For many, Valentine’s Day is a wonderful day of the year where people express their feelings of love through sentimental gifts and gestures. However, it is also that day of the year when those of us who are not in a relationship or do not have at least a Valentine tend to experience feelings of loneliness and self-doubt.

Remind us again what exactly is romantic about a corny poem in a card, a dozen cellophane-wrapped roses and a box of diabetic-inducing chocolates? Does an eight-foot, red teddy bear really say ‘I love you’? How about the fact that this ‘day of love’ purposefully leaves out an entire portion of the population, who spend the day ashamed of their ‘single’ status on Facebook?

February 14 strikes fear into the hearts of many. This celebration of love is something that a lot of people hate. It lacks sincerity, it’s commercialised and some might say it is childish. This may sound like the ranting of the single and bitter, but it is the truth.

Contrary to popular belief, Hallmark did not ‘invent’ Valentine’s Day, it was actually fashionable to give Valentine’s Day cards as early as the 1700’s. Hallmark sold its first Valentine’s Day card in 1913, and clever pop-ups and cut-outs replaced the creations of the past. These were soon followed by the really bad puns and even worse poetry.

For those with significant others, the pressure to do something meaningful and creative can cause a severe backlash in the relationship if not handled correctly. The fear of not finding the right greeting card or forgetting her favourite flower can keep you up at night. On one hand, it seems as though the message being spread throughout is if you have a significant other, great, but if not, well… you get the picture.

What is a single person to do? We are here to tell you, all is not lost. Valentine’s Day is not only for cupid-struck lovers, it can be for the single person too and TEENage has the information you need.

The first thing you should do is to not define yourself by your relationship status; it is not your identity and it is ever changing. The aim on Valentine’s Day is to do something that is fun and is a great distraction from all the chaos going on around you with couples.

The Anti-Romance Movie Marathon

Gather up your friends, whether they’re single or not, and watch as many non-love related movies as possible in one night. Have each person bring movies that are as far from love as possible, and even order a pizza.

Throw an Anti-Valentine’s Day Party

You’re not alone when it comes to dreading candy conversation, hearts, cupids, and roses. Take the pressure off yourself and your friends by cooking up some tasty treats, cranking up the music and getting your grove on. Dust off those old board games off the shelf, like Monopoly®, Taboo®, Twister®, etc., and have a rocking games night.

Have a boys’/girls’ night out

Grab a group of your single friends, get dressed up and go out for a fun night on the town. It doesn’t matter what you decide to do. It can be take a trip to the movies, going to a club or party or even just planning a fun picnic. The point is to get out there and enjoy being single.

Volunteer

Nothing helps you to feel better faster than doing something nice for someone else. Volunteering doesn’t even have to be on a large scale like helping out a hospital or visiting a children’s hospital, it can be something as simple as helping your sibling with his/her homework or helping your mother in the kitchen. These little activities may not seem like a lot to you, but it would be greatly appreciated by the receiving party. So this Valentine’s Day spread some joy by helping others. You will get it multiplied many times over.

Pass out platonic Valentines

How about buying a box of chocolate for a friend or giving out little chocolates to several friends and family members? Or what about buying a box of those little paper Valentines, then pass them out to your family and friends. In doing so, you will be reminded of how much love you do have in your life. Also, it will bring a smile to many faces, including yours.

This year, why not turn the tables on this commercial holiday by celebrating an Anti-Valentine’s Day Leave the pressure and depression and remember that love is not just for couples; it is for all of us. Don’t let one day of the year stop you from showing love everyday.