Let’s face it—women are much more into Valentine’s Day than their male counterparts. Young women can get a little crazy, whipping up a date for February 14, then obsessing over the entire evening from menu to mementos. As we mature, we become less infatuated with a perfect night of romance—our special evenings include the man taking out the trash and relinquishing the remote.
For many people February 14 is just like any other day. Some of us don’t give it a second thought, or maybe watch a romantic movie and swoon over the stars on our television screen. Some might revert back to their youthful antics, pulling out their list of contacts and rounding up a date for the evening. Regardless, this article is for all those spending the supposedly most romantic day of the year alone. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
1-Learn a new hobby. Thanks to YouTube and craft stores, you can pick up the supplies to start any hobby or craft project you’d like. Have you always wanted to knit, or crochet? Maybe quilt or needlepoint? Even better, call up a friend who’s promised to teach you and get a lesson or two the week before. Then you can spend the day working on your new passion.
2-Host a meal and movie night with friends. Do you have other single friends? Or married friends who couldn’t care less about February 14? What a great opportunity to join together with food and fellowship.
3-Start that book you’ve been wanting to read. If you’re like me, you have a stack of books waiting patiently to be read—it’s called a TBR (To Be Read) pile. Rummage through your stack and find one that screams, “Read me!”
4-Buy that fun cool thing you really want. Don’t go crazy with your credit card, but do indulge yourself with that one purchase you’ve had stuck in your cart forever. It’s okay—I give you permission.
5-Call a friend (or two, or more) that you haven’t spoken with in a long time. What a wonderful way to spend any day, much less Valentine’s Day!
6-Dig up some old photos. Spend some time going through your decades-old photos, then make enough copies for each person in the photo. You can set the picture on your copier, or capture the image with your smart phone. If you printed out the photo, compose a note reminiscing about the past, then grab some envelopes and stamps and mail them all to your friends. If your photo is on your phone, send it by text or email to your buddies with a few words (or paragraphs) reliving the fun everyone had in the picture.
Drop me a line and let me know if you tried any (or all) of my suggestions. Happy Schmalentine’s Day!
Jann Goar Franklin graduated Russellville High School in 1985 and lives in Grand Cane, Louisiana. She also writes books, which are for sale at www.jannfranklin.com. You can reach her at jann@jannfranklin.com