Valentine’s Day is coming up, and we all know what that means.  It means chocolates, roses, proposals, chick flicks, and those annoying couples that seem to have the perfect relationship.  On this day, many hearts grow with love, and many others are obliterated with rejection.  For couples, this holiday is a “yay,” but for the single people out there, the fact that you’re single is just being rubbed in your face.  So, in that case, you’re more likely to say “nay.”  People either love or despise this holiday.  But it doesn’t have to be that way!  With some guidance and a gentle push from Cupid, you can really get to enjoy this holiday.  Whether you’re in a relationship or you’re single, you can still have a “lovely” Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and you want to do something extra-special for your boyfriend.  He’s really sweet, likes hockey, and is a whiz at English.  What should you do?  This isn’t just one of your regular dates.  This is the day of love for Pete’s sake!  You can’t just go to the movie theater.  Or can you?  You should do something you and your boyfriend want to do.  Do something meaningful to the both of you.  Maybe it’s watching a romantic movie together and cuddling up with a bowl of popcorn.  It could possibly be a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant.  It depends on your preference.  If you want to surprise your girlfriend, think about what she would want.  Would she want the giant teddy bear and an expensive dinner, or would she rather have a little heart-shaped pillow and a pizza?  If you are dating someone who is into the more simple things in life, having a giant banner made declaring your love isn’t the best idea.  Go laser-tagging, see a movie, or just simply hang out together.  If you’re dating the girl that wants the big teddy bear, or the guy who wants the expensive steak dinner, then go for it.  Do what you think is going to make your girlfriend smile or make your boyfriend give you a big hug.

So here you are, another Valentine’s Day single, or your first one alone in a while.  You’re feeling depressed;  seeing all of those cute couples make you sick.  Is it time to sit alone, shove down some chocolate, watch P.S. I Love You, and sob because you’re alone on this dreadful day?  No!  You need to get yourself together.  So what if it’s Valentine’s Day.  Even though it’s more centered around couples, you can still have a fun time, too.  You’re not the only person in the world who’s single right now.  Call up some of the guy friends.  Maybe you want to watch some movies and have some wings, or maybe you’re interested in shooting a couple of hoops at the local gym.  Send a text to the girls and go to the mall, or maybe you can have a sleepover.  If you can’t hang with your friends, it’s no big deal.  Go do something you think is fun.  Whether it’s going to a soccer practice or writing a story, you’re finding ways to have fun.  Have some fun, and don’t let the Valentine’s Day blues get you down!

Just because you don’t have a boyfriend right now doesn’t mean you’ll never find one.  God has a plan for you.  The right guy just hasn’t come yet.  If that one cute girl in your Spanish class isn’t showing any affection towards you, then move on.  She isn’t worth your time if she doesn’t like you for you.  Lately, I’ve been feeling pretty cynical about Valentine’s Day.  I always feel so hurt seeing these couples all in love, and here I am on the sideline eating my fattening chocolates.  It doesn’t have to be and shouldn’t be that way.  If a guy or girl doesn’t like you, you need to get over it and move on.  I know it seems hard, even when that one guy may have been Prince Charming, and that one girl may have been Cinderella.  They aren’t the only people in the universe.  Trust me.  You will find someone that likes you for you one day.  That may sound like a million years from now (I know the feeling), but that day will come.  You just have to keep hope, and pray that one day you’ll meet that sweet boy or that kind girl.

If you’re taking your dreamboat to the movies, or you’re going to the mall with friends, you can still have an awesome Valentine’s Day.  If you’re in a relationship, this is a special day for you to cherish your loved one.  The same goes to all you single ladies!  Valentine’s Day isn’t only about your “babe.”  It’s also about the other people you love, too.  Your parents, your siblings, and your friends all fit in this category.  Go up to your parents, give them a big hug, and let them know you love them this Valentine’s Day.

So have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, and enjoy yourself whether you’re in a relationship or not.  This holiday can be a “yay” for all of us because celebrating life—and love—is for all of us!

St. Valentine, pray for us!