What to do on Valentine’s Day When You don’t Have that Special Someone

February 14, Valentine’s Day, is the day we acknowledge our significant other, our boo, our soulmate by adorning them with flowers, chocolate, jewelry, or dinner.

But suppose you don’t have a significant other right now. Does this mean you can’t celebrate the day of love?

Of course not!

Valentine’s Day is not only about receiving love but it’s also about giving love and believe me there is always someone who needs  love. There will always be people longing to know someone cares and to know they are not forgotten.

How can you show love?

Residents in nursing homes
Nursing homes are filled with people needing love. Many do not have family or friends and are often neglected. Imagine how delighted they will be because you visited and showered them with love and attention. It may be the highlight of their day.

Children in hospitals
It’s so disheartening when children are sick. But it’s even worse when they are afflicted with serious illnesses such as cancer. Envision the smiles on the faces of the children and their parents when they realize that someone cared enough to stop by and wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day. It sends the message they are not in the battle alone.

If visiting hospitals makes you uncomfortable, take the money you would have spent on candy, flowers, or a gift and donate it to a medical facility like St. Jude.

Senior Citizens
Many seniors feel invisible or forgotten. We live in a world obsessed with youth resulting in many older people being ignored. You can encourage their hearts and dispel the belief they don’t matter by uplifting their spirits with flowers, candy or some show of affection.

Volunteer
Donate time and energy by helping out at shelters, hospitals, food pantries, retirement homes, or a YMCA.

Children from single- parent homes
Help a child from a single parent home or a child who has a parent in the armed services. Fill in the gap by spending time with the child. There are plenty of children who need extra attention and support. As a single parent, I felt bad when it came to simple things like trying to teach my son how to tie a tie. A helping hand would have meant so much to both of us. Sometimes those small gesture has such an enormous impact.

 

Single parents
Parenting is difficult. It is even more challenging for single parents. Volunteer to watch the kids so the parent can have guilt-free “me time.” It doesn’t have to be anything big. You can watch the kids while they do homework or eat their dinner. This would allow the parent a couple hours of uninterrupted sleep. Having been a single parent, I tell you, it will be appreciated.

Yourself
Love on yourself. Buy that nice piece of jewelry. Give in to the temptation and eat that chocolate. Don’t forget to buy those roses on your way home. They will look beautiful in your favorite room.

And oh, in case you didn’t have the opportunity to do any of these on Valentine’s Day, these acts of love would be appreciated any day of the year.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!