Ah, a day about love. For the fortunate people who have a significant other to share the day, congratulations. But let’s celebrate the rest of us. Valentine’s Day does not merely have to be this pinnacle of days to share romantic gestures or–for others–sitting on the couch watching Ryan Gosling and crying over how alone we are. You are not alone. In a world of over 7 billion people, there are plenty of single people out there in the same arena. So let’s make the best of that. Here are some alternative options to making Valentine’s Day something more about you and how awesomely single and available you are:
Friendly times: Go play some ball with your buds, or finally catch that movie you have been dying to see but couldn’t because of final exams (or pick out some shades of grey…). Treat yourself and your guy and/or girlfriends to a nice brunch. Every restaurant is probably advertising a Valentine’s special, but so what? Make this about more than one other person and rejoice in the love of all of your friends and family. For great service and great food on your Singletine’s Day, check out Farm on 17th Ave. Then you can deck in next door to Caffe Beano for some straight up, really good coffee.
Jogging/Exercise: What? Rebecca, you are critically insane, why would I ever be into this? Hey, let’s leave the box of chocolates alone and wipe the Nutella off of our faces. We deserve more than to wallow in food and be lazy on the couch. Take a walk along the Bow, stroll through Kensington and cross the Peace Bridge to explore downtown and Prince’s Island Park. It is a lovely walk, that doesn’t require the sentiments of a moonlit path or someone holding your hand. Choose to do it alone or do it with friends. Inhale that much fresh air and gain a new perspective. It may be just what you need.
Save a life: All we see is red on Valentine’s Day, red hearts, red balloons, the works. But give a little red and donate some blood. Schedule a group blood drive with Canadian Blood Services here. Save the life of someone else who is dearly loved.
There may be nothing to fill that void in your life right now, but fill it up with the love that you are blessed with in your life. This day is about love, love for others and love for yourself, so get out there and celebrate it.
