It’s that time of year again. Time to celebrate the holiday that lines the pockets of card companies, florists, over-priced (and overcrowded!) restaurants, and chocolatiers.
It’s also the time of year when you can start to feel that being alone (even if you were happy the day before) sucks because someone tells you it does. I always spend time with my clients reviewing their social status this time of year. Assuring themselves that they are as relevant on the 14th, just as they were on the 13th.
That pudgy pale infantile trouble maker Cupid needs to be tied up and thrown into a trunk for a couple of days (Tweet it!)
Here are my five favorite strategies for being my own Valentine when February 14th rolls around.
1. Buy your own flowers
Why do you need someone else to give you overpriced flowers on a random day? Buy yourself roses or tulips or the first daffodils of spring TODAY. They will last a week or two in the cold weather and you can smile every time you see them and congratulate yourself on your good taste.
2. Book a massage
Beauty schools and massage schools have lower prices and aim to please. It’s a splurge but it’s a well-known fact that human touch is very therapeutic, physically and emotionally. If it’s too much of a financial commitment, try a head and neck massage or a mani/pedi. Yes, you too, guys (get those gnarly toenails sorted out)! There’s nothing like soaking your feet in a warm tub of water, getting rid of that dead winter skin, and a pleasant foot massage. Mini vacation anyone?
Coaching with Tamara Mendelson
Are you struggling through an unexpected life change? I’m now taking applications for 2019 Coaching and I’d love to hear from you! Sign up below to receive my coaching application form straight to your inbox.
[magicactionbox id=1256]
3. Write yourself a love note
I’m serious here. It doesn’t have to be a script. Or a sonnet. Or even a Novella. Pick a few words that describe you. Funny, loyal, fragile, loving, survivor, vivacious…. Got it? Find a quote or poem that speaks to your soul and post it everywhere. It can be something your mother said to you. Or a favorite teacher. Your first girlfriend. Best friend. Or something that makes you laugh out loud.
“You look marvelous.”
“Your cat loves you.”
“Best daughter ever.”
“Your eyes are clear and bright.”
“You make my day.”
A few little words to make you smile. You can use red paper and cut it into the shape of a heart if you want. Or not.
4. Romance yourself
You heard me. This is the time for a guilty pleasure. If you want to clean the house naked, great. Want to splurge on those shoes you’ve been eyeing? Go for it! If you want to buy yourself a sex toy, do that. Order a combination sushi platter just for yourself. Light a candle, use the good china, reserve your favorite movie on Netflix, or go out to a new movie no one else wants to see and bring popcorn from home. When those lights go down, no one knows you came alone. Plan an evening or an hour just for yourself. Try yoga. It’s one night. Don’t take it too seriously. You are awesome whether you’re in a relationship or not.
5. Feeling lonely?
You don’t have to be alone if you don’t want to be. Some people thrive on solitude, and others don’t. Close the computer or your phone text app and actually go out and see some real people. If you have a friend or family member nearby, that works. Or make a date with a coworker or an interesting acquaintance. I’m crazy about babies and I have often offered to babysit for new parents so they can have a night out or just cuddle in and go to sleep early. Consider donating your time to a charity — your thoughtfulness and time will be welcome.
And in the end, remember this: it’s just one day. Chocolate should be part of it unless you are allergic (insert treat of choice here). Choose to feel good and you will feel good!
Now over to you: which of these strategies will you be implementing this year? What’s your favorite Valentine’s Day self-love formula?