  Find a babysitter or family relative willing to watch your children in the comfort of their own home while you host a living single Valentine’s Day party in yours. (Shutterstock.com)
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Valentine’s Day isn’t just for fancy dressed couples to display their affection in public as they court one another with chocolate-covered strawberries. Yet it can feel that way when you don’t have a significant other. Single parents often hide behind their kids so that they don’t need to face being romantically remote. Their children become their special Valentine as they bring them carefully crafted school made cards covered with pink symbols of love.
If you’re dateless during the holiday, don’t let it get you down. With 90 million singles in the U.S., there are many couple-less parents who know how to have a great time on Valentine’s Day. So, call a babysitter for the evening, and start celebrating you!
Call in the Troops
Reach out to other singles from your son or daughters school and ask them how they’re spending their time. If they’re planning an evening indoors watching Desperate Housewives, motivate them to get out for a nice dinner, a movie or even a comedy show for some good old-fashioned laughter. If you don’t know a group of single parents in your area, start meeting some by joining organizations like parentswithoutpartners.org or find romance on the internet at singleparentmeet.com.
Claim the Day
If you don’t have the emotional will power to withstand couples whispering “I love you” in each others’ ears, take control of February 14th. Claim your own personal love day for yourself. Just think, you’ll avoid cupid-struck crowds and probably score a reservation at that new restaurant that you’ve wanted to try.
Host a Cocktail Party
Find a babysitter or family relative willing to watch your children in the comfort of their own home while you host a living single Valentine’s Day party in yours. Carol, 32 mimicked an episode from Sex and the City by inviting friends to a themed cocktail event asking each guest to forgo the gift of wine or dessert and bring a single friend of the opposite sex instead. Carol’s party offered people food, drinks and a chance to meet someone new.
Singles Events
Instead of trying to force your single situation into one that’s filled with couples, take yourself to where the single folks go. Search your local area for single groups, events or social gatherings taking place on Valentine’s Day. Most cities host Single Balls, concerts and other activities for dateless hearts. Some even have anti-Valentine’s Day themes to carry you through the evening. Look in your local newspaper or online for Valentine’s Day single events in your area.
Give to Others
Share your heart with other singles who are less fortunate. Make cards and cupcakes for the elderly people in your neighbourhood who have nobody on this special day. Mary, 40, spent the last two years volunteering at a local nursing home on Valentine’s Day to brighten spirits. Last year, when an older neighbour lost her husband to cancer, Mary spent time with her during the holiday instead. Giving to those who are alone is an act of love that can’t be replaced with candles, dinner or chocolates. Inspire your children by reaching out and giving of yourself, this is the most grown up way to spend the day.
Pamper Yourself
If all you want to do is spend your lovely single state of mind alone, there’s no better way than a day of pampering. Give yourself a manicure, pedicure or long hot bubble bath. Make an appointment for a haircut, massage or make-up application. Book a personal shopper at the nearest department store and find a few slimming outfits or join a gym. There are many ways to celebrate you. Of course, make sure that you find someone in advance to watch the kids.
Love is shared in many ways. This Valentine’s Day, do away with the stereotype that it's just for lovers and spend time with the most important partner — you!
Lori Bizzoco is a writer, journalist and blogger living in Brooklyn, NY. She is currently working on a memoir detailing how she found love in less than a year. Follow her on twitter @loribizz.
