an enormous pain in the purse! Oh, the guilt of forgetting! The stress of keeping it original. The constant in-your-face advertisements for the endless products which simply must be bought to prove your love. Cynical? Yes. Realistic? Perhaps. Okay, I agree that one day devoted to your loved one is a fair idea.
But, heydo we all have that special someone with whom to rejoice? What about those of us who are single? Divorced? Bereaved? It doesn't take a cynic to realise that Valentine's Day is a cruel reminder of a life lived solo. The gall of it: to rub the noses of all unhappy singletons in the fact that they are not one half of a whole. Face facts, they are assaulted at every turn by reminders in the form of schmaltzy cards, television advertisements, restaurant offers and supermarkets crammed with novelty Valentine gift ideas.
But the optimist in me is bubbling through this acid. Perhaps Valentine's Day is not just for couples or school boys too shy to face their crushes. Perhaps we should celebrate it as, quite simply, a day of love. Any love. It could be a day devoted to acts of charity, acts of unexpected kindness. A day to treat a friend, a mother, a daughter. For, it is in this giving that love is most keenly expressed, it is this devotion that could remind us of how we are blessed in a difficult, negative world.
Perhaps you could also take this day to get out and meet new people, create new experiences for yourself. There are so many alternative events for singletons to attend, some of which are incredibly light-hearted and can help you to enjoy the day without all the soppy mush that surrounds it. Take speed-dating for example, if you have a group of single friends then perhaps this could be the way you pass the 'dreaded' evening, by meeting others and celebrating the fact that you are not the only one in the world who is alone. I can tell you from experience that Home House of Portman Square put on a fantastic event on Valentine's Day called 'One to One in 21' (it really is the only place to be, with a complimentary glass of Bellini and oodles of chat and introductions).
Instead of sitting on your own, bemoaning your sorry state, you could be out there meeting people in the same situation. Don't let another Valentine drift away with your tears. Take control. Plan. Do something for yourself and for love.
But, heydo we all have that special someone with whom to rejoice? What about those of us who are single? Divorced? Bereaved? It doesn't take a cynic to realise that Valentine's Day is a cruel reminder of a life lived solo. The gall of it: to rub the noses of all unhappy singletons in the fact that they are not one half of a whole. Face facts, they are assaulted at every turn by reminders in the form of schmaltzy cards, television advertisements, restaurant offers and supermarkets crammed with novelty Valentine gift ideas.
But the optimist in me is bubbling through this acid. Perhaps Valentine's Day is not just for couples or school boys too shy to face their crushes. Perhaps we should celebrate it as, quite simply, a day of love. Any love. It could be a day devoted to acts of charity, acts of unexpected kindness. A day to treat a friend, a mother, a daughter. For, it is in this giving that love is most keenly expressed, it is this devotion that could remind us of how we are blessed in a difficult, negative world.
Perhaps you could also take this day to get out and meet new people, create new experiences for yourself. There are so many alternative events for singletons to attend, some of which are incredibly light-hearted and can help you to enjoy the day without all the soppy mush that surrounds it. Take speed-dating for example, if you have a group of single friends then perhaps this could be the way you pass the 'dreaded' evening, by meeting others and celebrating the fact that you are not the only one in the world who is alone. I can tell you from experience that Home House of Portman Square put on a fantastic event on Valentine's Day called 'One to One in 21' (it really is the only place to be, with a complimentary glass of Bellini and oodles of chat and introductions).
Instead of sitting on your own, bemoaning your sorry state, you could be out there meeting people in the same situation. Don't let another Valentine drift away with your tears. Take control. Plan. Do something for yourself and for love.
About the Author:
Home House is a social hangout for people from all walks of life, which is part of its uniqueness. Quite unlike many other members only clubs in London, Home House is a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House is London's premier Valentine's Night London.. Free reprint available from: Valentine's Day (A Cynic's Perspective)..
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