Advice for the single people on Valentine's Day

Janet Fanaki in Toronto's Distillery District, 2018. Photo cred: Maggie Knaus

  
Valentine’s Day can be a minefield when you are living single. 
 
On February 15, 2020 my husband of 22 years passed away. Despite this sad chapter in my life, it hasn’t stopped me from celebrating love in all its forms.

As a widow for four years, I've learned a thing or two about managing the "trigger" days and this is a big one. I'm here to offer the single people a bit of advice on how to get through what can be a very annoying day of the year. 
  
Nowadays we could all describe the world that we live in as unpredictable, ridiculous and in many cases very sad. We need to find ways to bring levity and joy into our lives so use Valentine's Day as the excuse. 

Turn the narrative about this day being just about couples on its head and celebrate the love that you have for friends, family, pets and anyone else significant in your life. 
 
You don’t need to spend a lot of money or effort. Here are some simple ideas:
 

• Get together somewhere fun with other single friends.
  
• Make it an "I love me" day, order-in or prepare a special dinner for one while listening to your favourite playlist. 
• A dozen red roses is so cliché so buy a single beautiful bloom and place it by your bedside
• Let your single friends know that you appreciate them by dropping off a mini bottle of Prosecco with a note
• If luxury is your lane, then splurge on a cozy wrap for yourself from a high-end boutique 

For me, I'll be gathering with a group of single friends at a very fun restaurant. Everyone attending has said that we'll likely have more fun than many couples will that night.

Lastly, to avoid all of the pitfalls that come with the triggers around February 14th, limit your time on social media and the tv. They are full of commercials and programs about romance which you'd rather miss. 

However you spend it, give yourself some grace in moving through it as you see fit. For many people, it's just another day in the calendar.