Saint Valentine’s day, a day we spend time with our significant other’s and give each other gifts to show our affection. Couples buy each other flowers, chocolates, and then go out for a romantic dinner. For those with a sweetheart this Valentine’s day, I wish you a wonderful Valentine’s day.
For the rest of us, Valentine’s day is bitter. While the rest of us watch couples gaze into each other’s eyes, and share boxes of chocolates together, we are left to buy chocolates for ourselves as we wait for the celebrated day to conclude.
Although some people have been fortunate enough to find someone they love, some of us would rather wait and stay single until they find the right person. Others are seeking out someone to love and spend time with. No matter the circumstances, the upcoming holiday can be a lonely one.
While everyone else appears to be receiving gifts and enjoying the holiday with their sweetheart, it’s easy to disregard or forget how much our family and friends love us.
For those of you who are single like myself, you’re not alone this Valentine’s day. I understand how difficult it is to feel alone when you feel like the only one without a valentine.
However, being single on Valentine’s day doesn’t mean you have to be miserable. There are several ways to have a great Valentine’s day and to share your love with others.
One great way to have a meaningful Valentine’s day is by spending time with animals. There are countless animal shelters across the Chicago-land area that are in need of volunteers, such as PAWS Chicago, One Tail at a Time, Hinsdale Humane Society, or the Anti-Cruelty Society. What’s better than a day spent with dogs and cats in need of some love and attention?
If you want to do more than volunteer, provide a foster home! There are several rescue agencies that are in need of new foster parents. For cat lovers, Kitties For Keeps is a wonderful rescue organization that is in dire need of more volunteers.
Do you have any friends without a date this year? Rather than feeling sorry for yourself, spend some quality time together! Not sure of what to do? The Ronald McDonald house is always in need of care kits.
Without community support, the non-profit wouldn’t be able to provide a safe place for families with sick children. On their website, they have a wish list in addition to ideas for creating meal and toiletry care kits.
Even though Valentine’s day can be lonesome for many of us, it doesn’t mean we can’t display love and compassion for others. Rather than feeling sorry for yourself, remember those who are in need of some love too and spread love everywhere you go.