Valentine’s Day is a time full of love, heart shaped boxes filled with decadent chocolates, red roses and of course, the uber romantic candle lit dinner. It is the one day of the year when you want to feel loved and special. If you’re single or trying to get over a heart break, this can be a severely nauseating and horrendous holiday. One that might be important enough to have you call into work sick in order to avoid hearing your co-workers gush about their romantic plans for the evening, or even worse, having everyone ask you why you don’t have plans. However, do not call out sick just yet since staying home may not spare you this anguish. Family members can be the worst of offenders of guilt and trying to survive them can be the hardest part of it all.

I know this is clearly a cliché but I have to say it, you are not alone! The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 80 million people will spend this holiday as a single. Besides, everyone knows that this day of “love” has just turned into another overrated retail holiday where companies persuade you to buy over priced bulks of pink and red sugary treats. So what, someone won’t be sending you flowers or buying you chocolates this year. You can buy your own damn chocolates and probably pick out a better kind than the type most men buy from Duane Reade.

Instead of sulking at home and feeling sorry for yourself, grab your single friends and go out and make this about you and not about being depressed for not having a valentine. Create a new tradition amongst yourselves and go for dinner and a movie or go out dancing. Or better yet, make this about someone less fortunate and stick with the theme of love and caring by giving back to your community. You think you’re lonely? Try visiting a nursing home or a hospital and you will immediately reevaluate this situation. You will be surprised at the great amount joy you experience simply by visiting the elderly or sick. If you do decide to make a visit, don’t forget to bring some treats such as chocolates or cupcakes!

Maria (Maria.Athanasopoulos@gmail.com)