As Valentine’s Day approaches, we are all bombarded with images of romance, relationships and love. Starting in early January, it seems like every business has something to sell related to romance and is trying to capitalize on and add to the societal pressure created to make February 14th a magical day. For those people who are in love, Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful, memorable celebration but for people who are alone, it can be a difficult, endless day.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, negative feelings about being alone may seem unavoidable; sad thoughts and even depression are common occurrences around this holiday. Here are some ideas to help you feel less alone and hopefully, not as sad during Valentine’s Day this year. Before you know it, February 15th will arrive.
Help someone.
Volunteering or doing a good deed can help you feel better about yourself. Even simple acts like visiting a nursing home or doing a favor for a friend can help boost your self-esteem and result in feeling less lonely.
Call someone from your past that you’ve thought about reconnecting with.
Valentine’s Day can be a great excuse to pick up the phone. Think about someone you have been meaning to call and call him or her. They will be so happy you called.
Invite friends and family over.
Surround yourself with people you care about and who care about you. There is nothing like being with others you enjoy being with to make you feel less alone.
Pamper yourself.
Do something you love to do – see a movie, go to a spa, have a gourmet dinner, or go bowling. Whatever it is that you enjoy doing, Valentine’s Day can be a great day to do it.
Do something you’ve always wanted to do but have never done.
Did you want to test drive a sports car, try a new exercise class, go white water rafting for the first time? Valentine’s Day is great excuse to do something or plan something you have always wanted to try doing.
Tags: grief, hope