Valentine’s Day For Singles

By guest contributor Susan Kessler, AKA The Frugal Diva

The dreaded holiday of Valentine’s Day looms like a dark cloud on the horizon. And this year it falls on Monday which means an entire weekend of love, hearts, and hiding behind the curtains for the uncoupled.

The Frugal Diva says come out into the sunshine and make plans to party. Get together single friends for a potluck and have each of them bring another single. You may enter with a vegetarian casserole and leave with a new relationship, friendship, or recipe. It’s better than weeping into a microwaved meal.

Let’s not restrict love just to the narrow definition of one on one. Now I’m not talking about anything kinky, though that is a personal choice. What about finding a soup kitchen, hospital, senior center, or shelter that needs volunteers? If you are looking for options, the Volunteers of America has an extensive nationwide network.

Now there is also self love. No, not what you are thinking. Well, maybe but that’s another personal choice. The Frugal Diva means to find a yoga class or go for a walk weather permitting, take a bubble bath, and relax with a good book. It’s okay to ignore your phone, computer, television, and all other flashing lights for an evening.

Mondays at work are always tough and doubly so if you are single on Valentine’s Day. There is nothing worse than watching a co worker swoon over a dozen roses from her fiancée. What if we revert back to the classroom habit of getting everyone something? If you work in a small to mid size office, bake some cookies, after they cool arrange them by twos in a goody bag, tie off with a red ribbon, and deliver to every desk. No one will remember the bouquet however everyone will be thanking you for the treat.

All these ideas have a few things in common. They involve minimal expense. They take a bit of imagination. They connect you to others or reconnect you with yourself. And isn’t that what love is all about.