Newly Single for February 14th
So the holiday of love and romance rolls around and for the first time in a long time, you are single. You may be currently going through a divorce or you might be a new divorcee. The good news is that you are no longer in an unhappy marriage. This year may mean saving yourself the trouble (and money) of going through the motions to live up to that idyllic Valentine’s Day. Although you may be happy to finally be rid of your ex, spending this romantic day alone can make people feel sad. Read on for a few tips to make your first Valentine’s Day as a new divorcee a day of fun, not heartbreak.
Spending Valentine’s Day Alone or with Friends
1. You may already be sad so it may be best to avoid social media. Although most of the day you will probably be at work, the lovey-dovey posts will most likely spill over onto the weekend so tread carefully for the next few days.
2. Turn Valentine’s Day into a girls’ day/night. You could go out with your single friends or other divorcees but avoid the “I-don’t-want-to-be-alone-on-Valentine’s-Day” hook-up.
3. Whether you are alone or with friends, a spa day is a great way to celebrate the holiday. Go for a manicure and pedicure or do an at-home facial.
4. Be your own valentine. Treat yourself with a special coffee drink, dessert, or glass of wine. Cook yourself your favorite dinner too.
5. Spend the day relaxing instead of stressing out about being alone. Take a bubble bath or read a book while snuggled up in bed.
6. Do not sulk or throw yourself a pity party. Avoid going places or doing things that remind you of your ex. It may be best to avoid a mushy gushy romance movie as well.
Spending Valentine’s Day with Your Kids
1. Make your kids your valentine this year. My mother makes a point to get me flowers or a treat for Valentine’s Day even now. It makes the holiday (especially those spent alone) more enjoyable.
2. Turn the holiday into a big event. Decorate the house with balloons, banners, or anything in the shape of a heart.
3. Do some fun activities with the kids. This could involve baking and decorating Valentine’s Day cookies or making arts and crafts for the holiday.
4. Help the kids with their school valentines. Get them excited.
5. Cook their meals with the day in mind. Think heart pancakes and strawberries for breakfast. Try spaghetti with red sauce or homemade heart pizza for dinner.
6. Most importantly, use this holiday to teach your children that love comes in many forms.
Even if you are sad about spending the day alone, make this holiday special. You don’t need to be in a relationship to have a good Valentine’s Day.